Translation guide
Refers to the seasoned rice used in sushi, not just any rice served with sushi. The key is short-grain Japanese rice mixed with a vinegar-based seasoning.
The vinegared rice used as the base for sushi, typically mixed with sushi vinegar (rice vinegar, sugar, salt).
The most common and direct term for sushi rice. Literally 'vinegar rice'.
Also means sushi rice, but can sometimes refer to the rice used for sushi before seasoning, or the dish itself. Less common than 酢飯 for the seasoned rice.
Sushi chef jargon for the vinegared rice ball used in nigiri sushi. Not used in home cooking contexts.
Short-grain Japanese rice (japonica) that becomes sticky when cooked, ideal for sushi.
Rice specifically sold or designated for sushi. Often a blend or premium short-grain variety.
In English, 'sushi rice' can loosely mean the rice served with sushi, but in Japanese, 酢飯 specifically means seasoned rice. Plain steamed rice is just ご飯 (ごはん).
If you want to ask for sushi vinegar (the seasoning), say 寿司酢 (すしず). The process of mixing is called 切るように混ぜる (きるようにまぜる, 'cutting' the rice to avoid mashing).
Making sushi rice is surprisingly difficult.
This sushi rice has just the right amount of sourness.
寿司飯の炊き方にこだわっている。
I'm particular about how to cook sushi rice.
At this restaurant, the sushi rice balls are small and easy to eat.
Please buy rice for sushi.
Short-grain rice, the type used for sushi. More technical.
Short-grain rice is suitable for sushi.