noun
candied sweet potato
A Japanese snack of deep-fried sweet potato pieces coated in a hard sugar glaze, often with sesame seeds.
大学芋は外がカリッと中がホクホクでおいしい。
Candied sweet potatoes are delicious, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
おやつに大学芋を作った。
I made candied sweet potatoes for a snack.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling, also common.
スイートポテト is a Western-style sweet potato dessert, often mashed and baked, while 大学芋 is deep-fried and coated in a hard sugar glaze.
The name 大学芋 (daigaku imo) is said to originate from the snack's popularity among university students in the early 20th century, possibly due to its affordability and high calorie content. The exact derivation is uncertain.