Translation guide
A kitchen tool used to crush soft foods into a smooth or semi-smooth consistency, most commonly for potatoes. The Japanese equivalent depends on the food being mashed and the context.
The most common meaning: a handheld tool with a grid or zigzag wire used to mash boiled potatoes.
The standard loanword for a potato masher. Widely understood in cooking contexts.
じゃがいもをマッシャーでつぶす。
Mash the potatoes with a masher.
A tool for mashing other soft foods like beans, fruits, or for making smooth purées. May include a ricer (a press-like tool).
The same loanword is used generically for any mashing tool in cooking.
Describing the action of mashing without a specific tool, using a fork or spoon.
When no dedicated masher is used, describe the action with つぶす (to crush/mash) and the improvised tool. There is no single noun for 'masher' in this case.
フォークでじゃがいもをつぶした。
I mashed the potatoes with a fork.
In most everyday cooking contexts, マッシャー is the safest and most natural word for a potato masher or general food masher. Use ポテトマッシャー if you need to be specific about potatoes.
マッシャー is a simple handheld tool that leaves some texture. 裏ごし器 is a strainer-like tool that produces a very smooth, fine purée (like a ricer or food mill). Choose based on the desired consistency.
More specific, explicitly 'potato masher'. Used when clarity is needed.
ポテトマッシャーを買い替えたい。
I want to replace my potato masher.
バナナをマッシャーでつぶしてケーキに入れる。
Mash the banana with a masher and add it to the cake.
A strainer or sieve used to mash and strain foods to a very smooth consistency. Often called a 'ricer' or 'food mill' in English. More specific than a simple masher.
裏ごし器でさつまいもをなめらかにする。
Use a ricer to make the sweet potato smooth.