Translation guide
Cayenne refers to a hot chili pepper or the spice made from it. In Japanese, it is usually called カイエンペッパー or カイエンヌペッパー, but more commonly, it is referred to as 一味唐辛子 when used as a spice.
The powdered spice made from dried cayenne peppers, often used in cooking.
This is the most common term for ground cayenne pepper in Japanese cooking. It literally means 'one-flavor chili pepper' and is a standard spice in Japanese cuisine.
うどんに一味唐辛子をかける。
I sprinkle cayenne pepper on udon.
A direct loanword from English, used in recipes or when specifying the type of chili. Less common in everyday Japanese cooking contexts.
このレシピにはカイエンペッパーが必要です。
This recipe requires cayenne pepper.
An alternative loanword spelling, sometimes used but less common than カイエンペッパー.
カイエンヌペッパーを少々加える。
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
The fresh chili pepper itself, often used in cooking or gardening.
Used for the fresh pepper as well, though specifying 'fresh' may be needed. In Japanese, chili peppers are often referred to by variety.
庭でカイエンペッパーを育てている。
I'm growing cayenne peppers in my garden.
Refers to a specific type of chili pepper commonly used in Japanese cuisine, similar to cayenne but not identical. Often used as a substitute.
一味唐辛子 is pure ground chili pepper, while 七味唐辛子 (shichimi togarashi) is a blend of seven spices including chili, sansho, and sesame. Don't confuse them when asking for cayenne.
鷹の爪を刻んで炒め物に入れる。
I chop up chili peppers and add them to stir-fries.