Translation guide
The English word "spices" refers to aromatic plant substances used to flavor food. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is スパイス, a loanword from English. There is also the native term 香辛料, which is more formal and often used in written contexts. This guide covers how to talk about spices in Japanese, including common expressions and usage notes.
Referring to spices as a category of food ingredients, such as in cooking or shopping.
The most common and natural word for 'spices' in everyday Japanese. It is a loanword from English and used widely in cooking, recipes, and conversation.
このカレーにはたくさんのスパイスが使われています。
This curry uses a lot of spices.
スパイスを買いにスーパーへ行った。
I went to the supermarket to buy spices.
A more formal or technical term for spices. Often seen on product labels, in written recipes, or in discussions about food science. It can sound slightly stiff in casual conversation.
香辛料として胡椒やシナモンが使われる。
Pepper and cinnamon are used as spices.
Referring to a single type of spice, like pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
The same word スパイス can be used for a single spice. Japanese does not typically distinguish singular/plural.
このスパイスは何ですか？
What is this spice?
Metaphorical use: something that adds interest or excitement.
Just like in English, スパイス can be used metaphorically to mean something that adds flavor or excitement to life.
人生にスパイスを加える。
Add some spice to your life.
彼のジョークが会話のスパイスになった。
His jokes added spice to the conversation.
Means 'stimulus' or 'excitement'. It can be used in similar metaphorical contexts, though it is less direct than スパイス.
スパイス is the everyday word for spices, used in conversation and most recipes. 香辛料 is more formal and often appears in written contexts like ingredient lists or academic texts. Using 香辛料 in casual speech may sound overly technical.
スパイスたっぷりのカレー
A curry full of spices
香辛料の配合
Blend of spices (formal)
スパイス is a very common loanword and is fully integrated into Japanese. You can use it in any context without sounding foreign. It is often used in compound words like スパイスカレー (spice curry) or スパイスラック (spice rack).
Can also refer to a single spice, but again more formal.
この香辛料は独特の香りがある。
This spice has a unique aroma.
I want some excitement in my daily life.