Translation guide
In Japanese cuisine, a 'blend of seven spices' typically refers to shichimi tōgarashi, a common table condiment. It is a mixture of red chili pepper and other aromatic ingredients. The most well-known brand is Yagenbori, but many variations exist.
The most common Japanese seven-spice blend, used as a table condiment for noodles, soups, and grilled meats.
The standard term for the seven-spice blend. Often shortened to '七味' (shichimi) in everyday conversation.
うどんに七味唐辛子をかける。
I sprinkle shichimi tōgarashi on udon.
七味唐辛子は、そば屋の定番調味料です。
Shichimi tōgarashi is a standard condiment at soba restaurants.
Common abbreviation for shichimi tōgarashi. Used in casual contexts and on menus.
七味、取ってくれる？
Can you pass me the shichimi?
Variant spelling using hiragana for 'tōgarashi'. Same meaning and usage.
七味唐がらしを少々加える。
Add a little shichimi tōgarashi.
Other Japanese spice blends that contain seven ingredients, often associated with specific dishes or regions.
Kyoto-style shichimi, often associated with the Yagenbori brand. May have a slightly different balance of ingredients, such as more sanshō or hemp seeds.
京都風の七味唐辛子は、山椒が効いている。
Kyoto-style shichimi tōgarashi has a strong sanshō flavor.
Nagano-style shichimi, sometimes called 'Shichimi Tōgarashi Zenkōji' after the famous temple. May include local ingredients like shiso.
長野風の七味唐辛子には、紫蘇が入っている。
Nagano-style shichimi tōgarashi contains shiso.
Tokyo-style shichimi, often spicier with a higher proportion of chili pepper.
東京風の七味唐辛子は辛口だ。
Tokyo-style shichimi tōgarashi is spicy.
An alternative reading sometimes used in brand names or regional dialects, but 'shichimi' is far more common.
この七味は「ななみ」と読む珍しい商品だ。
This shichimi is a rare product read as 'nanami'.
When referring to a blend of seven spices in a non-Japanese context, such as Middle Eastern or Indian spice mixes.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a blend of seven kinds of spices'. Use this when the specific Japanese condiment is not meant.
このカレーには7種類のスパイスブレンドを使っています。
This curry uses a blend of seven spices.
A more formal or written way to say 'seven kinds of spices'. Not commonly used in everyday speech.
この料理には七種の香辛料が使われている。
This dish uses a blend of seven spices.
一味唐辛子 (ichimi tōgarashi) is pure ground red chili pepper, not a blend. If you ask for 'tōgarashi' alone, you might get the pure chili powder.
一味唐辛子は七味唐辛子と違って、他のスパイスが入っていません。
Ichimi tōgarashi, unlike shichimi tōgarashi, does not contain other spices.
Typical ingredients include red chili pepper, sanshō (Japanese pepper), roasted orange peel, black sesame, white sesame, hemp seeds, and nori (seaweed). Proportions vary by brand.