Translation guide
Liquorice refers to the plant, its root, and the confectionery made from it. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to by the loanword リコリス, but traditional terms exist for the plant and medicinal root.
Referring to the liquorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or its root, often used in herbal medicine or as a flavoring.
The most common and widely understood term for liquorice in modern Japanese, covering the plant, root, and flavor. Used in food, cosmetics, and casual contexts.
リコリスの根は漢方薬に使われます。
Liquorice root is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The traditional Japanese/Chinese term for liquorice root, especially in medicinal contexts. Literally 'sweet herb'. Common in kampo (漢方) medicine.
この漢方薬には甘草が含まれています。
This herbal medicine contains liquorice root.
Botanical term for the specific species Glycyrrhiza glabra, literally 'Spanish liquorice'. Used in scientific or horticultural contexts.
スペインカンゾウはマメ科の植物です。
Spanish liquorice is a plant of the legume family.
Referring to liquorice candy, such as twists, allsorts, or salty liquorice.
Standard term for liquorice candy. 菓子 means confectionery/sweets.
北欧では塩味のリコリス菓子が人気です。
Salty liquorice candy is popular in Northern Europe.
A more casual term, often used for individually wrapped liquorice candies.
リコリスキャンディを一つどうぞ。
Have a liquorice candy.
Traditional Japanese hard candy made with liquorice extract. Rarely seen today, but may appear in historical or traditional sweet shops.
祖母は甘草飴が大好きでした。
My grandmother loved liquorice candy.
Describing the taste of liquorice, often in food or drinks.
Means 'liquorice-flavored'. 風味 is a common suffix for flavors.
このアイスクリームはリコリス風味です。
This ice cream is liquorice-flavored.
Liquorice extract, used as a flavoring or sweetener. Common in ingredient lists.
このお菓子には甘草エキスが使われています。
This sweet uses liquorice extract.
In everyday conversation, リコリス is the safest choice. 甘草 is mainly used in medical or traditional contexts. If you're talking about candy, use リコリス菓子 or リコリスキャンディ.
リコリス味のグミが好きです。
I like liquorice-flavored gummies.