薩摩芋
satsumaimo[sa̠t͡sɨma̠ imo̞]
The English phrase "sweet potato" is translated into Japanese as 薩摩芋 (satsumaimo). Wiktionary also lists 甘藷 (kansho).
Meaning: tuber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 薩摩芋 | satsumaimo | [sa̠t͡sɨma̠ imo̞] (narrow) |
| 甘藷 | kansho | [kã̠ɰ̃ɕo̞] (narrow) |
The term refers to the sweet potato tuber. In modern Japanese, the word 薩摩芋 is very frequently written in hiragana as さつまいも.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 薩摩芋 (satsumaimo) literally means "Satsuma potato", referring to the historical Satsuma province.
Which one should you use?
While 薩摩芋 (satsumaimo) is the common name used in daily life, 甘藷 (kansho) is a more formal or technical term often used in botanical or agricultural contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
satsumaimo
When do people say it?
There are specific varieties of sweet potato that are well known, such as 安納芋 (Annou-imo), a famous variety from Kumamoto known for its rich sweetness and 紅はるか (Beni Haruka), a reddish-purple sweet potato loved for its smooth texture.
Did you know?
- The term 薩摩芋 (satsumaimo) contains a historical connection to the 'Nanban' trade, meaning 'Southern Barbarian' trade, which brought new plants to Japan via Portuguese merchants.
- In Japan, roasted 薩摩芋 sold by street vendors is a nostalgic winter comfort food, often associated with the sound of the wind and cold weather.
- In Japanese culture, the skin of the 薩摩芋 is often eaten, whereas in some other cultures the skin is discarded.
Examples in context
- 薩摩芋を焼きます。Satsumaimo o yakimasu.I will roast the sweet potato.
- 薩摩芋はとても甘いです。Satsumaimo wa totemo amai desu.The sweet potato is very sweet.
- この薩摩芋は大きいです。Kono satsumaimo wa ookii desu.This sweet potato is big.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are in the kitchen preparing a snack.
- 結衣 Yui薩摩芋はありますか？Satsumaimo wa arimasu ka?Do we have any sweet potatoes?
- 健太 Kentaはい、ここにありますよ。Hai, koko ni arimasu yo.Yes, they are right here.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、これを焼きましょう。Jaa, kore o yakimashou.Then, let's roast these.
- 健太 Kentaいいですね、楽しみです。Ii desu ne, tanoshimi desu.That sounds good, I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweet potato” translations and entries 薩摩芋, 甘藷, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 薩摩芋, CC BY-SA 4.0.
