Translation guide
How to express the concept of 'flavouring' in Japanese, covering ingredients, seasonings, extracts, and the act of adding flavor.
A substance added to food to give it a particular taste, such as salt, soy sauce, or herbs.
The most common and general term for seasoning or flavoring ingredient. Used for both cooking and at the table.
この料理にはどんな調味料を使いますか？
What kind of seasoning do you use for this dish?
塩と胡椒は基本的な調味料です。
Salt and pepper are basic seasonings.
Refers to condiments or garnishes with strong flavors used in small amounts, like grated ginger, wasabi, or chopped green onions. Often added just before eating.
冷奴に薬味をのせて食べます。
I eat cold tofu with condiments on top.
Specifically refers to spices, often dried and aromatic, like cinnamon, cumin, or pepper. More technical or culinary term.
カレーにはたくさんの香辛料が使われています。
Many spices are used in curry.
A concentrated liquid or powder used to add a specific flavor, such as vanilla extract or lemon flavoring.
General term for flavoring agent, often artificial or natural, used in processed foods, drinks, and sweets.
このアイスクリームにはバニラ香料が入っています。
This ice cream contains vanilla flavoring.
Loanword from English 'essence', commonly used for concentrated flavor extracts like vanilla essence.
Loanword from English 'flavor', often used in product names or when referring to a specific flavor type, like 'strawberry flavor'.
The process of giving food a particular taste by adding seasonings or flavorings.
Common phrase meaning 'to season' or 'to add flavor'. The noun form is 味付け (seasoning/method of seasoning).
最後に塩で味付けをします。
Finally, season with salt.
この味付けは絶妙ですね。
This seasoning is exquisite, isn't it?
Specifically means adding flavor or aroma, often used for subtle flavor enhancements like adding herbs or zest.
レモンの皮で風味付けをします。
I'll add flavor with lemon zest.
調味料 is the broadest term for any seasoning. 薬味 refers to fresh, aromatic condiments added in small amounts (e.g., wasabi, ginger). 香辛料 is specifically dried spices.
フレーバー is a loanword used mainly in product names or casual contexts. For cooking, 香料 or 味付け is more natural.
Add a few drops of vanilla essence.
このガムはミントフレーバーです。
This gum is mint flavored.