Translation guide
Millet is a group of small-seeded grains. In Japanese, the general term is 雑穀 (zakkoku), but specific types like 粟 (awa) and 黍 (kibi) are more common in food contexts. The choice depends on whether you mean the grain in general, a specific variety, or cooked millet.
millet (general)
millet (foxtail, common in Japan)
Referring to millet as a type of grain, often in the context of health food or mixed grains.
Broad term for 'millet' and other minor grains like sorghum, amaranth, etc. Commonly used in health food contexts.
Millet is highly nutritious.
Specifically foxtail millet, the most common millet in Japan. Often used in cooking.
I cooked millet rice.
Proso millet or common millet. Less common than 粟 but still used in traditional foods.
Millet dumplings appear in folktales.
Talking about millet as a dish, often mixed with rice.
Distinguishing between types of millet for botanical or culinary precision.
In Japan, millet is often mixed with white rice (精白米) to add texture and nutrients. 粟 (awa) is the most common variety used this way. 雑穀 (zakkoku) refers to a mix of grains that may include millet, amaranth, quinoa, etc.
English 'millet' covers many species. If you need to be specific, use the Japanese name for that variety. 粟 is foxtail millet, 黍 is proso millet, 稗 is barnyard millet. When in doubt, 雑穀 is a safe umbrella term.
蜀黍はアフリカで主食とされている。
Sorghum is a staple food in Africa.