鮨
sushi, seasoned rice
Readings
On'yomi
- シ
- キ
Kun'yomi
- すし
Meaning
鮨 centers on sushi, specifically the combination of fish and seasoned rice. The meaning extends naturally to the seasoned rice itself as a key component.
Most common words using 鮨
- なれ鮨なれずし
narezushi; fermented sushi (pickled in brine rather than vinegar), precursor of modern sushi
- 大阪鮨おおさかずし
Kansai-style sushi (esp. pressed sushi, such as battera)
- 磯巻き鮨いそまきずし
makizushi comprising mackerel fillet marinated in salt and vinegar, wrapped in rice and covered in shredded kombu
- 蕪鮨かぶらずし
narezushi of amberjack and turnip (Kanazawa speciality)
- 黄身鮨きみずし
kimizushi; sushi with egg yolk instead of rice
Study
Etymology
鮨 combines 魚 (fish) with 旨 (delicious, tasty), reflecting the idea of fish prepared in a delicious way, historically referring to fermented fish with rice. The exact historical development of the character is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is a fish 魚, and the right side is 旨 (delicious). Picture a delicious piece of fish on seasoned rice: that's sushi.
Reading mnemonic
For シ, imagine a sushi chef saying 'she' makes the best sushi: 'she' -> シ, tying the sound to the delicious fish and rice.