Translation guide
The English word 'licorice' refers to a plant, its root, a flavor, and a type of candy. In Japanese, the plant and flavor are usually called 甘草 (kanzō), while the candy is often referred to as リコリス (rikorisu) or 甘草飴 (kanzōame).
Referring to the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or its root used for flavoring or herbal medicine.
The standard Japanese term for the licorice plant and its root. Used in botanical, culinary, and medicinal contexts.
甘草は漢方薬によく使われる。
Licorice root is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Loanword from English, used in some contexts, especially when referring to the plant in a Western or botanical context. Less common than 甘草.
リコリスはマメ科の植物です。
Licorice is a plant in the legume family.
Describing the distinct sweet, slightly bitter flavor of licorice.
Literally 'licorice flavor'. The most natural way to describe the taste.
このお菓子は甘草の味がする。
This candy tastes like licorice.
Used on product packaging or in casual speech, especially for Western-style candies.
リコリス味のグミを買った。
I bought licorice-flavored gummies.
Referring to licorice candy, such as twists, ropes, or allsorts.
The most common term for licorice candy in Japan, especially for Western-style licorice. Often written in katakana.
リコリスは好きですか？
Do you like licorice?
オランダのリコリスは塩味が強い。
Dutch licorice is very salty.
Literally 'licorice candy'. Used for traditional Japanese licorice candies or as a general term. Less common than リコリス for Western candies.
甘草飴はのどにいいと言われている。
Licorice candy is said to be good for the throat.
A more formal or written term for licorice confectionery.
北欧ではリコリス菓子が人気だ。
Licorice candies are popular in Scandinavia.
Use 甘草 (kanzō) for the plant, root, or traditional medicinal contexts. Use リコリス (rikorisu) for the candy, especially Western varieties. In flavor descriptions, both 甘草味 and リコリス味 are used, but 甘草味 is more traditional.
この咳止めには甘草が入っている。
This cough medicine contains licorice.
リコリスってちょっと苦手なんだよね。
I'm not really a fan of licorice, you know.
甘草の味が大好きです。
I love the taste of licorice.
リコリスのお菓子はありますか？
Do you have any licorice candy?