Translation guide
The word 'potato' refers to the starchy tuber used as a vegetable. In Japanese, the most common word is じゃがいも, but other varieties have specific names. This guide covers how to talk about potatoes in everyday situations, cooking, and specific types.
Referring to the common potato used in cooking, such as for fries, mashed potatoes, or stews.
The standard word for potato in Japanese. Used in most contexts, from grocery shopping to cooking.
Please buy some potatoes.
These potatoes don't fall apart easily when boiled.
Katakana version of じゃがいも, often used in scientific or botanical contexts, or for emphasis. Less common in daily conversation.
Researching potato cultivation methods.
Talking about particular types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or new potatoes.
Sweet potato. A distinct variety with yellow or purple flesh, often roasted or used in desserts. Not interchangeable with じゃがいも.
Baked sweet potatoes are made from sweet potatoes.
New potato. Refers to small, early-harvested potatoes with thin skin, available in spring. Often boiled or simmered whole.
A popular potato variety in Japan, known for its waxy texture and oval shape. Good for stews and salads.
Another common variety, starchy and round, ideal for mashed potatoes and croquettes.
Referring to prepared potato foods like fries, chips, or starch.
French fries. Often shortened to ポテト in fast-food contexts.
I'll have a hamburger and fries, please.
Potato starch, used as a thickener in cooking. Despite the name, modern is usually made from potatoes, not the katakuri plant.
Using 'potato' in idiomatic or slang expressions, such as 'couch potato' or 'small potatoes'.
Loanword for 'couch potato', meaning a lazy person who watches a lot of TV. Understood by many Japanese speakers.
I tend to become a couch potato on my days off.
For 'small potatoes' (something insignificant), Japanese uses expressions like 取るに足らない (trivial) or 大したことない (no big deal). Direct translation would not be understood.
Do not translate 'small potatoes' literally as 小さいじゃがいも.
That's small potatoes.
じゃがいも is the standard white potato, while さつまいも is sweet potato. They are not interchangeable in recipes or conversation. Using the wrong one can lead to unexpected results in cooking.
If you make potato salad with sweet potatoes, it becomes too sweet.
The word 芋 (いも) is a broad category for tubers, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, and yams. In context, it can refer to potatoes, but it's less specific. Use じゃがいも when you mean potato specifically.
I like dishes made with tubers.
新じゃがを皮ごと煮る。
Boil new potatoes with the skin on.
カレーにはメークインが合います。
May Queen potatoes go well with curry.
男爵でポテトサラダを作る。
Make potato salad using Danshaku potatoes.
Potato chips (crisps). Often abbreviated to ポテチ in casual speech.
Watch a movie while eating potato chips.
Add potato starch to thicken the sauce.