Translation guide
Japanese has several words for kitchen utensils, ranging from general terms to specific categories. The most common and useful word is 調理器具 (chouri kigu), which covers cooking tools broadly. For everyday conversation, 台所用品 (daidokoro youhin) is also natural. This guide helps you choose the right term based on context and formality.
調理器具
kitchen utensils (general)
You want to refer to kitchen utensils in general, such as pots, pans, spatulas, etc., in a neutral or slightly formal context.
The standard, widely understood term for cooking utensils. Suitable for most situations, from casual to formal.
新しい調理器具を買いに行く。
I'm going to buy new kitchen utensils.
Literally 'kitchen goods'. A bit more casual and homey than 調理器具. Often used for everyday items like dish towels, cutting boards, etc., but can include utensils.
台所用品はどこにありますか？
Where are the kitchen utensils?
Loanword from English 'kitchen goods'. Common in shops and casual conversation. Slightly more modern feel.
この店はキッチン用品が豊富だ。
This store has a wide selection of kitchen utensils.
You want to emphasize tools used for cooking, like spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc., excluding dishes or electric appliances.
Literally 'cooking tools'. More specific than 調理器具, focusing on hand tools. Often used in recipes or cooking instructions.
調理道具を揃えるところから始めましょう。
Let's start by gathering the cooking utensils.
Similar to 調理道具, but slightly more casual. Often used in home cooking contexts.
You specifically mean pots, pans, and other cooking vessels, not small tools.
Refers to pots and pans collectively. Often used when talking about cookware sets or storage.
鍋類は下の棚にしまってあります。
The pots and pans are stored on the bottom shelf.
A more technical term for cooking pots, often used in commercial or industrial contexts.
業務用の調理鍋を探しています。
I'm looking for commercial cooking pots.
You mean small, often specialized tools like peelers, graters, garlic presses, etc.
Loanword from English 'kitchen tools'. Very common for modern, often Western-style gadgets.
便利なキッチンツールを集めるのが趣味です。
My hobby is collecting handy kitchen utensils.
Literally 'cooking small items'. A native Japanese term for small kitchen gadgets.
調理小物は引き出しに整理しています。
I organize the small kitchen utensils in the drawer.
調理器具 is the most neutral and widely used. 台所用品 feels more domestic and can include non-cooking items like dishcloths. キッチン用品 is a modern loanword often used in shops and catalogs.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to use the specific name of the utensil (e.g., フライパン for frying pan, まな板 for cutting board) rather than a generic term, especially in daily conversation.
料理道具は使いやすいものを選びたい。
I want to choose easy-to-use kitchen utensils.