Translation guide
The English word 'foodstuff' refers to any substance used as food, often in a raw, unprocessed, or commercial context. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the context: whether you mean ingredients, groceries, provisions, or food materials in general.
Referring to any substance used as food, especially in a raw or unprocessed form, or in a commercial/industrial context.
The most common and versatile word for 'foodstuff' in the sense of ingredients or food materials used in cooking. Suitable for both home cooking and commercial contexts.
新鮮な食材を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy fresh foodstuffs.
この店は高品質の食材を扱っている。
This store deals in high-quality foodstuffs.
Refers to food products or groceries, often in a retail or distribution context. Emphasizes the commercial aspect of foodstuffs.
食料品店で買い物をする。
I shop at a grocery store.
災害に備えて食料品を備蓄する。
Stock up on foodstuffs in preparation for a disaster.
A broad term for food items, often used in industrial, regulatory, or nutritional contexts. Can sound slightly formal or technical.
この工場では冷凍食品を製造している。
This factory produces frozen foodstuffs.
食品の安全性が重要だ。
Food safety is important.
Emphasizing food as a supply, especially for storage, travel, or emergencies.
Refers to food supplies or provisions, often in the context of stockpiling, rations, or basic sustenance. Carries a nuance of essential foodstuffs.
被災地に食糧を届ける。
Deliver foodstuffs to the disaster area.
食糧不足が深刻だ。
The food shortage is serious.
Specifically means provisions for an army or military campaign. Very niche and historical/literary.
Referring to unprocessed or semi-processed food materials used in manufacturing or large-scale food production.
A technical term for food raw materials or ingredients used in industrial food processing.
この会社は食品原料を輸入している。
This company imports foodstuff raw materials.
Similar to 食品原料 but less common; used in some industry contexts.
食材原料の調達が難しい。
Procuring foodstuff raw materials is difficult.
食材 (shokuzai) focuses on ingredients for cooking. 食料品 (shokuryōhin) refers to groceries or food products as commercial goods. 食品 (shokuhin) is a broad, often technical term for food items. 食糧 (shokuryō) emphasizes food as provisions or supplies, often in bulk or for survival.
The English word 'foodstuff' can sound formal or industrial. In casual conversation, Japanese speakers often use more specific words like 食べ物 (tabemono, food) or 材料 (zairyō, ingredients) instead of the formal equivalents. Use the terms above only when the context matches their nuance.
兵糧を運ぶ部隊が攻撃された。
The unit carrying provisions was attacked.