Translation guide
Fennel is a plant used as a vegetable, herb, and spice. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as フェンネル, a loanword from English. The vegetable form is sometimes called フィノッキオ or イタリアウイキョウ, while the spice (seeds) is ウイキョウ.
fennel (general)
fennel seeds
The most common and widely understood term for fennel in Japanese, used in recipes, restaurants, and supermarkets. It covers all parts of the plant.
This salad contains fennel.
The traditional Japanese word for fennel, often used in herbal medicine or when referring to the seeds as a spice. Less common in everyday cooking contexts.
Fennel is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Specifically the bulbous base of the Florence fennel variety, eaten as a vegetable.
Italian loanword used in Japanese to refer to the bulb vegetable. Common in Italian restaurants and recipes.
Thinly slice the fennel bulb and add it to the salad.
Literally 'Italian fennel', used to distinguish the vegetable variety from the herb/spice type. Less common than フィノッキオ.
Fennel seeds used as a spice in cooking or for herbal tea.
In most everyday situations, フェンネル is the safest choice. Use フィノッキオ when specifically talking about the bulb vegetable in Italian cooking. For seeds, フェンネルシード is clear and common.
Fennel goes well with fish dishes.
Italian fennel becomes sweeter when grilled.
Fennel seeds are brewed to make tea.