Translation guide
A small spoon used for stirring tea or measuring ingredients, or the amount it holds.
teaspoon (utensil)
teaspoon (measurement)
The most common and direct translation for the utensil. Used in everyday contexts.
I stirred my tea with a teaspoon.
Literally 'small spoon'. Can refer to the utensil, but more commonly used for the measuring spoon (see next meaning). When used for the utensil, it may sound slightly old-fashioned or formal.
I added sugar with a teaspoon.
A unit of volume used in cooking, equal to about 5 milliliters.
小さじ (teaspoon) is 5 ml, while 大さじ (tablespoon) is 15 ml. In Japanese recipes, these are standard measurements. Be careful not to confuse them.
Mix one teaspoon of soy sauce and one tablespoon of sake.
Sometimes used for the measurement in casual contexts, but 小さじ is more precise and common in recipes.
Add one teaspoon of vanilla essence.