香辛料
香辛料 in 30 Sekunden
- A formal Japanese noun meaning 'spice,' composed of kanji for fragrance, spiciness, and material. It covers a wide range of dried plant-based flavorings.
- Used extensively in culinary contexts, food labeling, and historical discussions regarding global trade and the exploration of new worlds.
- Distinguished from 'seasoning' (chōmiryō), which is a broader category, and 'garnish' (yakumi), which refers to fresh accompaniments served on the side.
- Essential for B1 learners to describe flavors, read ingredient lists, and understand the cultural and medicinal history of plants in Japan.
The Japanese word 香辛料 (こうしんりょう - kōshinryō) is a comprehensive term used to describe spices. To understand its full depth, we must look at the individual kanji that compose the word. Each character provides a layer of meaning that defines the essence of what a spice is in Japanese culinary and botanical thought. The first kanji, 香 (kaori), refers to fragrance or aroma. This highlights the aromatic quality of spices, which is often their most distinguishing feature. The second kanji, 辛 (karai), refers to pungency, heat, or spiciness. This indicates the flavor profile that many spices provide, such as the bite of black pepper or the heat of chili. The final kanji, 料 (ryou), means material, ingredient, or fee, categorizing the previous two attributes into a functional substance used in cooking.
- Botanical Scope
- In Japanese, 香辛料 refers to plant-based substances used to add flavor, color, or preservation to food. Unlike herbs (usually referred to as ハーブ), which often imply fresh green leaves, 香辛料 typically refers to dried parts of the plant such as seeds, bark, roots, or dried fruits.
Historically, Japan's relationship with spices was limited compared to the spice-rich cultures of Southeast Asia or India. However, the introduction of black pepper in the 8th century via the Silk Road and the later introduction of chili peppers by Portuguese traders in the 16th century (known as the Nanban trade) fundamentally shifted Japanese palates. Today, the word is used both in professional culinary settings and in everyday home cooking. When you walk into a Japanese supermarket, you will find a section labeled 香辛料 containing everything from cinnamon and nutmeg to domestic staples like powdered wasabi and shichimi togarashi.
このカレーは、二十種類以上の香辛料をブレンドして作られています。
(This curry is made by blending over twenty types of spices.)
The word is predominantly used as a noun. It is more formal and technical than the katakana loanword スパイス (supaisu). While a teenager might say "Supaisu ga kiiteiru" (The spices are working/strong), a cookbook or a food scientist would almost exclusively use 香辛料. It covers a broad range of biological functions, including appetite stimulation (食欲増進), deodorizing meat and fish (消臭効果), and preservative properties (防腐作用).
- Distinction from Seasoning
- It is crucial to distinguish 香辛料 from 調味料 (chōmiryō). While all spices are seasonings, not all seasonings are spices. 調味料 is a general term covering salt, sugar, soy sauce, and miso. 香辛料 is a specific subset focused on the aromatic and pungent plant materials.
健康のために、塩分を控えて香辛料で味に変化をつけましょう。
(For the sake of health, let's cut back on salt and use spices to add variety to the flavor.)
Using 香辛料 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common verbs it pairs with. In Japanese cuisine, spices are often described as being "effective" or "working," using the verb 効く (kiku). When you want to say a dish is well-spiced, you use the causative form 効かせる (kikaseru), meaning "to make the spices work."
- Common Verb Pairings
- 1. 香辛料を加える (kawaeru) - To add spices.
2. 香辛料を調合する (chōgō suru) - To mix/compound spices.
3. 香辛料が効いている (kiite iru) - The spices are prominent/effective.
When discussing the intensity of spices, you don't usually say the spice itself is "strong" (tsuyoi) in a literal sense as often as you say the flavor or aroma resulting from the spice is strong. However, 香辛料の香りが強い (The aroma of the spices is strong) is perfectly natural. In technical contexts, such as food manufacturing or medicine, you might discuss the 抽出物 (chūshutsubutsu) or extracts of spices.
この料理は、珍しい海外の香辛料をふんだんに使用しています。
(This dish uses rare overseas spices in abundance.)
Another important grammatical point is the use of counters. When counting types of spices, the counter 種類 (shurui) is used. For example, 三種類の香辛料 (Three types of spices). When referring to the spices as a collective group, they are treated as an uncountable mass, similar to the English word "spice" in some contexts, but more often "spices."
お好みで、さらに香辛料を足してください。
(Please add more spices to your liking.)
In the context of health and wellness, 香辛料 is frequently used in discussions about metabolism. Phrases like 香辛料で代謝を高める (Boosting metabolism with spices) are common in health magazines. Here, the particle で indicates the means or tool used to achieve the result.
- Sentence Structure Tip
- When 香辛料 acts as the subject, use the particle 'が'. When it is the object of an action (like adding or buying), use 'を'. If you are talking about the characteristics of spices, use 'は'.
中世ヨーロッパでは、香辛料は金と同じくらい価値がありました。
(In medieval Europe, spices were as valuable as gold.)
The term 香辛料 is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the supermarket. The aisle dedicated to seasonings will have a prominent sign reading 香辛料・スパイス. Here, it serves as a categorical label for bottles of pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and dried herbs.
- Television and Media
- Cooking shows (ryōri bangumi) are a prime source for hearing this word. Chefs often explain the 'secret' to their dishes by saying, "Kore wa tokubetsu na kōshinryō wo tsukatte imasu" (This uses a special spice). It adds an air of mystery and expertise to the cooking process.
In the restaurant industry, particularly in high-end establishments or those specializing in ethnic cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Sichuan Chinese, 香辛料 is used on menus to describe the complexity of the flavor profiles. You might see a description like 十数種類の香辛料を煮込んだ特製スープ (A special soup simmered with over a dozen types of spices). This phrasing emphasizes the craftsmanship and the depth of flavor.
店員:「こちらのカレーは、独自の香辛料の配合により、非常にスパイシーです。」
(Staff: This curry is very spicy due to our unique blend of spices.)
You will also hear this word in educational settings, such as history or geography classes. The "Spice Trade" is referred to as 香辛料貿易 (kōshinryō bōeki). Students learn about how the search for spices led to the Age of Discovery. In this context, the word carries a weight of historical significance, representing wealth and global exploration.
Scientific and medical discussions also utilize the term. Nutritional science talks about the 香辛料の健康効果 (health effects of spices), such as anti-inflammatory properties or digestive aid. In these settings, the word is treated as a technical classification for bioactive plant materials.
番組:「本日のテーマは、冷え性に効く香辛料の活用法です。」
(TV Program: Today's theme is how to use spices that are effective against poor circulation.)
- Product Packaging
- When buying snacks like potato chips or instant noodles, the back of the package often lists '香辛料' or '香辛料抽出物' (spice extract). It is an essential word for anyone with allergies or dietary restrictions who needs to read Japanese labels carefully.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 香辛料 is confusing it with the word for "spiciness" or "heat." In English, we might say "This dish has a lot of spice," meaning it is very hot. In Japanese, if you want to say food is hot/spicy, you use the adjective 辛い (karai) or the noun 辛味 (karami). Using 香辛料 refers only to the physical ingredients, not the sensation of heat itself.
- Mistake: Confusing Spice with Heat
- Incorrect: この料理は香辛料が強いです (Kono ryōri wa kōshinryō ga tsuyoi desu) - intending to say it is very hot.
Correct: この料理はとても辛いです (Kono ryōri wa totemo karai desu).
Another common error is the overlap with 薬味 (yakumi). Yakumi refers to condiments or garnishes like grated ginger, green onions, or wasabi when served on the side to enhance a dish (like with soba or sashimi). While some yakumi are technically spices, the word 香辛料 is generally used for dried ingredients integrated into the cooking process, while 薬味 are the fresh accompaniments on the table.
❌ 刺身に香辛料をつけます。
✅ 刺身に薬味(わさび)を添えます。
(You don't put 'kōshinryō' on sashimi; you add 'yakumi' (wasabi).)
Learners also struggle with the distinction between 香辛料 and スパイス (supaisu). While they are synonyms, 香辛料 is the formal, academic, and industrial term. Using スパイス in a formal report or a scientific context might sound too casual, whereas using 香辛料 while chatting with friends about a pizza might sound slightly stiff or overly technical.
A final mistake involves the scope of the word. Some learners include salt and sugar under 香辛料 because they are "things you add to food." However, as mentioned previously, salt and sugar are 調味料 (chōmiryō). Spices must have an aromatic or pungent quality derived from plants.
- Summary of Scope
- - 香辛料: Pepper, Cinnamon, Cumin, Turmeric (Plant-based aromatics).
- 調味料: Salt, Sugar, Vinegar, Soy Sauce (General seasonings).
- 薬味: Green onion, Ginger, Wasabi (Fresh garnishes/condiments).
To truly master the vocabulary surrounding flavor, one must understand how 香辛料 relates to its synonyms and near-synonyms. Depending on the context—whether you are in a kitchen, a laboratory, or a history classroom—the choice of word will change.
- 1. スパイス (Supaisu)
- The most common alternative. It is a katakana loanword from English. It is used in casual conversation, modern cooking blogs, and fashionable restaurant descriptions. It feels more 'modern' and 'Western' than 香辛料.
- 2. 調味料 (Chōmiryō)
- The umbrella term for all seasonings. If you aren't sure if something is a spice or just a seasoning (like salt), this is the safe word to use. It is the 'hypernym' of 香辛料.
- 3. 薬味 (Yakumi)
- Focuses on the role of the ingredient as a fresh garnish. While a spice is usually dried and cooked in, yakumi are often fresh and added at the end or served on the side. Common yakumi include shiso, myoga, and grated daikon.
In more traditional Japanese contexts, you might hear the word 香料 (kōryō). While this can mean 'spice,' it more accurately translates to 'flavoring' or 'fragrance.' It is often used for food additives or perfumes. For example, 'artificial flavoring' is 合成香料 (gōsei kōryō). It lacks the '辛' (pungency) component of 香辛料.
「このお菓子は、天然の香料のみを使用しています。」
(This sweet uses only natural flavorings.)
There is also the term 辛味 (karami), which refers specifically to the spicy component or the heat. If you are discussing the chemical heat of a pepper (like the Scoville scale), you would talk about its 辛味成分 (karami seibun) or pungent components, rather than just the 香辛料 itself.
Finally, for those interested in traditional Chinese medicine (Kampo), spices are often categorized as 生薬 (shōyaku) or crude drugs. Many spices like cinnamon (keishi) and ginger (shōkyō) have been used for centuries in Japan as medicine before they were common kitchen ingredients. In a medical context, they are viewed through their healing properties rather than just their flavor.
「シナモンは香辛料としても、漢方の生薬としても有名です。」
(Cinnamon is famous both as a spice and as a crude drug in herbal medicine.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
In the Shosoin repository in Nara, there are still peppercorns preserved from over 1,200 years ago, showing how long '香辛料' have been valued in Japan.
Aussprachehilfe
- Shortening the long vowels: saying 'koshinryo' instead of 'kōshinryō'.
- Pronouncing 'ryō' as two syllables 'ri-yo'. It should be one fluid sound.
- Misplacing the 'n' sound. It should be a nasal 'n' at the end of the second syllable.
- Confusing the pitch accent with English stress, making one syllable too loud.
- Failing to pronounce the 'sh' in 'shin' clearly.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The kanji are somewhat complex but very logical. Once you know 'kaori' and 'karai', it's easy.
Writing '辛' and '料' is manageable, but '香' has many strokes. Practice is needed.
The pronunciation is straightforward, but the long 'ō' sounds must be maintained.
Easily distinguishable in a sentence due to its distinct rhythmic structure.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Noun + を効かせる (wo kikaseru)
胡椒を効かせる (To make the pepper effective/strong).
Noun + によって (ni yotte) - Depending on
香辛料によって味が変わる (The taste changes depending on the spice).
Noun + たっぷりの (tappuri no) - Full of
香辛料たっぷりのカレー (Curry full of spices).
Noun + 抜きで (nuki de) - Without
香辛料抜きで作ってください (Please make it without spices).
Noun + 控えめ (hikaeme) - Moderate/Light
香辛料は控えめにしてください (Please go light on the spices).
Beispiele nach Niveau
これは香辛料です。
This is a spice.
Simple noun identification using 'desu'.
香辛料を買います。
I will buy spices.
Direct object with 'wo' and the verb 'kaimasu'.
香辛料はどこですか?
Where are the spices?
Asking for location using 'wa doko desu ka'.
カレーの香辛料が好きです。
I like curry spices.
Using 'no' to show possession/connection.
香辛料は辛いです。
Spices are spicy.
Describing a noun with an adjective.
これは何の香辛料ですか?
What spice is this?
Using 'nan no' to ask for the type.
香辛料がたくさんあります。
There are many spices.
Using 'takusan' to indicate quantity.
母は香辛料を使いません。
My mother doesn't use spices.
Negative form of the verb 'tsukaimasu'.
この料理には香辛料が入っています。
There are spices in this dish.
Using 'ni wa' and 'haitte imasu' for containment.
いろいろな香辛料を混ぜます。
I mix various spices.
Using 'iroiro na' as an adjective.
香辛料を入れすぎないでください。
Please don't put in too many spices.
Using the 'sugiru' (too much) construction.
香辛料のいい香りがします。
There is a nice smell of spices.
Using 'ga shimasu' for senses like smell.
スーパーで香辛料を探しています。
I am looking for spices at the supermarket.
Present continuous form 'sagashite imasu'.
香辛料は体にいいですか?
Are spices good for the body?
Asking a general question about health.
この香辛料はとても高いです。
This spice is very expensive.
Using 'totemo' with an adjective.
香辛料を使って、味を良くします。
I use spices to make the taste better.
Using the 'te' form to show means/method.
香辛料を効かせたスープは、冬にぴったりです。
Spiced soup is perfect for winter.
Using 'kikaseru' (to make effective) as a modifier.
彼は、独自の香辛料のブレンドを持っています。
He has his own unique blend of spices.
Using 'dokuju no' for 'unique/own'.
香辛料の種類によって、味が全然違います。
The taste is completely different depending on the type of spice.
Using 'ni yotte' (depending on).
肉の臭みを消すために、香辛料を使います。
We use spices to remove the smell of the meat.
Using 'tame ni' to express purpose.
このレストランは、海外から香辛料を輸入しています。
This restaurant imports spices from overseas.
Using 'kara' (from) and 'yunyū shite imasu' (importing).
香辛料を保存するときは、湿気に気をつけてください。
When storing spices, please be careful of humidity.
Using 'toki wa' to set the time/condition.
最近、香辛料の歴史について本を読みました。
Recently, I read a book about the history of spices.
Using 'ni tsuite' (about).
香辛料は、料理に深い味わいを与えます。
Spices give a deep flavor to cooking.
Using 'ataeru' (to give/provide).
香辛料の刺激が、食欲をそそります。
The stimulation from the spices whets the appetite.
Using 'shigeki' (stimulation) and 'sosoru' (to whet/arouse).
漢方薬の多くは、香辛料としても使われています。
Many herbal medicines are also used as spices.
Using 'toshite mo' (also as).
香辛料の貿易は、かつて世界経済の中心でした。
The spice trade was once the center of the world economy.
Historical context using 'katsute' (once/formerly).
香辛料を使いこなすには、長年の経験が必要です。
To master the use of spices, years of experience are necessary.
Using 'tsukaikonasu' (to master/use well).
過剰な香辛料は、素材本来の味を損なうことがあります。
Excessive spices can sometimes spoil the original taste of the ingredients.
Using 'sononau' (to damage/spoil).
香辛料に含まれる成分には、抗酸化作用があります。
The components contained in spices have antioxidant effects.
Scientific terminology like 'kōsanka sayō'.
その地域では、伝統的な香辛料の栽培が盛んです。
In that region, the cultivation of traditional spices is flourishing.
Using 'saibai ga sakan' (cultivation is flourishing).
香辛料の香りを引き出すために、油で炒めます。
To bring out the aroma of the spices, they are sautéed in oil.
Using 'hikidasu' (to pull out/bring out).
香辛料の絶妙な配合が、この一皿を芸術品に変えています。
The exquisite blend of spices transforms this dish into a work of art.
Using 'zetsumyō na' (exquisite/superb).
中世における香辛料の価値は、現代の想像を絶するものでした。
The value of spices in the Middle Ages was beyond modern imagination.
Using 'sōzō wo zessuru' (beyond imagination).
香辛料の防腐作用は、冷蔵技術が未発達だった時代には不可欠でした。
The preservative effect of spices was indispensable in an era when refrigeration technology was undeveloped.
Complex sentence with multiple clauses.
グローバル化に伴い、希少な香辛料も容易に入手できるようになりました。
With globalization, even rare spices have become easily obtainable.
Using 'ni tomonai' (along with/accompanying).
香辛料の成分分析により、その薬理効果が科学的に証明されました。
Through the component analysis of spices, their pharmacological effects have been scientifically proven.
Using 'ni yori' (through/by means of) in a formal context.
香辛料は、単なる調味料の枠を超え、文化の交流を象徴しています。
Spices transcend the framework of mere seasonings and symbolize cultural exchange.
Using 'waku wo koe' (beyond the framework/boundary).
香辛料の香気成分は、加熱温度によって劇的に変化します。
The aromatic components of spices change dramatically depending on the heating temperature.
Using 'kōki seibun' (aromatic components).
産地による香辛料の品質の差異を、プロの料理人は見逃しません。
Professional chefs do not overlook the differences in spice quality due to the place of origin.
Using 'minogashimasen' (do not overlook).
香辛料が歴史の転換点において果たした役割は、極めて多岐にわたります。
The roles that spices played at turning points in history are extremely diverse.
Using 'taki ni wataru' (diverse/wide-ranging).
香辛料の独占権を巡る紛争は、かつての列強諸国の覇権争いそのものでした。
The conflicts over spice monopolies were the very essence of the power struggles among the great powers of the past.
Using 'wo meguru' (concerning/surrounding).
香辛料に含まれるフィトケミカルの機能性については、現在も活発な研究が進められています。
Active research is still being conducted on the functionality of phytochemicals contained in spices.
Advanced scientific terminology.
香辛料の繊細な風味を損なうことなく抽出する技術は、食品工学の極致と言えます。
The technology to extract the delicate flavors of spices without damaging them can be called the pinnacle of food engineering.
Using 'kyokuchi' (pinnacle/height).
香辛料は、人類の味覚の進化と、食文化の洗練を如実に物語っています。
Spices vividly tell the story of the evolution of human taste and the refinement of food culture.
Using 'nyojitsu ni monogataru' (vividly tell/reveal).
香辛料の価格変動は、気候変動や地政学的リスクに敏感に反応します。
Fluctuations in spice prices react sensitively to climate change and geopolitical risks.
Economic and geopolitical context.
香辛料の香りの重層的な広がりが、料理に深い精神性をもたらしています。
The multi-layered spread of the spice aroma brings a deep spirituality to the cuisine.
Abstract and philosophical usage.
香辛料という概念自体が、植物と人間の共進化の産物であると言えるでしょう。
The concept of 'spice' itself can be said to be a product of the co-evolution of plants and humans.
Using 'kyō-shinka' (co-evolution).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To use spices abundantly. Often used in restaurant reviews.
香辛料をふんだんに使った贅沢なカレー。
— The mixture or blend of spices. Refers to the specific ratio used.
この店の香辛料の配合は企業秘密だ。
— Original or unique spices. Usually means a house blend.
独自の香辛料で味付けされたチキン。
— To make the spices stand out or be effective in a dish.
ピリッと香辛料を効かせた大人向けの味。
— A spice jar. A common household item.
キッチンに香辛料の瓶が並んでいる。
— Rare spices. Refers to expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.
中世ではサフランは非常に希少な香辛料だった。
— To add more spices. Used when adjusting the flavor.
味が薄いので香辛料を足しましょう。
— Spice market. Can refer to a physical place or the global trade market.
イスタンブールの香辛料の市場を訪れた。
— Spice addiction. Used figuratively for people who love very spicy food.
彼は自他共に認める香辛料中毒だ。
— The power of spices. Often refers to their health or preservation benefits.
香辛料の力で夏バテを解消する。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Karami is the sensation of heat; kōshinryō is the physical ingredient.
Yakumi are fresh garnishes; kōshinryō are usually dried spices integrated into cooking.
Kōryō is a broader term for flavorings or scents, not necessarily pungent like spices.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally to make the spice work, but figuratively to add a stimulating or interesting element to something.
彼のスピーチは、ユーモアという香辛料が利いていた。
Metaphorical— The 'spice of life.' Things that make life interesting or exciting.
旅は人生の香辛料だ。
Literary— A rare expression meaning the spices have permeated the entire dish.
じっくり煮込んで、香辛料が全体に回った。
Culinary— Describes something (like a comment or a person) that is sharp, stinging, or very effective.
彼の批判はピリリと香辛料が効いていた。
Descriptive— The Spice Road. Used in historical contexts.
香辛料の道を通って、文化が伝わった。
Historical— To sprinkle spices. Figuratively, to add finishing touches to a project.
最後にアイデアという香辛料を振りかける。
Metaphorical— To be overwhelmed by spices. Usually used when a dish has too much spice.
香辛料に溺れて、素材の味が分からない。
Critical— The magic of spices. Refers to how spices can transform a simple dish.
香辛料の魔法で、安い肉が高級料理になった。
Enthusiastic— To not spare spices. To use them generously without worrying about cost.
香辛料を惜しまずに使った本格的な料理。
Neutral— The 'baptism of spices.' Experiencing extremely spicy food for the first time.
本場の四川料理で、香辛料の洗礼を受けた。
HumorousLeicht verwechselbar
Both are added to food to change the taste.
Chōmiryō is the general category (salt, sugar, etc.), while kōshinryō is the specific category for aromatic/pungent plant parts.
塩は調味料ですが、胡椒は香辛料です。
Both are plant-based flavorings.
Herbs are usually fresh leaves; spices (kōshinryō) are usually dried seeds, bark, or roots.
バジルはハーブで、シナモンは香辛料です。
Many spices were originally used as medicine.
Kusuri is medicine for curing illness; kōshinryō is primarily for culinary flavor, though it may have health benefits.
これは薬ではなく、香辛料です。
The first kanji is the same.
Kaori is the noun for 'smell/scent'; kōshinryō is the noun for the 'spice' itself.
香辛料の良い香りがする。
The last kanji is the same and both are 'materials'.
Genryō refers to raw materials for manufacturing; kōshinryō is specifically for flavor materials in food.
香辛料はカレーの大切な原料です。
Satzmuster
[Food] + は + 香辛料 + が + あります。
このカレーは香辛料があります。
[Food] + に + 香辛料 + を + 入れます。
スープに香辛料を入れます。
香辛料 + を + 効かせた + [Noun]
香辛料を効かせた肉料理。
[Number] + 種類の + 香辛料
五種類の香辛料。
香辛料 + の + [Effect]
香辛料の消臭効果。
香辛料 + を + 独自に + 調合する
香辛料を独自に調合する。
香辛料 + に + 由来する + [Noun]
香辛料に由来する成分。
香辛料 + を + 媒介とした + [Noun]
香辛料を媒介とした文化交流。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very common in cooking, shopping, and food industry contexts.
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Using 'kōshinryō' to mean 'hot flavor'.
→
Using 'karai' or 'karami'.
Kōshinryō refers to the ingredient, not the sensation of heat.
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Including salt in 'kōshinryō'.
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Salt is 'chōmiryō'.
Spices must be plant-derived and aromatic/pungent.
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Writing '香幸料' (fragrant happiness material).
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Writing '香辛料'.
The second kanji is 'spicy' (辛), not 'happiness' (幸).
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Saying 'koshinryo' with short vowels.
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Saying 'kōshinryō'.
Long vowels are crucial for correct Japanese pronunciation.
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Using 'kōshinryō' for fresh garnishes.
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Using 'yakumi'.
Fresh toppings like green onions are called 'yakumi'.
Tipps
Use with 'kikaseru'
To say something is well-spiced, use the phrase 'kōshinryō wo kikaseru'. It makes you sound more natural.
Native Spices
Learn about 'sanshō' (Japanese pepper). It's a unique Japanese spice with a numbing effect, often used on grilled eel.
Label Reading
If you are allergic to certain spices, look for the '香辛料' label. It often covers a blend of many different spices.
The Silk Road
Remember that spices were once as valuable as gold in Japan, which explains the formal nature of the word.
Long Vowels
Don't rush the 'ryō'. The long 'o' is important for the word to be understood correctly.
Kanji Logic
Think of the kanji components: Smell + Spicy + Material. It tells you exactly what the word means.
Beyond Food
You can use 'kōshinryō' metaphorically to mean something that adds 'spice' or interest to a situation.
Metabolism
In Japan, spices are often associated with 'taisha' (metabolism) and warming the body.
Spice vs Herb
Remember: 'hābu' is usually fresh/leafy, 'kōshinryō' is usually dried/pungent.
Register
Use 'kōshinryō' when writing a recipe or a formal essay; use 'supaisu' when talking to friends.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'KO-SHIN-RYO' as: 'KO' (Fragrant) 'SHIN' (Spicy) 'RYO' (Material). It's the 'Fragrant Spicy Stuff'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a jar of spices with three labels: a nose (fragrance), a flame (spiciness), and a box of raw materials.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Go to a Japanese grocery store or look at a Japanese food label online. Try to find the word '香辛料' in the ingredient list. Write down three other words you find near it.
Wortherkunft
The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). It was formed by combining three kanji characters to describe the nature of spices when they were formally categorized in the modern era.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Fragrant and pungent material used for cooking or medicine.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Kultureller Kontext
Be aware that while many Japanese people enjoy curry, the level of 'spiciness' (karami) in Japan is generally lower than in India or Thailand. Don't assume 'kōshinryō' always means 'extremely hot'.
In English, 'spice' can mean heat or variety. In Japanese, '香辛料' is strictly the ingredient. English speakers often say 'I can't take spice,' but in Japanese, you should say '辛いものは苦手です' (I'm not good with spicy things).
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Cooking a meal
- 香辛料を足す
- 香辛料を炒める
- 香辛料のバランス
- 香辛料を控える
Shopping at a supermarket
- 香辛料売り場
- 香辛料の小瓶
- 詰め替え用香辛料
- 香辛料コーナー
Reading a food label
- 香辛料抽出物
- 香料・香辛料
- 一部に香辛料を含む
- 香辛料不使用
Dining at a restaurant
- 香辛料が効いている
- 香辛料の種類
- 独自の香辛料ブレンド
- 香辛料の刺激
Studying history
- 香辛料貿易
- 香辛料諸島
- 香辛料の価値
- 香辛料の探求
Gesprächseinstiege
"どんな香辛料が一番好きですか? (What kind of spice do you like best?)"
"家には何種類の香辛料がありますか? (How many types of spices do you have at home?)"
"香辛料をたくさん使った料理は得意ですか? (Are you good at cooking dishes that use many spices?)"
"日本の香辛料(わさびや山椒)についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about Japanese spices like wasabi and sansho?)"
"最近、珍しい香辛料を使いましたか? (Have you used any rare spices recently?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
今日食べた料理に使われていた香辛料について書いてください。 (Write about the spices used in the dish you ate today.)
あなたが一番好きな香辛料の香りと、その理由を説明してください。 (Explain your favorite spice aroma and the reason why.)
もし香辛料がこの世からなくなったら、食生活はどう変わると思いますか? (If spices disappeared from the world, how do you think our diet would change?)
自分の国で有名な香辛料と、それを使った伝統料理を紹介してください。 (Introduce a famous spice from your country and a traditional dish that uses it.)
香辛料の歴史について調べて、面白いと思ったことをメモしてください。 (Research the history of spices and note down what you found interesting.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenTechnically, yes, it can be classified as a kōshinryō because it is a pungent plant material. However, in daily life, it is almost always called a 'yakumi' when served with sushi or 'chōmiryō' when in a tube.
Black pepper (koshō) and chili pepper (tōgarashi) are the most common. Shichimi togarashi is a uniquely Japanese spice blend.
No. You should use 'karai' for the taste. 'Kōshinryō' only refers to the ingredients like the pepper itself.
No, salt is a mineral, not a plant material. It is a 'chōmiryō' (seasoning).
It is a compound of three kanji that describe its properties: fragrance (kō), pungency (shin), and material (ryō).
Traditional Japanese food (washoku) uses few spices compared to other Asian cuisines, focusing instead on dashi, soy sauce, and miso. However, modern Japanese food like curry uses many.
You can say 'kōshinryō-dana' (香辛料棚) or 'supaisu-rakku' (スパイスラック).
Yes, ginger (shōga) is one of the fundamental kōshinryō used in Japanese cooking to remove smells and add flavor.
It means 'spice extract.' You will see this often on the ingredient lists of snacks and processed foods.
'Supaisu' is more common in speaking, while 'kōshinryō' is more common in writing and formal contexts.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Translate: 'I like spices.'
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Write 'Spice' in Kanji.
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Translate: 'There are many spices.'
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Translate: 'Is this a spice?'
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Translate: 'I use spices to make curry.'
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Translate: 'Please add more spices.'
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Translate: 'Spices increase the appetite.'
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Translate: 'I am studying the history of spices.'
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Translate: 'Spices have a preservative effect.'
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Translate: 'The aroma of spices is exquisite.'
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Translate: 'This is pepper.'
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Translate: 'I bought spices yesterday.'
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Translate: 'The spices are strong in this soup.'
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Translate: 'What kind of spices do you use?'
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Translate: 'Store spices in a dry place.'
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Translate: 'He mixed ten types of spices.'
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Translate: 'Spices symbolize cultural exchange.'
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Translate: 'The spice trade changed the world economy.'
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Translate: 'Spice prices are sensitive to climate.'
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Translate: 'The multi-layered aroma of spices is deep.'
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Say: 'Kōshinryō' (Spice)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō ga suki desu' (I like spices)
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Say: 'Kore wa nan no kōshinryō desu ka?' (What spice is this?)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō wo kaimasu' (I buy spices)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō ga kiite imasu' (The spices are effective)
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Say: 'Motto kōshinryō wo irete kudasai' (Please put in more spices)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō no rekishi wa omoshiroi desu' (The history of spices is interesting)
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Say: 'Dokuju no kōshinryō burendo' (Original spice blend)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō ni wa bōfu-sayō ga arimasu' (Spices have a preservative effect)
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Say: 'Kōshinryō no zetsumyō na haigō' (Exquisite spice blend)
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Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō'
Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō wa karai'
Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō wo kuwaeru'
Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō no shigeki'
Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō no chūshutsubutsu'
Write 'Spice Trade' in Japanese.
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Listen and write: 'Kōshinryō no haigō'
Translate: 'I need spices.'
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Say: 'Kōshinryō wo kuwaemasu' (Add spices)
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Translate: 'Spices have antioxidant effects.'
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Say: 'Kōshinryō no kyō-shinka' (Co-evolution of spices)
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Write 'Kōshinryō' in Hiragana.
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Say: 'Kōshinryō wo iremasu' (I put in spices)
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Translate: 'The spices are too strong.'
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/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
香辛料 (kōshinryō) is the formal, technical term for spices. While 'スパイス' (supaisu) is common in casual talk, '香辛料' is what you will see on supermarket signs and ingredient labels. Example: このカレーには秘密の香辛料が入っています (This curry contains secret spices).
- A formal Japanese noun meaning 'spice,' composed of kanji for fragrance, spiciness, and material. It covers a wide range of dried plant-based flavorings.
- Used extensively in culinary contexts, food labeling, and historical discussions regarding global trade and the exploration of new worlds.
- Distinguished from 'seasoning' (chōmiryō), which is a broader category, and 'garnish' (yakumi), which refers to fresh accompaniments served on the side.
- Essential for B1 learners to describe flavors, read ingredient lists, and understand the cultural and medicinal history of plants in Japan.
Use with 'kikaseru'
To say something is well-spiced, use the phrase 'kōshinryō wo kikaseru'. It makes you sound more natural.
Native Spices
Learn about 'sanshō' (Japanese pepper). It's a unique Japanese spice with a numbing effect, often used on grilled eel.
Label Reading
If you are allergic to certain spices, look for the '香辛料' label. It often covers a blend of many different spices.
The Silk Road
Remember that spices were once as valuable as gold in Japan, which explains the formal nature of the word.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
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少々
B1Bitte warten Sie einen kleinen Moment. Fügen Sie dem Gericht eine kleine Prise Salz hinzu.
〜ほど
B1Es dauert etwa fünf Minuten. (It takes about five minutes.)
~ほど
B1Etwa, ungefähr; in dem Maße, dass; so sehr, dass. Beispiel: Ich bin so müde, dass ich sterben könnte. (死ぬほど疲れた). Heute ist es nicht so kalt wie gestern. (今日は昨日ほど寒くない).
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
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足す
B1Etwas hinzufügen, um eine Menge zu vervollständigen. Zum Beispiel Salz zur Suppe geben.
添加物
B1Zusatzstoff. Lebensmittelzusatzstoffe werden verwendet, um die Haltbarkeit, Farbe oder den Geschmack von Produkten zu beeinflussen.
〜てから
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~てから
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熟成させる
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