郷土料理
kyōdo ryōri
The English phrase "traditional food" can be translated into Japanese as 郷土料理 (kyōdo ryōri).
郷土料理 is used specifically to refer to regional specialties or dishes that are part of a specific area's local identity. 刺身 (sashimi), which refers to thinly sliced raw seafood. And 和食 (washoku), the traditional Japanese style of cooking.
What does it mean word for word?
郷土料理 is composed of 郷土 (kyōdo), meaning 'hometown' or 'local region' and 料理 (ryōri), meaning 'cuisine' or 'cooking'.
Which one should you use?
While 郷土料理 emphasizes a specific local or regional specialty, 伝統料理 refers more broadly to 'traditional cuisine' passed down through generations, regardless of a specific small region.
How do you pronounce it?
kyōdo ryōri
Did you know?
- Many types of 郷土料理 were originally 'poverty foods' created from ingredients that were too cheap or too tough for the imperial court in Kyoto to eat.
- The Japanese government promotes 郷土料理 through a certified list of 'Traditional Local Foods' to prevent regional identities from disappearing due to urbanization.
- While 郷土料理 refers to regional food, the broader term 和食 is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, focusing on the social practice of the meal rather than just the recipes.
Examples in context
- 「この地域の伝統的な料理は素晴らしいです。」The traditional cuisine of this region is wonderful.
- 「日本の伝統料理には寿司や刺身があります。」Japanese traditional cuisine includes sushi and sashimi.
- 「この地域の伝統的な食べ物を試してみたいです。」I want to try the traditional food of this region.
- この地域の郷土料理を食べたいです。Kono chiiki no kyōdo ryōri o tabetai desu.I want to eat the traditional food of this region.
- 郷土料理にはいろいろな種類があります。Kyōdo ryōri ni wa iroirona shurui ga arimasu.There are many different types of traditional local dishes.
- 彼女は郷土料理を作るのが上手です。Kanojo wa kyōdo ryōri o tsukuru no ga jōzu desu.She is good at making traditional local food.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about a trip to a countryside area.
- 結衣 Yuiあそこでは、どんな郷土料理が有名ですか？Asoko de wa, donna kyōdo ryōri ga yūmei desu ka?What kind of traditional food is famous there?
- 陽太 Yota新鮮な魚を使った郷土料理がとても美味しいですよ。Shinsen na sakana o tsukatta kyōdo ryōri ga totemo oishii desu yo.The traditional food using fresh fish is very delicious.
- 結衣 Yuiそれは楽しみですね！Sore wa tanoshimi desu ne!I'm looking forward to that!
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんもきっと気に入ると思います。Yui-san mo kitto kiniiru to omoimasu.I think you will like it too, Yui.
