Translation guide
The edible flesh of animals, typically used as food. In Japanese, the most common word is 肉 (にく), but there are important nuances depending on context, such as the type of meat, cooking methods, and cultural usage.
Referring to meat as a food category, such as beef, pork, chicken, etc.
The standard word for 'meat' as food. It covers all types of animal flesh used in cooking. Often used in compound words to specify the animal.
私は肉が好きです。
I like meat.
この肉はとても柔らかい。
This meat is very tender.
Literally 'edible meat', used in more formal or technical contexts, such as in discussions about the meat industry or dietary categories.
食肉の消費量が増えている。
Meat consumption is increasing.
Referring to meat from a particular animal, such as beef, pork, or chicken.
beef · pork · chicken
Beef. The standard term for cow meat.
牛肉のステーキをください。
I'll have a beef steak, please.
Pork. The standard term for pig meat.
Chicken meat. Note: 鶏 (にわとり) means chicken, but 鶏肉 specifically refers to the meat. Often shortened to とり in casual contexts.
Lamb or mutton. Less common in Japan but used in some dishes like ジンギスカン (Genghis Khan grilled lamb).
Horse meat. A regional delicacy in some parts of Japan, often eaten raw as 馬刺し (basashi).
Referring to meat in the context of a prepared dish or as an ingredient in cooking.
Meat dishes. A general term for any dish where meat is the main component.
今夜は肉料理にしよう。
Let's have a meat dish tonight.
Meats (as a category). Often used in dietary contexts or when listing food groups.
Referring to the edible part of a fruit or nut, as opposed to the skin or seed.
Fruit flesh or pulp. Used specifically for the soft, edible part of fruits.
この桃は果肉が厚い。
This peach has thick flesh.
Fruit, nut, or seed content. Can refer to the flesh of a fruit or the kernel of a nut, but is broader than just 'meat'.
くるみの実を取り出す。
Take out the walnut meat.
Referring to the most important or substantial part of something, like 'the meat of the matter'.
Core, heart, essence. Used figuratively to mean the central or most important part of an issue.
問題の核心に触れる。
Get to the meat of the problem.
Essence, true nature. Similar to 核心 but more philosophical.
While 肉 can technically mean 'flesh' in a biological sense, using it to refer to human flesh is very direct and can sound crude or shocking. In medical or poetic contexts, other terms like 肉体 (にくたい, physical body) or 肌 (はだ, skin) are used. For 'flesh' in a religious or literary sense, 肉体 is more appropriate.
彼は肉体の欲求に負けた。
He gave in to the desires of the flesh.
In Japanese cuisine, meat (肉) and fish (魚) are often treated as separate categories. When asking about dietary preferences, you might hear '肉と魚、どちらが好きですか？' (Which do you like, meat or fish?). In English, 'meat' sometimes includes fish in a broad sense, but in Japanese, 肉 typically excludes fish and seafood.
豚肉の生姜焼きが好きです。
I like ginger pork.
鶏肉の唐揚げを作りましょう。
Let's make fried chicken.
In Hokkaido, they often eat lamb.
Horse meat sashimi is a delicacy.
肉類は冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put the meats in the refrigerator.
議論の本質はそこではない。
That's not the meat of the argument.