Translation guide
In Japanese, 'small dish' can refer to the physical plate or bowl, a side dish served in it, or a small portion of food. The most common word is 小皿 (kozara), but other terms exist depending on context.
Referring to a physically small plate, often used for side dishes, condiments, or as an underplate.
General term for a small plate or saucer. Commonly used in everyday contexts.
小皿に醤油を入れてください。
Please pour soy sauce into a small dish.
A small plate used for taking food from a shared dish. Often used at the dining table.
取り皿を取ってもらえますか？
Could you pass me a small plate?
A very small plate, often decorative or used for tiny portions. Literally 'bean plate'.
この豆皿は手作りです。
This tiny dish is handmade.
Referring to a small bowl, typically for soup, rice, or side dishes.
A small bowl, often used for side dishes in Japanese cuisine.
小鉢に漬物を盛り付けます。
I'll put the pickles in a small bowl.
A rice bowl, typically small. Can also refer to a teacup.
Referring to a small portion of food served as a side dish, often in a small plate or bowl.
A small side dish served in a small bowl. Common in Japanese set meals.
定食には小鉢料理が二つ付いています。
The set meal comes with two small side dishes.
General term for a side dish to accompany rice. Not necessarily small, but often served in small portions.
Referring to a small container for serving condiments, sauces, or small snacks.
A small dish for condiments like wasabi, ginger, or green onions.
薬味皿にわさびをのせてください。
Please put the wasabi on the small condiment dish.
A small dish specifically for soy sauce, often used when eating sushi or sashimi.
小皿 (kozara) is a flat small plate, while 小鉢 (kobachi) is a small bowl. Use 小皿 for dry or solid items and 小鉢 for liquid or semi-liquid dishes.
小皿に漬物を盛る。
Put pickles on a small plate.
小鉢に味噌汁を入れる。
Put miso soup in a small bowl.
In a restaurant, 'small dish' might be understood as 小鉢料理 (kobachi ryōri) or 突き出し (tsukidashi, an appetizer). At home, it's usually 小皿 or 取り皿.
Please serve rice into the bowl.
What's the side dish today?
A single dish or à la carte item, often small. Used in restaurant contexts.
一品料理を追加で注文しました。
We ordered an extra small dish.
醤油皿に醤油を注いでください。
Please pour soy sauce into the soy sauce dish.