Translation guide
In Japanese, 'small plate' can refer to a physical dish, a serving of food, or be part of compound words. The most common word is 小皿 (kozara).
Referring to a small dish used for serving food, often for side dishes or condiments.
The standard word for a small plate or saucer. Used in everyday contexts.
Describing a small amount of food served on a plate, often as a side dish or appetizer.
A small bowl or dish, often used for side dishes in Japanese cuisine. Can refer to the food itself.
Used in specific terms like 'license plate' or 'nameplate' where 'plate' is translated differently.
Do not translate 'small plate' as 小さい皿 (chiisai sara) in most contexts. While grammatically correct, it sounds like a description rather than the natural term 小皿 (kozara).
小皿に醤油を入れてください。
Please pour soy sauce into the small plate.
A small plate used for taking food from a shared dish. Common in family-style meals.
取り皿を取ってくれますか？
Could you pass me a small plate?
A very small plate, often decorative or used for tiny servings. Literally 'bean plate'.
この豆皿は手作りです。
This tiny plate is handmade.
小鉢が二つ付きます。
It comes with two small side dishes.
A single dish or à la carte item, often served in small portions. Used in restaurants.
一品料理をいくつか注文しましょう。
Let's order a few small plates.
License plate (vehicle). Loanword from English.
ナンバープレートを確認してください。
Please check the license plate.
Nameplate on a house or door. Not a 'small plate' in the dish sense.
表札を新しくしました。
I got a new nameplate.