Translation guide
Dhania is the Hindi/Urdu word for coriander, referring to both the fresh herb (cilantro) and the dried seeds. In Japanese, the fresh herb is most commonly called パクチー, while the seeds are コリアンダーシード. This guide helps you choose the right term depending on whether you mean the leaves or the seeds.
The green leafy herb used in cooking, often as a garnish or in salads.
The most common and widely understood term for fresh coriander leaves in Japan, borrowed from Thai 'phak chi'. Used in everyday conversation, menus, and recipes.
このサラダにはパクチーが入っています。
This salad has cilantro in it.
パクチーは好きですか？
Do you like cilantro?
Also used for the fresh leaves, but less common than パクチー. More likely to be seen in written contexts or when referring to the plant in general.
コリアンダーの葉を刻んでください。
Please chop the coriander leaves.
Literally 'fragrant vegetable'. This kanji term is used in Chinese cuisine contexts, but is not common in everyday Japanese. May be understood by some, but パクチー is preferred.
中華料理では香菜をよく使います。
In Chinese cuisine, cilantro is often used.
The dried seeds of the coriander plant, used as a spice in cooking.
The standard term for coriander seeds, used in recipes and spice shops.
カレーにはコリアンダーシードを使います。
I use coriander seeds in curry.
Literally 'seeds of coriander'. A more descriptive phrase, understandable but less common than the loanword.
コリアンダーの種を挽いてください。
Please grind the coriander seeds.
パクチー almost always means the fresh leaves. コリアンダー can refer to the plant as a whole, including seeds, but in everyday speech, パクチー is the go-to word for the herb. If you want to be clear about seeds, use コリアンダーシード.
If you want to ask for no cilantro, say 「パクチー抜きでお願いします」(パクチーぬきでおねがいします). Many Japanese people have a love-hate relationship with cilantro, so this phrase is handy.