Translation guide
In Japanese, 'leafy vegetables' is commonly expressed as 葉物野菜 (hamono yasai) or 青菜 (aona). The choice depends on context, with 葉物野菜 being the most direct and widely understood term.
Referring to leafy vegetables as a category, such as in cooking, nutrition, or shopping.
The most common and direct translation for 'leafy vegetables'. Used in everyday contexts like recipes, grocery shopping, and health discussions.
葉物野菜をたくさん食べましょう。
Let's eat plenty of leafy vegetables.
このレシピには葉物野菜が必要です。
This recipe requires leafy vegetables.
Referring to particular leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, or cabbage.
spinach · lettuce · kale
In Japanese, it's more natural to name the specific vegetable rather than using a generic term. For example, say ほうれん草 (spinach) or レタス (lettuce) instead of 'leafy vegetables' when the type is known.
ほうれん草のおひたしが好きです。
I like boiled spinach (a leafy vegetable dish).
サラダにレタスを入れます。
I put lettuce in the salad.
In casual conversation, 野菜 (yasai) often implies leafy vegetables when context is clear, but it's broader (all vegetables). To be specific, use 葉物野菜 or 青菜.
Literally 'green vegetables', often used for leafy greens like spinach, komatsuna, etc. Slightly more casual and common in daily conversation.
今日は青菜を炒めます。
Today I'll stir-fry some leafy greens.
A more technical or agricultural term for 'leaf vegetables' as a botanical category. Used in farming or scientific contexts.
葉菜類にはホウレンソウやレタスが含まれます。
Leaf vegetables include spinach and lettuce.