Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

菓子

kashi

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps 菓子 in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung 菓子 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'okashi' as a basic noun meaning 'sweets' or 'snacks.' It is one of the first food words students learn because it is used so often in daily life. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the different categories like Wagashi or Yogashi. Just remember that if you want to buy a snack at a convenience store or offer a treat to a friend, 'okashi' is the word to use. You will mostly use it with the verb 'taberu' (to eat) or 'kau' (to buy). For example: 'Okashi o tabemasu' (I eat sweets). You should also learn the polite 'o' prefix immediately, as it is the standard way to say the word in almost all situations. Think of 'okashi' as your go-to word for anything that isn't a main meal and tastes sweet or salty.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'kashi' used in more complex ways. You should understand that 'kashi' is the base word, and 'okashi' is the polite version. You will start encountering compound words like 'kashi-pan' (sweet bread) or 'kashi-ya' (sweet shop). You should also be able to use basic adjectives to describe sweets, such as 'amai okashi' (sweet treats) or 'oishii okashi' (delicious snacks). At this level, you should also be aware of the cultural context of 'omiyage' (souvenirs), which are often 'okashi.' When someone gives you a gift, they might say, 'Kore, okashi desu' (This is some sweets). You are expected to know how to respond politely. You should also be able to distinguish 'okashi' from 'oyatsu' (snack time).

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'kashi' in various social and formal settings. You will learn the distinction between 'Wagashi' (Japanese sweets) and 'Yogashi' (Western sweets) and be able to discuss your preferences between them. You should also understand the role of 'okashi' in the 'temiyage' (gift-giving) culture. For instance, you might need to choose an appropriate 'okashi' to take to a business meeting or a host's house. You will also encounter 'kashi' in written forms more often, such as on ingredients lists or in recipes. You should be able to follow simple instructions for making 'okashi.' Additionally, you'll start to hear more specific terms like 'dagashi' (cheap, nostalgic snacks) and understand the social nuance they carry.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'kashi' should include its historical and regional significance. You should know that many regions in Japan have their own 'meibutsu' (famous product) 'kashi,' and being able to talk about these shows a high level of cultural competence. You will encounter 'kashi' in more formal literature and news reports, perhaps discussing the 'seika' (confectionery) industry or the impact of sugar prices on 'kashi' production. You should be able to use the word in formal structures, such as 'kashi-seizou' (confectionery manufacturing). You will also understand the more nuanced vocabulary used in the tea ceremony, where specific types of 'kashi' (like 'omokashi' and 'higashi') are used to complement different types of tea. Your ability to describe textures (like 'mochi-mochi' or 'saku-saku') in relation to 'kashi' should also improve.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, you can discuss the philosophical and artistic aspects of 'kashi.' Traditional Japanese 'wagashi' are often considered a 'total art form' that engages all five senses, and you should be able to articulate this in Japanese. You will understand the seasonal motifs used in 'kashi' design—how a specific sweet represents a plum blossom in spring or a maple leaf in autumn. You will also be familiar with the history of sugar in Japan and how it influenced the development of 'kashi' from the Muromachi period through the Edo period. In a professional context, you might analyze marketing strategies for 'kashi' brands or discuss the health trends (like 'teitoushitsu' or low-carb) affecting the industry. Your vocabulary will include rare kanji compounds and historical terms related to confectionery.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'kashi' in all its forms. You can appreciate and analyze classical Japanese literature or poetry where 'kashi' (or its ancient precursors) is used as a metaphor or setting. You understand the deepest levels of 'omotenashi' (hospitality) involving 'kashi,' including the subtle etiquette of how to serve and consume them in highly formal settings. You can navigate technical discussions regarding the chemistry of confectionery or the complex supply chains of the global 'seika' industry. You might even be able to discuss the sociopolitical implications of 'kashi' culture, such as the role of sweets in diplomatic relations or the preservation of traditional crafts in a modern economy. Your usage is flawless, and you can switch between casual, polite, and honorific registers with ease.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

菓子 in 30 Sekunden

Kashi means sweets, candy, or snacks in Japanese.
It is usually spoken as 'okashi' for politeness.
It includes both traditional Japanese (wagashi) and Western (yogashi) treats.
Kashi is a central part of Japanese gift-giving culture.

The Japanese word 菓子 (かし - kashi) is a comprehensive term that encompasses the entire world of sweets, snacks, and confectionery. While English speakers might use the word 'sweets' or 'candy' in specific contexts, kashi acts as an umbrella term that includes everything from traditional Japanese treats to modern Western-style pastries. In daily life, you will most frequently hear it with the polite prefix 'o', as お菓子 (okashi). This word is foundational for anyone living in or visiting Japan because the culture of snacking and gift-giving revolves heavily around these items.

Broad Classification: 菓子 is generally divided into two main categories: 和菓子 (wagashi), which are traditional Japanese sweets often made from rice flour and sweet bean paste, and 洋菓子 (yogashi), which refers to Western-style confectionery like cakes, cookies, and chocolates.
Daily Consumption: It is used to describe the snacks children eat after school (oyatsu), the treats served with green tea during a formal meeting, or the items purchased at a convenience store to satisfy a late-night craving.

子供たちは菓子が大好きです。(Children love sweets.)

Historically, the word kashi originally referred to fruits and nuts, which were the 'sweets' of ancient times. As sugar production and processing techniques evolved, particularly during the Edo period, the meaning shifted to include manufactured treats. Today, when someone mentions kashi, they are rarely talking about raw fruit; they are talking about processed snacks. Whether it is a salty potato chip or a delicate sugar sculpture, it all falls under this linguistic umbrella.

この菓子は京都の名物です。(This sweet is a famous product of Kyoto.)

Social Context: In a social setting, offering okashi is a gesture of hospitality. If you visit a Japanese home, you will almost certainly be offered tea and some form of kashi.

お茶と一緒に美味しい菓子をどうぞ。(Please have some delicious sweets with your tea.)

One interesting nuance is the distinction between kashi and dezāto (dessert). While kashi can be eaten anytime, dezāto specifically refers to the sweet course served at the end of a meal. You would never call a bag of potato chips dezāto, but they are definitely kashi. Conversely, a fancy chocolate cake served after dinner is both kashi and dezāto.

スーパーで菓子をたくさん買いました。(I bought a lot of snacks at the supermarket.)

最近は、低カロリーの菓子が人気です。(Recently, low-calorie snacks are popular.)

Summary of Usage: Use kashi for anything crunchy, sweet, salty, or baked that is intended as a snack. Use okashi for better politeness in almost all spoken situations.

Using 菓子 (kashi) in a sentence is straightforward, but mastering its nuances requires understanding Japanese grammar patterns and politeness levels. Because kashi is a noun, it functions as a subject, object, or part of a compound word. The most common way to use it is as the object of a verb like 'eat' (taberu), 'buy' (kau), or 'make' (tsukuru). In these cases, the particle を (o) is used.

The Polite 'O' Prefix: In standard conversation, people almost always say お菓子 (okashi). Omitting the 'o' can sound slightly masculine, blunt, or overly clinical, as in a business inventory list or a scientific report. For learners, sticking to okashi is the safest and most natural path.

妹は毎日お菓子を作っています。(My younger sister makes sweets every day.)

When describing kashi, you can use adjectives like amai (sweet), oishii (delicious), or mezurashii (rare/unusual). You can also use the particle の (no) to create compound meanings, such as kashi no hako (a box of sweets) or kashi no shurui (types of sweets).

Counting Sweets: Japanese uses counters for clarity. For individual small items (like candies), use 個 (ko). For bags of snacks, use 袋 (fukuro). For boxes, use 箱 (hako). Example: Okashi o san-ko tabemashita (I ate three pieces of sweets).

どこの菓子が一番好きですか？(Which place's sweets do you like the best?)

In formal writing or on signs, you will often see kashi combined with other kanji. For example, 製菓 (seika) means 'confectionery manufacturing.' You might see this on the labels of major companies like Meiji or Morinaga. Understanding these compounds helps you navigate Japanese stores and menus more effectively.

この菓子は甘すぎます。(This sweet is too sweet.)

Negative Sentences: If you are on a diet or don't want any, you might say: Okashi wa tabenai you ni shite imasu (I am trying not to eat sweets).

彼は菓子を一切食べません。(He doesn't eat sweets at all.)

Finally, remember that kashi can also be used in more complex grammar structures like kashi-ya (a candy shop/confectionery store). The suffix -ya indicates a shop or the person running it. If you are looking for a place to buy high-end treats, searching for a kashi-ya or seika-ten is the way to go.

You will encounter the word 菓子 (kashi) in a vast array of real-world environments in Japan. From the bright aisles of a 7-Eleven to the quiet, refined atmosphere of a tea house in Kyoto, this word is everywhere. Understanding the context helps you choose the right variation of the word and understand the cultural weight behind it.

At the Supermarket and Konbini: In these locations, the 'kashi corner' (菓子コーナー) is usually the largest section. You will hear parents telling their children, 'Okashi wa hitotsu dake da yo!' (Only one snack!). The word here refers to mass-produced items like Pocky, KitKats, or senbei (rice crackers).

コンビニの菓子売り場はいつも賑やかです。(The snack section of the convenience store is always busy.)

Another prime location is the デパ地下 (depachika)—the basement food halls of department stores. Here, kashi is treated like art. You will hear shop staff shouting 'Irasshaimase! Oishii okashi wa ikaga desu ka?' (Welcome! How about some delicious sweets?). In this context, the word refers to expensive, beautifully wrapped gift sets intended for formal occasions.

祖父はよく駄菓子を買ってくれました。(My grandfather often bought me cheap snacks.)

In the Workplace: When a colleague returns from a business trip or vacation, they often leave a box of okashi in the breakroom. You might hear someone say, 'Sato-san kara no okashi ga arimasu yo' (There are sweets from Mr. Sato). This is a vital part of office harmony (wa).

出張のお土産に菓子を持って行きました。(I brought sweets as a souvenir from my business trip.)

In television commercials and advertisements, the word kashi is frequently paired with words like 'new product' (shin-shouhin) or 'seasonal' (kikan-gentei). Japan is famous for its limited-edition flavors (like Sakura or Matcha), and these are always marketed as special okashi. Listening to these ads is a great way to hear the word used with various persuasive adjectives.

お正月のための菓子を準備しました。(I prepared sweets for the New Year.)

Traditional Ceremonies: In a tea ceremony (sado), the sweets served are called 主菓子 (omokashi) or 干菓子 (higashi). These terms are more technical but still contain the core kanji for kashi.

While 菓子 (kashi) is a versatile word, English speakers often make specific errors when trying to map it directly to Western concepts like 'candy' or 'dessert.' Understanding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Translating 'Kashi' as only 'Candy': In English, 'candy' usually implies sugar-based hard sweets or chocolates. However, kashi includes salty snacks like potato chips and rice crackers (senbei). If you tell a Japanese person you don't like okashi, they will assume you dislike all snacks, including savory ones.

Incorrect: 飴（あめ）だけが菓子です。
Correct: ポテトチップスも菓子の一種です。(Potato chips are also a type of sweets/snack.)

Another common error is the confusion between kashi and dezāto. As mentioned before, kashi is the item itself, whereas dezāto is the timing of the consumption. You can eat kashi as dezāto, but you don't usually call a mid-afternoon snack dezāto.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the 'O': In polite Japanese society, using the prefix o- is almost mandatory for certain words, including kashi. Saying just kashi in a friend's home or a restaurant can sound cold or overly clinical. It is better to over-use the 'o' than to under-use it.

Awkward: 菓子を食べますか？
Natural: お菓子を食べますか？(Would you like some sweets?)

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Kashi' with 'Kasu': This is a pronunciation error. Kashi means sweets. Kasu (粕) means dregs, leavings, or waste. Pronouncing the 'i' clearly at the end is crucial to avoid telling someone you are eating 'trash' instead of 'treats'!

Lastly, learners sometimes use kashi when they specifically mean 'bread' (pan). While there is such a thing as kashi-pan (sweet bread like melon pan), the word kashi alone usually excludes standard bread. If you want a croissant, don't ask for kashi; ask for pan.

朝ごはんに菓子パンを食べました。(I ate sweet bread for breakfast.)

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding 菓子 (kashi), you must understand how it relates to other similar terms. Japanese has many words for treats, and choosing the right one depends on the type of food, the setting, and even the speaker's age.

スイーツ (Suītsu): Derived from the English word 'sweets,' this term has become very trendy in the last two decades. While kashi sounds traditional and broad, suītsu sounds fashionable and usually refers to Western-style desserts like high-end cakes, parfaits, or puddings. It is often used by younger people and in marketing.
おやつ (Oyatsu): This word refers to 'afternoon snacks' specifically eaten around 3:00 PM (the 'yatsu' hour in the old time-keeping system). While kashi is the food itself, oyatsu is the occasion. You can eat kashi as an oyatsu.

三時のおやつはチョコレートでした。(The 3 o'clock snack was chocolate.)

Here is a quick comparison of related terms:

デザート (Dezāto) vs. 菓子 (Kashi): Dezāto is the course at the end of a meal. Kashi is the physical item. You might have fruit as a dezāto, but fruit is not usually called kashi.
和菓子 (Wagashi) vs. 洋菓子 (Yogashi): Wagashi = Traditional Japanese (mochi, anko). Yogashi = Western style (cake, cookies). Both are kashi.

私は洋菓子よりも和菓子の方が好きです。(I like Japanese sweets more than Western sweets.)

Finally, there is 甘味 (kanmi). This literally means 'sweet taste' but is often used to refer to traditional sweets in a slightly more sophisticated or literary way. You will see kanmi-dokoro (sweet shops) in historical districts. While kashi is the everyday word, kanmi evokes a sense of tradition and elegance.

この町には有名な甘味処があります。(This town has a famous traditional sweet shop.)

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Because 'kashi' originally meant fruit, the modern word for fruit is 'kudamono' (果物), which uses the same first kanji. The shift to manufactured sweets happened as sugar became more available.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈkæʃi/

US /ˈkɑːʃi/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'kashi,' the pitch usually starts high and drops.

Reimt sich auf

hashi (bridge/chopsticks) nashi (pear) mashi (better) ushi (cow) hoshi (star) mushi (insect) kushi (comb) ashi (leg/foot)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'ka-shi' with a long 'i' like 'sheee'. Keep it short.
Confusing it with 'kasu' (trash/dregs).
Putting the stress on the wrong syllable.
Failing to pronounce the 'k' clearly.
Muttering the 'i' so it sounds like 'kash'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji 菓子 is common but requires learning the stroke order. It's often written in kana as お菓子.

Schreiben 3/5

The kanji for 'ka' (果) is easy, but 'shi' (菓) has more strokes.

Sprechen 1/5

The word is very easy to pronounce.

Hören 1/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

食べる (taberu) 買う (kau) 甘い (amai) 美味しい (oishii) お茶 (ocha)

Als Nächstes lernen

和菓子 (wagashi) 洋菓子 (yogashi) お土産 (omiyage) デザート (dezāto) 砂糖 (satou)

Fortgeschritten

製菓 (seika) 嗜好品 (shikouhin) 意匠 (ishou) 老舗 (shinise) 保存料 (hozonryou)

Wichtige Grammatik

Polite prefix 'o' (お)

お菓子 (okashi) vs 菓子 (kashi)

Counter for small objects 'ko' (個)

お菓子を二個食べました。

Nominalizing verbs with 'no' (の)

お菓子を作るのが好きです。

Adjective + Noun

甘いお菓子 (amai okashi)

Giving and Receiving verbs

友達にお菓子をあげました。

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

お菓子を食べます。

I eat sweets.

Uses the polite prefix 'o' and the object particle 'o'.

このお菓子は美味しいです。

This sweet is delicious.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure with an adjective.

お菓子を三つ買いました。

I bought three sweets.

Uses the counter 'mitsu' for small objects.

甘いお菓子が好きです。

I like sweet treats.

Uses the 'A ga suki desu' pattern.

お菓子はどこですか？

Where are the sweets?

A basic question about location.

お菓子を一つください。

Please give me one sweet.

Uses the 'A o kudasai' request pattern.

これは日本のお菓子です。

This is a Japanese sweet.

Uses the possessive particle 'no'.

お菓子をパーティーに持っていきます。

I will take sweets to the party.

Uses the 'ni motte iku' (to take) verb phrase.

母はお菓子を作るのが上手です。

My mother is good at making sweets.

Uses the nominalizer 'no' to mean 'the act of making'.

デパートでお菓子のお土産を買いました。

I bought sweets as souvenirs at the department store.

Combines 'okashi' and 'omiyage' using 'no'.

お菓子を食べすぎて、お腹が痛いです。

I ate too many sweets and my stomach hurts.

Uses the '-sugiru' (too much) grammar form.

喉が渇いたので、お菓子とお茶を飲みましょう。

Since I'm thirsty, let's have some sweets and tea.

Uses the '-shou' (let's) volitional form.

最近の菓子パンはとても種類が多いです。

There are many types of sweet breads these days.

Uses the compound word 'kashi-pan'.

子供の時、よく駄菓子屋に行きました。

When I was a child, I often went to the cheap candy shop.

Uses 'dagashi-ya' to refer to a specific type of shop.

このお菓子は、あまり甘くないです。

This sweet is not very sweet.

Uses the negative adjective form 'amaku nai'.

友達にお菓子をあげました。

I gave my friend some sweets.

Uses the 'ageru' (to give) verb.

和菓子は見た目がとても美しいです。

Japanese sweets are very beautiful in appearance.

Focuses on the specific category 'Wagashi'.

洋菓子と和菓子、どちらが好みですか？

Which do you prefer, Western sweets or Japanese sweets?

Uses the 'A to B, dochira ga...' comparison pattern.

手土産として、有名な店の菓子を持参しました。

I brought sweets from a famous shop as a gift.

Uses 'jisan' (bring) and 'temiyage' (gift).

この菓子には卵が使われていますか？

Are eggs used in this sweet?

Uses the passive voice 'tsukawarete imasu'.

ダイエット中なので、お菓子を控えています。

I'm on a diet, so I'm cutting back on sweets.

Uses 'hikaeru' (to refrain from/cut back).

彼は菓子メーカーに勤めています。

He works for a confectionery manufacturer.

Uses 'kashi meika' (confectionery maker).

地方によって、珍しいお菓子がたくさんあります。

Depending on the region, there are many unusual sweets.

Uses 'ni yotte' (depending on).

お菓子を包む紙がとても綺麗です。

The paper used to wrap the sweets is very beautiful.

Uses the relative clause 'okashi o tsutsumu kami'.

茶道において、菓子は茶の味を引き立てる役割があります。

In the tea ceremony, sweets play a role in enhancing the taste of the tea.

Uses 'ni oite' (in/at) and 'hikitateru' (enhance).

この製菓会社は、創業百年の歴史があります。

This confectionery company has a history of 100 years since its founding.

Uses 'seika gaisha' (confectionery company).

季節の移ろいを菓子で表現するのは、日本の伝統です。

Expressing the changing of the seasons through sweets is a Japanese tradition.

Uses 'utsuroi' (transition) and 'hyougen' (expression).

砂糖が貴重だった時代、菓子は贅沢品でした。

In an era when sugar was precious, sweets were a luxury item.

Uses 'kichou' (precious) and 'zeitakuhin' (luxury).

保存料を使用していないため、この菓子は賞味期限が短いです。

Because it doesn't use preservatives, this sweet has a short shelf life.

Uses 'hozonryou' (preservatives) and 'shoumi kigen' (shelf life).

その菓子職人は、繊細な技術で知られています。

That confectioner is known for their delicate skills.

Uses 'kashi shokunin' (confectioner/pastry chef).

菓子の詰め合わせを贈答品として選びました。

I chose an assortment of sweets as a gift.

Uses 'tsume-awase' (assortment) and 'zoutouhin' (gift item).

子供向けの菓子には、よくおまけが付いています。

Sweets for children often come with a small bonus toy.

Uses 'omake' (bonus/free gift).

和菓子の意匠には、古典文学の情景が盛り込まれることもあります。

The designs of Japanese sweets sometimes incorporate scenes from classical literature.

Uses 'ishou' (design) and 'morikomareru' (to be incorporated).

菓子文化の変遷を辿ると、外来文化の影響が顕著に見られます。

Tracing the transition of sweet culture, the influence of foreign cultures is clearly visible.

Uses 'hensen' (transition) and 'kencho' (remarkable/notable).

茶の湯の精神において、菓子は客への最高のもてなしの一つです。

In the spirit of Chanoyu, sweets are one of the highest forms of hospitality to a guest.

Uses 'seishin' (spirit) and 'motenashi' (hospitality).

精巧に作られた工芸菓子は、もはや食べるためのものではなく、鑑賞用です。

Elaborately crafted 'kougei-kashi' are no longer for eating, but for appreciation.

Uses 'seikou' (elaborate) and 'kanshou-you' (for appreciation).

健康志向の高まりを受け、糖質を抑えた菓子の需要が急増しています。

With the rising health consciousness, the demand for low-carb sweets is surging.

Uses 'kenkou shikou' (health consciousness) and 'kyuuzou' (surge).

その老舗菓子店は、伝統を守りつつも新たな味の探求を怠りません。

While protecting tradition, that long-established sweet shop never neglects the quest for new flavors.

Uses 'shinise' (long-established) and 'okotaranai' (to not neglect).

菓子のパッケージデザインは、消費者の購買意欲を左右する重要な要素です。

The package design of sweets is a crucial factor that influences consumer purchasing desire.

Uses 'koubai iyoku' (purchasing desire) and 'sayuu suru' (to influence).

干菓子は、水分が少ないため保存性に優れています。

Dry sweets (higashi) have excellent preservability because they have little moisture.

Uses 'hozon-sei' (preservability) and 'sugurete iru' (to be excellent).

五感の芸術と称される和菓子は、日本の美意識の結晶とも言えるでしょう。

Japanese sweets, praised as an art of the five senses, can be called the crystallization of Japanese aesthetics.

Uses 'biishiki' (aesthetic sense) and 'kesshou' (crystallization).

菓子という言葉の語源が果物にあることは、食の歴史における興味深い事実です。

The fact that the word 'kashi' originates from fruit is an interesting fact in food history.

Uses 'gogen' (etymology) and 'kyoumibukai' (deeply interesting).

贈答文化における菓子の役割は、単なる食料を超え、人間関係の潤滑油として機能しています。

The role of sweets in gift-giving culture goes beyond mere food, functioning as a lubricant for human relationships.

Uses 'junkatsuyu' (lubricant) and 'kinou suru' (to function).

文学作品において、菓子はしばしば幼少期の郷愁を呼び起こす象徴として描かれます。

In literary works, sweets are often depicted as symbols that evoke childhood nostalgia.

Uses 'kyoushuu' (nostalgia) and 'yobiokosu' (to evoke).

菓子業界におけるグローバルな原材料調達の課題は、持続可能性の観点から議論されています。

Challenges in global raw material procurement in the confectionery industry are being discussed from the perspective of sustainability.

Uses 'choutatsu' (procurement) and 'jizoku kanousei' (sustainability).

禅の思想と結びついた菓子の簡素な美しさは、余白の美を体現しています。

The simple beauty of sweets linked to Zen thought embodies the beauty of empty space.

Uses 'taigen' (embody) and 'yohaku' (margin/empty space).

菓子の製造工程における徹底した温度管理は、品質の均一性を保つために不可欠です。

Thorough temperature control in the manufacturing process of sweets is indispensable for maintaining uniformity of quality.

Uses 'fukaketsu' (indispensable) and 'kin-itsusei' (uniformity).

現代における菓子の多様化は、消費者の嗜好の細分化を如実に物語っています。

The diversification of sweets today vividly tells the story of the fragmentation of consumer preferences.

Uses 'shikou' (preferences) and 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly).

Häufige Kollokationen

お菓子を食べる

お菓子を作る

お菓子を配る

お菓子を控える

お菓子の詰め合わせ

お菓子売り場

手作りのお菓子

季節のお菓子

甘いお菓子

お菓子の家

Häufige Phrasen

お菓子は別腹

— Literally 'sweets go to a different stomach.' Used to say there is always room for dessert.

お腹いっぱいだけど、お菓子は別腹です。

三時のおやつ

— The traditional time for a mid-afternoon snack.

三時のおやつにケーキを食べました。

お菓子をねだる

— To beg or pester someone for sweets.

子供が母親にお菓子をねだっています。

お菓子の食べ過ぎ

— Eating too many sweets.

お菓子の食べ過ぎに注意してください。

お菓子のお土産

— Sweets bought as a souvenir.

お菓子のお土産をたくさん買いました。

お菓子代

— Money spent on snacks.

今月はお菓子代がかさみました。

お菓子好き

— A person who loves sweets.

彼は大のお菓子好きです。

お菓子メーカー

— A confectionery company.

有名なお菓子メーカーの新商品です。

お菓子作り

— The act/hobby of making sweets.

私の趣味はお菓子作りです。

お菓子を添える

— To serve a sweet alongside something (like tea).

お茶にお菓子を添えて出しました。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

菓子 vs 果物 (Kudamono)

Kudamono means fruit. Kashi used to mean fruit, but now means processed sweets.

菓子 vs デザート (Dezāto)

Dezāto is a meal course. Kashi is the snack itself.

菓子 vs パン (Pan)

Pan is bread. Kashi-pan is sweet bread, but regular bread is not kashi.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"菓子を折る"

— While not a common idiom, 'kashi-ori' refers to a box of sweets given as a formal gift or apology.

謝罪のために菓子折りを持って行きました。

Formal

"飴と鞭"

— Carrot and stick (literally: candy and whip). Using rewards and punishments.

教育には飴と鞭が必要です。

Neutral

"棚からぼた餅"

— A windfall or a stroke of good luck (literally: a rice ball falling from a shelf).

棚からぼた餅のような話だ。

Idiomatic

"花より団子"

— Dumplings rather than flowers. Preferring practical things over aesthetic ones.

彼女は花より団子で、食べ物の方が喜びます。

Common

"煎餅を焼く"

— To be jealous (specifically used in historical contexts, related to the sound of crackers).

彼女の成功に煎餅を焼いている。

Archaic

"芋を洗うよう"

— Extremely crowded (like washing potatoes/snacks in a tub).

プールは芋を洗うような混雑だった。

Common

"餅は餅屋"

— Leave it to the experts (literally: for mochi, go to the mochi shop).

パソコンの修理は餅は餅屋だ。

Common

"絵に描いた餅"

— Something that looks good but is useless or unattainable (literally: a painted rice cake).

その計画は絵に描いた餅に過ぎない。

Neutral

"独り占め"

— To keep something all to oneself (often used with sweets).

お菓子を独り占めしてはいけません。

Casual

"毒を食らわば皿まで"

— In for a penny, in for a pound (literally: if you eat poison, eat the plate too).

ここまで来たら、毒を食らわば皿までだ。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

菓子 vs 菓子 (kashi)

Sounds like 'kashu' (singer).

Kashi has an 'i' sound; kashu has a 'u' sound.

菓子を食べる (eat sweets) vs 歌手になる (become a singer).

菓子 vs 菓子 (kashi)

Sounds like 'kashi' (lyrics).

The kanji is different (歌詞). Context usually clears this up.

お菓子の味 (taste of sweets) vs 歌の歌詞 (lyrics of a song).

菓子 vs 菓子 (kashi)

Sounds like 'kashi' (lending/loan).

The kanji is different (貸し). Context is key.

お菓子をあげる (give sweets) vs お金の貸し借り (lending/borrowing money).

菓子 vs 菓子 (kashi)

Sounds like 'kashi' (oak tree).

The kanji is different (樫).

菓子を食べる (eat sweets) vs 樫の木 (oak tree).

菓子 vs 菓子 (kashi)

Sounds like 'kashi' (riverbank).

The kanji is different (河岸).

菓子を買う (buy sweets) vs 河岸を歩く (walk along the riverbank).

Satzmuster

A は B です

これはお菓子です。

A を食べます

お菓子を食べます。

A は B が好きです

私はお菓子が好きです。

A は B より C です

このお菓子はあのお菓子より甘いです。

A のために B をします

お土産のためにお菓子を買いました。

A と言われています

このお菓子は体に良いと言われています。

A によって B

季節によって、お菓子の種類が変わります。

A を通じて B

お菓子を通じて、日本の文化を学びました。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

和菓子 (Wagashi - Japanese sweets)

洋菓子 (Yogashi - Western sweets)

駄菓子 (Dagashi - cheap snacks)

製菓 (Seika - confectionery making)

菓子屋 (Kashiya - sweet shop)

Verben

菓子を作る (Kashi o tsukuru - to make sweets)

菓子を食べる (Kashi o taberu - to eat sweets)

Adjektive

菓子パン (Kashipan - sweet bread/pastry)

Verwandt

砂糖 (Satou - sugar)

甘い (Amai - sweet)

おやつ (Oyatsu - snack)

デザート (Dezāto - dessert)

お土産 (Omiyage - souvenir)

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely High in daily life.

Häufige Fehler

Saying 'Kashi' to a superior. → Say 'Okashi'.
Omitting the 'o' sounds blunt and impolite in formal settings.
Thinking 'kashi' only means sweet things. → Understand it includes salty snacks too.
If you say you hate 'okashi,' people will think you hate chips too.
Using 'kashi' for fruit. → Use 'kudamono'.
While 'kashi' historically meant fruit, it no longer does in modern Japanese.
Confusing 'kashi' with 'kashu'. → Clear pronunciation of 'i' vs 'u'.
You don't want to say you are eating a singer!
Calling a croissant 'okashi'. → Call it 'pan'.
Bread is generally not 'kashi' unless it's specifically 'kashi-pan'.

Tipps

Gift Wrapping

In Japan, the way 'okashi' is wrapped is often as important as the taste. Always keep the wrapping intact if giving it as a gift.

Politeness

Always add 'o' to 'kashi' when talking to teachers, bosses, or people you don't know well.

Wagashi vs Yogashi

Learning these two categories will help you navigate menus and food halls much more easily.

Complimenting

If someone gives you 'okashi,' say 'Oishisou!' right away. It shows you appreciate the gift.

Depachika

For the best 'okashi' in Japan, go to the basement of a large department store like Mitsukoshi or Isetan.

Moderation

Japanese sweets can be very high in sugar. Use the phrase 'Okashi o hikaemasu' if you are trying to be healthy.

Sharing

In an office, it's polite to offer 'okashi' to those sitting near you if you open a bag.

Origin

Remember the kanji for fruit (果) to help you remember the word for sweets (菓子).

Dagashi

Watching the anime 'Dagashi Kashi' is a fun way to learn about dozens of specific Japanese snacks.

Tea Pairing

Wagashi are designed to be eaten with bitter green tea. The sweetness of the 'kashi' balances the tea.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **CA**shier (kashi) giving you a **SHE**et (shi) of stickers with every **candy** you buy.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a colorful 'Kashi' (candy) store where everything is made of fruit (the origin of the kanji).

Word Web

Sugar Chocolate Mochi Snack Gift Tea Sweet Bakery

Herausforderung

Go to a Japanese grocery store (or online) and find three items labeled with the kanji 菓子. Write down their names.

Wortherkunft

The word 'kashi' (菓子) consists of two kanji: 'ka' (果 - fruit) and 'shi' (子 - child/small thing).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In ancient Japan, 'kashi' originally referred to fruits and nuts, which were the primary sweet foods available.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be mindful of allergies (like peanuts or eggs) when giving 'okashi' as a gift, though Japanese packaging is usually very clear.

In English, 'sweets' is more common in the UK, while 'candy' is common in the US. 'Kashi' covers both, plus savory snacks.

The 'Dagashi Kashi' manga/anime series focuses entirely on Japanese snacks. The Glico Running Man in Osaka is a symbol of a major 'kashi' company. Meiji and Morinaga are the 'Big Two' confectionery brands in Japan.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a convenience store

お菓子売り場はどこですか？
新しいお菓子がありますか？
このお菓子を一つください。
お菓子の袋を開けてください。

Visiting a friend

お菓子を持ってきました。
お菓子をどうぞ。
このお菓子、美味しいですね。
お菓子のお礼を言います。

At a workplace

お土産のお菓子です。皆さんでどうぞ。
休憩時間にお菓子を食べましょう。
お菓子を一ついただいてもいいですか？
美味しいお菓子ですね。

Baking at home

一緒にお菓子を作りましょう。
お菓子の材料を買いに行きます。
お菓子作りが趣味です。
お菓子が焼けましたよ。

Talking about health

お菓子を控えなければなりません。
お菓子の食べ過ぎは体に悪いです。
砂糖を使っていないお菓子です。
子供にお菓子をあげすぎないでください。

Gesprächseinstiege

"一番好きなお菓子は何ですか？ (What is your favorite sweet?)"

"日本のお菓子でおすすめはありますか？ (Do you have any recommendations for Japanese sweets?)"

"自分でお菓子を作ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever made sweets yourself?)"

"甘いお菓子と辛いお菓子、どちらが好きですか？ (Do you like sweet snacks or spicy snacks better?)"

"このお菓子、どこで買ったんですか？ (Where did you buy this sweet?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日食べたお菓子について書いてください。 (Write about the sweets you ate today.)

子供の頃、どんなお菓子が好きでしたか？ (What kind of sweets did you like when you were a child?)

あなたのお気に入りの和菓子を紹介してください。 (Introduce your favorite Japanese sweet.)

お菓子をプレゼントした時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory of when you gave sweets as a gift.)

お菓子作りについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion about making sweets.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'kashi' includes savory snacks like potato chips and rice crackers (senbei). It is a broad term for all snack foods.

Use 'kashi' in formal writing, reports, or when reading labels. In almost all spoken situations, 'okashi' is more natural.

In modern Japanese, no. Fruits are 'kudamono.' However, the kanji for 'kashi' literally means 'fruit child,' reflecting its history.

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets (like mochi), while Yogashi are Western-style sweets (like cake).

Sort of. 'Kashi' is the food item. 'Dezāto' is the timing (after a meal). You can eat 'kashi' as your 'dezāto.'

Yes, it is a common practice called 'temiyage' to show respect and gratitude.

Dagashi are cheap, mass-produced snacks aimed at children, often sold in nostalgic shops.

Use the counter 'ko' (一個, 二個, etc.).

It is a hybrid. It's bread, but because it's sweet, it's called 'sweet bread' (kashi-pan).

Seika is the formal term for confectionery manufacturing, often seen in company names.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen