also: しのぜん
expression, noun
fourth tray (of food)
Refers to the fourth tray in a traditional multi-tray Japanese meal setting, often in formal kaiseki or banquet contexts.
懐石料理では、四の膳には焼き物が出されることが多い。
In kaiseki cuisine, grilled dishes are often served on the fourth tray.
Second tray.
Third tray.
Standard kanji form; reading よのぜん is the most common.
Less common reading for the same kanji form.
Alternate kanji form using 与 instead of 四; same reading.
Compound of 四 (four) + の (possessive particle) + 膳 (tray). The reading よ is the native Japanese number, while し is the Sino-Japanese reading; よのぜん is more common.