Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| プリン | purin | [pɯ̟ɾʲĩɴ] (narrow) |
| プディング | pudingu | [pɯ̟dʲĩŋɡɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term refers to a dessert similar to custard or mousse that contains a starchy thickening agent. In Japan, the word プリン is almost exclusively used to refer to custard-style pudding, which is often served with caramel sauce. This differs from the heavy, steamed or bread-based puddings found in British or American cuisines.
Which one should you use?
While both forms exist, プリン (purin) specifically refers to the custard-style dessert common in Japan. In contrast, プディング (pudingu) is a more literal phonetic transcription of the English word 'pudding' and is less common in daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
purin
When do people say it?
To describe the soft, jiggly texture characteristic of this dessert, speakers often use the onomatopoeic expression 'puru-puru'.
Did you know?
- If you ask for プディング in a typical Japanese cafe, you might be met with a blank stare. In modern Japan, プリン has essentially hijacked the identity of the dessert, leaving the original English-sounding プディング to feel like a technical or foreign term.
- Custard プリン became a popular treat in Japan during the Meiji era when Western influences were first integrated into the local diet.
- In Japanese pop culture, the sight of a wobbling プリン is often used as a visual shorthand for something cute or appetizing.
Examples in context
- プリン食べる？Do you want some pudding?Tatoeba #12047446 by small_snow, translation #12047440 by CK
- プリンをどうぞ。Here's your pudding.Tatoeba #196946 by bunbuku, translation #34125 by CK
- おやつにプリンを食べた。I had some custard pudding for an afternoon snack.Tatoeba #227479 by bunbuku, translation #64832 by CK
- Watashi wa kyō, purin o tabetai desu. (私は今日、プリンを食べたいです。)I want to eat pudding today.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are choosing a dessert at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himariこのカフェのプリン、おいしいよ。Kono kafe no purin, oishii yo.The pudding at this cafe is delicious.
- 蓮 Ren本当？じゃあ、僕もプリンにしよう。Hontou? Jaa, boku mo purin ni shiyou.Really? Then I'll have the pudding too.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君、プリンが好きだったんだね。Ren-kun, purin ga suki datta n da ne.Ren, you really like pudding, don't you?
- 蓮 Renうん、甘いものは大好きだよ。Un, amai mono wa daisuki da yo.Yeah, I love sweet things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pudding” translations and entries プリン, プディング, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
