Translation guide
Horse meat is a specific type of meat eaten in some regions of Japan. The most common term is 馬肉 (baniku), but regional and culinary names like 桜肉 (sakuraniku) are also used.
The standard, widely understood word for horse meat as a food.
The standard Japanese word for horse meat. Used in menus, supermarkets, and everyday conversation.
Have you ever eaten horse meat sashimi?
A common alternative name for horse meat, especially in culinary contexts, likening its color to cherry blossoms.
Specifically raw horse meat sashimi, a popular dish.
Horse meat sashimi. A common dish in regions like Kumamoto. Often served with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
When specifying the type of meat in a compound or descriptive phrase.
Literally 'meat of horse'. Less common than 馬肉 but still understood. Can be used for clarity or in descriptive contexts.
Horse meat is especially associated with Kumamoto Prefecture, but also eaten in other regions like Nagano and Oita. If you're traveling there, you'll see it on many menus.
馬肉 is the straightforward term. 桜肉 is a euphemism used to make the meat sound more appealing, similar to how 'pork' is used instead of 'pig meat' in English. Both refer to the same thing.
This supermarket sells horse meat.
Literally 'cherry blossom meat', a poetic and appetizing name for horse meat. Often used in restaurants and regional specialties.
Horse meat is a local specialty in Kumamoto.
I ordered horse meat yukhoe.
Horse sashimi is more delicious the fresher it is.
Let's order horse sashimi at the izakaya.
Horse meat is low in calories and high in protein.