Translation guide
In English, "red pepper" can refer to several different spices and vegetables. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese word depending on whether you mean the spice (cayenne/chili powder), the fresh vegetable (bell pepper), or the dried chili pepper.
You want to refer to the red powdered spice used for heat in cooking.
This is the most common term for ground red chili pepper in Japanese cooking. It refers to pure ground chili, often a mix of varieties, and is the standard red pepper spice found in Japanese kitchens.
I sprinkle red pepper on my udon.
Refers to chili powder, which may be a blend of spices (like in Tex-Mex cooking) rather than pure ground chili. Use this when you specifically mean a chili powder blend.
You mean the fresh, sweet red pepper used in salads, stir-fries, etc.
You are referring to the dried, whole red chili pepper used in many Asian cuisines.
You mean the coarsely crushed dried red pepper with seeds, often used as a condiment.
This means coarsely ground chili pepper and is the closest equivalent to red pepper flakes. It's often a mix of crushed chili and seeds.
ピーマン refers specifically to bell peppers (usually green). If you say ピーマン without color, Japanese people will think of green peppers. Always specify 赤ピーマン for red bell pepper.
一味唐辛子 is pure ground red chili pepper. 七味唐辛子 (shichimi togarashi) is a blend of seven spices including red pepper, sansho, sesame, etc. Don't confuse them when you want plain red pepper.
This is the direct loanword for cayenne pepper. It's understood, especially in international recipes, but 一味唐辛子 is more common in everyday Japanese cooking.
This recipe requires cayenne pepper.
Add chili powder to make it spicy.
This is the standard term for a red bell pepper. ピーマン alone usually refers to green bell peppers, so adding 赤 (red) specifies the ripe red variety.
I put red pepper in the salad.
パプリカ often refers to larger, sweeter bell peppers (often imported or greenhouse-grown). 赤パプリカ specifically means red bell pepper. It's common in supermarkets and recipes.
Cut the red pepper into thin strips.
This is the most common Japanese term for the small, dried red chili pepper used in cooking. It literally means "hawk's claw" and is a key ingredient in many Japanese dishes.
Slice the red pepper into rings and add to the stir-fry.
This is the general word for chili pepper. It can refer to both fresh and dried, but in context it often means the dried red pepper. It's broader than 鷹の爪.
Use dried red pepper in cooking.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes on pizza.
Some brands sell 一味唐辛子 in a coarser grind. You can specify 粗挽き to get flakes rather than fine powder.
I bought coarsely ground red pepper.