Translation guide
The activity of preparing food by heating it. In Japanese, the most common word is 料理 (りょうり), which covers both the act of cooking and the resulting dish. Other words like 調理 (ちょうり) are more technical, while 炊事 (すいじ) refers to household cooking. The verb 'to cook' is usually 料理する or 作る (make).
The broad activity of making meals, especially with heat.
The most common and versatile word for cooking or cuisine. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to cook'.
料理が得意です。
I'm good at cooking.
今夜は私が料理します。
I'll cook tonight.
More technical term for cooking, often used in professional or instructional contexts. Emphasizes the process of preparing food.
調理師免許を持っています。
I have a cooking license.
Refers specifically to household cooking or meal preparation, often as a daily chore. Not used for professional cooking.
炊事は母の仕事です。
Cooking is my mother's job.
The action of preparing food, often using heat.
The standard verb for 'to cook'. Can be used for any kind of cooking.
毎日料理するのは大変です。
Cooking every day is tough.
Literally 'to make', but very commonly used for cooking when the object is a dish. More casual than 料理する.
Specifically means to cook rice or grains by boiling/steaming. Not a general cooking verb.
ご飯を炊く。
Cook rice.
Referring to cooking as an interest or ability.
Standard way to say 'cooking is my hobby'.
料理が趣味で、よく新しいレシピに挑戦します。
Cooking is my hobby, and I often try new recipes.
Means 'good at cooking'. Often used as a compliment.
彼女は料理上手だ。
She is a good cook.
Referring to a specific way of cooking, like frying, boiling, etc.
To grill, bake, or fry (in a pan). Covers many dry-heat methods.
魚を焼く。
Grill fish.
To simmer or boil in seasoned liquid. Common in Japanese cuisine.
肉を煮る。
Simmer meat.
To stir-fry or sauté.
To deep-fry.
とんかつを揚げる。
Deep-fry pork cutlet.
To steam.
野菜を蒸す。
Steam vegetables.
The loanword クッキング (cooking) is used in some compound terms like クッキングスクール (cooking school) or TV show titles, but it's not a natural standalone word for cooking in daily conversation. Stick with 料理.
When talking about making a specific dish, 作る (to make) is often more natural than 料理する. For example, 'I made curry' is カレーを作った, not カレーを料理した.
野菜を炒める。
Stir-fry vegetables.