Translation guide
The English word 'recipe' can refer to cooking instructions, a method for achieving something, or a medical prescription. This guide focuses on the most common meaning: cooking instructions.
A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of ingredients required.
I found a great recipe for chocolate cake. · Can you share the recipe? · This recipe serves four people.
A formula or procedure for doing or attaining something, often used figuratively.
Means 'secret' or 'key' to success. Often used in phrases like 'recipe for success'.
A doctor's written order for the preparation and administration of a medicine. (Note: This meaning is archaic in modern English, but may appear in historical contexts.)
In Japanese, レシピ is only used for cooking. For medical prescriptions, use 処方箋 (しょほうせん). Using レシピ in a medical context would be confusing.
This recipe is easy.
I look for recipes online.
Literally 'cooking method'. More formal or technical than レシピ. Can refer to a recipe or a cooking technique.
I learned this recipe from my mother.
Similar to 料理法, but more focused on the technical process of cooking. Often used in professional or scientific contexts.
Temperature control is important in this recipe.
The recipe for success is hard work.
General word for 'method' or 'way'. Can be used in contexts like 'recipe for disaster'.
That's a recipe for disaster.
Sometimes used metaphorically, similar to English, but less common than 秘訣 or 方法.
A recipe for a happy marriage
Standard word for a medical prescription. Not directly 'recipe', but the equivalent in medical context.
The doctor wrote a prescription.