Translation guide
The English word 'seasoning' refers broadly to substances added to food to enhance flavor. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 調味料 (ちょうみりょう), but depending on context, more specific words like 薬味 (やくみ) for condiments or 香辛料 (こうしんりょう) for spices may be used. This guide helps learners choose the right term.
Referring to any substance added to food to give flavor, such as salt, pepper, soy sauce, or miso.
The most common and general term for seasoning. It covers salt, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, miso, etc. Used in cooking and at the table.
この料理にはどんな調味料を使いますか？
What kind of seasoning do you use for this dish?
調味料は塩とこしょうだけです。
The only seasonings are salt and pepper.
Loanword from English, often used for mixed seasoning blends or Western-style seasonings. Common in product names.
このシーズニングは肉料理に合います。
This seasoning goes well with meat dishes.
Referring to strongly flavored accompaniments added in small amounts, often to Japanese dishes like sushi or soba.
Specifically refers to condiments like wasabi, grated ginger, chopped green onions, or shiso leaves. Used to add a kick or aroma.
そばに薬味をのせて食べます。
I eat soba with condiments on top.
薬味はわさびとねぎです。
The condiments are wasabi and green onion.
Referring to dried seeds, bark, or roots used for flavor, often in powdered form.
Specifically refers to spices like pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Often used in the context of curry or Western cooking.
カレーにはいろいろな香辛料が使われています。
Various spices are used in curry.
Loanword for 'spice', very common in modern Japanese, especially for Western or Indian cooking.
Referring specifically to liquid seasonings used in cooking or as a dipping sauce.
A thick, sweet soy-sauce-based seasoning used for grilling (like teriyaki) or as a dipping sauce. Often homemade.
焼き鳥にたれをつけて焼きます。
Grill the yakitori with sauce.
A light broth-based dipping sauce or soup base, used for soba, udon, or tempura.
そばつゆは少し甘いです。
The soba dipping sauce is a little sweet.
Referring to fermented pastes used as a base for soups or sauces.
Fermented soybean paste, a fundamental Japanese seasoning. Used in miso soup, marinades, and dressings.
味噌汁は日本の代表的な料理です。
Miso soup is a representative Japanese dish.
Loanword for 'paste', used for foreign seasoning pastes like gochujang or tomato paste.
調味料 is the broadest term, covering all seasonings. 薬味 refers specifically to fresh condiments like wasabi and ginger. 香辛料 is for dried spices. Use 調味料 when in doubt.
調味料を買いに行きます。
I'm going to buy some seasonings.
薬味が足りない。
We need more condiments.
香辛料の棚を見てください。
Please look at the spice shelf.
While シーズニング is understood, it often sounds like a commercial product name. In everyday cooking, 調味料 is more natural. Reserve シーズニング for Western-style mixed seasonings.
このスパイスは香りがいいですね。
This spice has a nice aroma, doesn't it?
Loanword for 'dressing', specifically for salads.
サラダにドレッシングをかけます。
I put dressing on the salad.
このペーストは韓国料理によく使われます。
This paste is often used in Korean cooking.