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.
I sprinkle shichimi tōgarashi on udon.
Common abbreviation for shichimi tōgarashi. Used in casual contexts and on menus.
Variant spelling using hiragana for 'tōgarashi'. Same meaning and usage.
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.
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.
Tokyo-style shichimi, often spicier with a higher proportion of chili pepper.
An alternative reading sometimes used in brand names or regional dialects, but 'shichimi' is far more common.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shichimi tōgarashi is a standard condiment at soba restaurants.
七味、取ってくれる？
Can you pass me the shichimi?
Nagano-style shichimi tōgarashi contains shiso.
Tokyo-style shichimi tōgarashi is spicy.
This shichimi is a rare product read as 'nanami'.
This dish uses a blend of seven spices.