スプーン
supūn[sɨpɯ̟̃ːɴ]
The English word spoon is スプーン (supūn) in Japanese. Wiktionary also lists 匙 (saji).
Meaning: scooped utensil for eating (or serving) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| スプーン | supūn | [sɨpɯ̟̃ːɴ] (narrow) |
| 匙 | saji | [ka̠i] (narrow) [sa̠ʑi] (narrow) |
The term refers to a scooped utensil used for eating or serving food.
Which one should you use?
スプーン is the standard and most common way to say spoon, and it is typically used when referring to Western-style cutlery. The word 匙 is also a form for spoon.
How do you pronounce it?
supūn
Did you know?
- While スプーン refers to a western spoon, the word 匙 is the root of the Japanese expression 匙を投げる, which means 'to throw the spoon'. This is actually used to mean 'to give up' on a difficult situation or a patient.
- The term 匙 (saji) is etymologically linked to the word 貝 (kai), meaning 'shellfish', because people once used clam shells as natural scoops.
- The reading of the character 匙 as さじ (saji) is the basis for the term 匙加減 (sajikagen), which refers to 'a pinch' or 'a subtle adjustment' in cooking or medicine.
Examples in context
- スプーンがありません。There is a spoon missing.This sentence shows how to state that a スプーン is missing.Tatoeba #214526 by bunbuku, translation #51818 by CK
- スプーンをいただけますか。Could we have a spoon?This sentence is a way to ask for a スプーン.Tatoeba #214525 by bunbuku, translation #51817 by CK
- スープはスプーンで飲みます。We eat soup with a spoon.This sentence demonstrates using a スプーン to consume soup.Tatoeba #10621099 by bunbuku, translation #247989 by CK
- テーブルの上にスプーンがあります。There is a spoon on the table.
- スプーンでアイスクリームを食べる。Eat ice cream with a spoon.
- さじでコーヒーをかき混ぜる。Stir coffee with a spoon.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hina and Kenta are preparing dessert in the kitchen.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、スプーンをどこに置いた？Kenta, supūn o doko ni oita?Kenta, where did you put the spoon?
- 健太 Kentaあそこにありますよ。Asoko ni arimasu yo.It's over there.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、あった。ありがとう。A, atta. Arigatō.Oh, found it. Thanks.
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dōitashimashite.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spoon” translations and entries スプーン, 匙, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries スプーン, 匙, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
