かぼちゃ
kabocha
The Japanese word for pumpkin is かぼちゃ (kabocha).
In Japanese, the term かぼちゃ is used for various types of squash and pumpkins, including the common Kabocha squash.
Meaning: fruit of this plant (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word かぼちゃ is often written in kanji as 南瓜.
How do you pronounce it?
kabocha
When do people say it?
Kabocha kintone (mashed pumpkin with sweet bean paste) is a traditional food eaten during Japanese New Year celebrations.
Did you know?
- While かぼちゃ refers to the vegetable, the Japanese word for 'pumpkin' in the context of Halloween is usually the English loanword パンプキン, because traditional Japanese squash are not carved.
- Unlike the American pumpkin, which is often used for pies, かぼちゃ is frequently simmered in a soy-based broth and served as a savory side dish in traditional meals.
- During the Edo period, かぼちゃ became a popular crop because it could be stored for long periods without refrigeration, making it a vital survival food during winter famines.
Examples in context
- かぼちゃきんとんを食べます。I eat Japanese pumpkin confectionaries.This sentence shows how to use かぼちゃ when talking about eating pumpkin confectionaries.Tatoeba #4647974 by nonong, translation #6470273 by jasmaa
- 今日のデザートには、南瓜のプリンを用意しました。I prepared a pumpkin pudding for today's dessert.
- 友達とかぼちゃのスープを作って食べました。I made and ate pumpkin soup with my friend.
- かぼちゃを切ります。kabocha o kirimasu.I will cut the pumpkin.
- スーパーでかぼちゃを買いました。sūpā de kabocha o kaimashita.I bought a pumpkin at the supermarket.
Example conversation
Himari and Yamato are deciding what to cook for dinner.
- 陽葵 Himari今日の夕食にかぼちゃを使おうか。Kyō no yūshoku ni kabocha o tsukaō ka.Shall we use pumpkin for dinner today?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいですね。スープにしましょう。Ii desu ne. Sūpu ni shimashō.That sounds good. Let's make soup.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、皮をむいてくれる？Yamato-kun, kawa o muite kureru?Yamato, can you peel it?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。任せて。Ii yo. Makasete.Sure. Leave it to me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
