Translation guide
The word 'spice' can refer to a seasoning, something that adds excitement, or spicy heat. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a substance used to flavor food, such as pepper, cinnamon, or cumin.
The most common and direct loanword for 'spice' in the culinary sense. Used for both individual spices and spice blends.
Referring to something that adds excitement, variety, or interest to life, a story, or an event.
Referring to the sensation of heat from chili peppers or other pungent foods.
The noun for 'spiciness' or 'heat'. Use this when talking about the level of spiciness.
この料理の辛さはちょうどいい。
The spice level of this dish is just right.
A loanword from 'spicy' with the nominalizer 'sa', used to describe spiciness, often in a trendy or casual context.
In English, 'spice' is a noun, while 'spicy' is an adjective. In Japanese, スパイス is a noun. To say something is spicy, use 辛い (からい) or スパイシー (すぱいしー).
このカレーは辛い。
This curry is spicy.
スパイス is the everyday word for spices, while 香辛料 is more formal and often used in written contexts like ingredient lists. In conversation, スパイス is preferred.
Many spices are used in this curry.
A more formal or technical term for spices, often seen on ingredient labels or in cooking contexts.
香辛料を加えて風味を引き立てます。
Add spices to enhance the flavor.
Refers to condiments or garnishes with a strong flavor, like wasabi, ginger, or shichimi, often served with Japanese dishes. Not a direct translation of 'spice' but related.
うどんに薬味をのせて食べます。
I eat udon with condiments on top.
Used metaphorically, just like in English, to mean something that adds excitement or interest.
旅行は人生のスパイスだ。
Travel is the spice of life.
Literally 'to give stimulation', used to describe adding excitement or a thrill.
彼の冗談が会議に刺激を与えた。
His jokes spiced up the meeting.
Literally 'to add color', used figuratively to mean adding variety or interest to something.
彼女の存在がパーティーに彩りを添えた。
Her presence spiced up the party.
このカレーのスパイシーさがクセになる。
The spiciness of this curry is addictive.
A more precise phrase meaning 'the pungency of spices', used in formal or descriptive contexts.
香辛料の辛みが強すぎる。
The spice heat is too strong.