Translation guide
Taro is a starchy root vegetable widely eaten in Japan. The English word 'taro' refers to the plant Colocasia esculenta and its corms. In Japanese, the most common word is 里芋 (satoimo), but there are several varieties and related terms.
Referring to taro as a food or plant in everyday contexts.
The standard word for taro in Japanese. It refers to the small, round, hairy corms commonly used in cooking.
里芋の煮っころがしが大好きです。
I love simmered taro.
この里芋はとても柔らかい。
This taro is very soft.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in menus or when referring to taro in a global context. Less common than 里芋.
タロイモチップスを買った。
I bought taro chips.
Distinguishing between different types of taro available in Japan.
A variety of taro with a large central corm and smaller side corms, often eaten during New Year's celebrations for good luck.
おせち料理に八つ頭が入っています。
There is yatsugashira taro in the New Year's dishes.
A high-quality variety of taro with a curved shape and fine texture, often used in Kyoto cuisine.
海老芋の炊いたんは絶品です。
Simmered ebi-imo taro is exquisite.
A variety of taro with reddish skin, also known as 赤芽芋 (akameimo).
セレベス芋は煮崩れしにくい。
Celebes taro doesn't fall apart easily when boiled.
Referring to the taro plant itself, not just the edible corm.
The plant Colocasia esculenta. Often written in katakana in scientific contexts.
サトイモは熱帯アジア原産です。
Taro is native to tropical Asia.
In everyday conversation and cooking, 里芋 is the natural choice. タロイモ is mainly seen in written contexts or when referring to taro as a global food item, such as in taro chips or bubble tea.