Translation guide
A small spoon used for stirring tea or measuring ingredients, or the amount it holds.
A small spoon for stirring tea or coffee.
The most common and direct translation for the utensil. Used in everyday contexts.
ティースプーンで紅茶をかき混ぜた。
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.
小さじで砂糖を入れた。
I added sugar with a teaspoon.
A unit of volume used in cooking, equal to about 5 milliliters.
The standard term for a measuring teaspoon in Japanese recipes. Often abbreviated as 小匙.
塩を小さじ1杯加えてください。
Please add one teaspoon of salt.
小さじ1は約5ミリリットルです。
One teaspoon is 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.
小さじ1杯の醤油と大さじ1杯の酒を混ぜる。
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.
ティースプーン1杯のバニラエッセンスを加える。
Add one teaspoon of vanilla essence.