Translation guide
The English word "dish" has two main meanings: a physical container for serving food, and a prepared food item. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents.
A plate, bowl, or other vessel used to serve or eat food.
General word for plate, dish, or saucer. Most common for flat dishes.
A particular type of cooked or prepared food, often part of a meal.
The most common word for a prepared dish or cuisine. Can refer to a single dish or cooking in general.
料理 is the general term for a prepared dish or cuisine. おかず specifically refers to side dishes eaten with rice in a Japanese meal. 一品 is used when counting or referring to a single dish, often in restaurants.
皿 means a physical plate. If you say 「この皿はおいしい」, it means 'This plate is delicious', which is unnatural. Use 料理 for a food dish.
This dish breaks easily.
料理を皿に盛り付ける。
Put the food onto a dish.
Polite form of 皿, commonly used in everyday speech.
お皿をテーブルに並べてください。
Please set the dishes on the table.
A broader term for any vessel or container, including bowls and dishes. Often used in more formal or descriptive contexts.
この器は手作りの陶器です。
This dish is handmade pottery.
Specifically a large dish or platter, often for serving multiple people.
大皿に料理を盛って出した。
I served the food on a large dish.
この料理はとてもおいしい。
This dish is very delicious.
彼は新しい料理を作った。
He made a new dish.
Literally 'one item', used to refer to a single dish, especially in a restaurant or when ordering. Often used with counters.
もう一品いかがですか。
Would you like another dish?
この店の一品料理はどれも美味しい。
Every à la carte dish at this restaurant is delicious.
Refers to a side dish or accompaniment to rice, often used in home cooking. Not for main dishes or Western-style meals.
今日のおかずは何？
What's the side dish today?
Prepared side dishes, often sold at delis or supermarkets. More specific than おかず.
スーパーで惣菜を買った。
I bought some prepared dishes at the supermarket.
An exquisite or special dish, often implying high quality or rarity. Note: same reading as 一品 but different kanji.
この逸品はシェフの自信作です。
This dish is the chef's proud creation.