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.
The most common and natural word for 'recipe' in everyday Japanese. Borrowed from English, used for cooking instructions.
このレシピは簡単です。
This recipe is easy.
ネットでレシピを探す。
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.
この料理法は母から教わりました。
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.
この調理法は温度管理が重要です。
Temperature control is important in this recipe.
成功の秘訣は努力です。
The recipe for success is hard work.
General word for 'method' or 'way'. Can be used in contexts like 'recipe for disaster'.
それは災難を招く方法だ。
That's a recipe for disaster.
Sometimes used metaphorically, similar to English, but less common than 秘訣 or 方法.
幸せな結婚生活のレシピ
A recipe for a happy marriage
Standard word for a medical prescription. Not directly 'recipe', but the equivalent in medical context.
医者が処方箋を書いた。
The doctor wrote a prescription.