Translation guide
The English word "dough" refers to a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients used as a base for baking. In Japanese, the translation depends on the type of dough and its use. The most common general term is 生地 (kiji), but specific words exist for bread dough, pastry dough, and other varieties. This guide helps learners choose the right word based on context.
Referring to any uncooked mixture of flour and liquid, used for bread, pastry, noodles, etc.
The most common and versatile word for dough. It can refer to bread dough, pastry dough, noodle dough, etc. Often used in cooking contexts.
Literally 'kneaded flour', this is a more specific term for dough that has been kneaded. Less common than 生地 but still used.
練り粉を寝かせる。
Let the dough rest.
Specifically dough used for making bread.
The standard term for bread dough. Combines パン (bread) with 生地 (dough).
パン生地が発酵する。
The bread dough rises.
Dough used for pastries, pies, tarts, etc., often rich in fat.
Specifically refers to pie or pastry dough. Used for both sweet and savory pies.
パイ生地を冷やす。
Chill the pie dough.
Tart dough, often used for sweet tarts. Similar to pie dough but may be sweeter.
タルト生地を型に敷く。
Line the tart pan with dough.
Dough specifically for making noodles (udon, soba, ramen, pasta).
General term for noodle dough. Can be used for various types of noodles.
麺生地を薄く伸ばす。
Roll out the noodle dough thinly.
Specifically udon noodle dough.
うどん生地を足で踏む。
Step on the udon dough with your feet.
Dough used for cookies or biscuits.
Standard term for cookie dough.
クッキー生地を冷蔵庫で休ませる。
Let the cookie dough rest in the fridge.
Dough used for making wrappers for gyoza, wontons, etc.
Literally 'gyoza skin', this refers to the thin dough wrappers. Note: 皮 (skin) is used for thin wrappers, not 生地.
餃子の皮を手作りする。
Make gyoza wrappers from scratch.
Wonton wrappers.
ワンタンの皮で包む。
Wrap with wonton wrappers.
Informal English meaning: money.
There is no direct equivalent for 'dough' as money in Japanese. Instead, use common Japanese slang for money like 金 (かね, casual) or お金 (おかね, polite). Other slang terms exist but are not equivalent to 'dough'.
Do not translate 'dough' literally as 生地 when meaning money. It will not be understood.
金がない。
I don't have any dough.
生地 (kiji) is the general term for dough and is used in most contexts. 練り粉 (neriko) specifically refers to kneaded dough and is less common. Use 生地 unless you want to emphasize the kneading process.
For thin wrappers like gyoza or wonton skins, use 皮 (kawa), not 生地. 生地 implies a thicker, bulkier dough.