Translation guide
The English verb 'cook' covers a wide range of food preparation methods. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 料理する (ryouri suru), but many specific cooking verbs exist depending on the method. This guide helps learners choose the right word for the context.
I cook every day.
Please cook the fish.
To prepare a meal or dish, without specifying the method.
The most general and common way to say 'cook'. It covers all kinds of cooking.
I cook every day.
He is good at cooking.
Literally 'make', often used for preparing food, especially in casual contexts.
Refers to cooking as a household chore. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
My mother does the cooking every day.
To cook using a particular technique like boiling, frying, grilling, etc.
To cook with direct or indirect heat: grill, bake, roast, fry (on a griddle). Covers many English methods.
Specifically to cook rice, which has its own verb in Japanese.
The standard verb for cooking rice. Not used for other foods.
To heat or cook food using a microwave oven.
Literally 'warm up in a microwave'. The most natural way to say 'microwave' as a cooking action.
To describe food being cooked or done.
Intransitive of 焼く: to be grilled, baked, roasted, etc.
To work as a cook or chef.
Literally 'work as a cook'. Clear and natural.
While 料理する is the general verb, it sounds unnatural when a specific cooking method is obvious. For example, 'cook rice' should be ご飯を炊く, not ご飯を料理する.
cook rice
Many cooking verbs have transitive/intransitive pairs. Use transitive when someone does the action (を), and intransitive when the food becomes cooked (が).
I'll cook dinner tonight.
I'll make curry tonight.
魚を焼いてください。
Please cook (grill) the fish.
I baked bread.
To simmer or boil in liquid. Used for stews, soups, and boiled dishes.
Cook the meat until tender by simmering.
To stir-fry or sauté in a pan with oil.
Please stir-fry the vegetables.
To steam.
Steaming vegetables preserves nutrients.
ご飯を炊くのを忘れた。
I forgot to cook the rice.
Please microwave the leftovers.
Casual slang for microwaving, from 'range' + 'chin' (onomatopoeia for the microwave bell).
Let's microwave this and eat it.
The bread is baked.
Intransitive of 煮る: to be boiled/simmered.
The meat is cooked (by simmering).
He works as a cook in France.
Loanword for 'chef', often used for professional cooks, especially in Western cuisine.
He is a famous chef.
魚を焼く (transitive)
grill fish
the fish is grilled
She cooked the meat perfectly.