残り物 en 30 segundos

  • Nokorimono means leftovers from a meal.
  • It's a common word for uneaten food.
  • Used in daily conversations about meals.
  • Reflects resourcefulness and waste reduction.

The Japanese word 残り物 (nokorimono) is a noun that directly translates to 'leftovers' or 'remnants' from a meal. It refers to any food that has not been eaten and remains after a meal has concluded. This term is incredibly common in everyday Japanese life, as it's natural for meals to sometimes yield extra food. People use 残り物 in a variety of situations, from discussing what to do with food after a party or family dinner to planning what to eat for lunch the next day. It's a practical and frequently used word that reflects the mindful approach many Japanese households have towards food consumption and waste reduction. The concept of 残り物 is deeply embedded in the culture, often associated with resourcefulness and avoiding waste. For instance, a mother might pack 残り物 for her child's lunchbox, or a host might offer guests the remaining food to take home. It can also refer to the remaining part of something other than food, though its primary association is culinary. The word itself is composed of '残る' (nokoru), meaning 'to remain', and '物' (mono), meaning 'thing'. Thus, it literally means 'remaining thing', specifically in the context of food.

Usage Context
Family meals, parties, potlucks, meal planning, lunchboxes, food storage.
Nuance
Generally neutral, but can sometimes carry a slight connotation of being less fresh or appealing than a freshly prepared meal, depending on the context and the quality of the leftovers.

昨日の夕食の残り物は、お弁当に入れました。

Yesterday's dinner leftovers were put into my bento box.

この残り物、まだ食べられますか?

Can these leftovers still be eaten?

Using 残り物 (nokorimono) in sentences is quite straightforward, as it functions as a regular noun. The key is to place it in contexts where the concept of 'leftovers' naturally arises. You can use it as the subject of a sentence, the object, or in conjunction with other nouns or verbs. For example, you might talk about preparing, eating, storing, or discarding 残り物. When referring to specific types of leftovers, you can combine 残り物 with other words, such as '夕食の残り物' (yūshoku no nokorimono - dinner leftovers) or '料理の残り物' (ryōri no nokorimono - cooking leftovers). It's also common to see it used in questions about the freshness or usability of leftover food. The grammatical particles like 'が' (ga), 'は' (wa), 'を' (o), and 'の' (no) will be used naturally around 残り物 just as they would with any other noun. For instance, '残り物がたくさんある' (nokorimono ga takusan aru - there are many leftovers) or '残り物を温める' (nokorimono o atatameru - to warm up leftovers). The word is versatile and can be integrated into various sentence structures, making it an essential part of everyday conversations about food. Consider how you would discuss leftover food in English and adapt those sentence patterns to Japanese, substituting 'leftovers' with 残り物.

Subject Example
残り物は冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Object Example
明日の朝食に残り物を食べよう。
Possessive Example
これは母が作った残り物です。

この残り物、まだ食べられますか?

Can these leftovers still be eaten?

廃棄される残り物を減らす工夫をしています。

We are devising ways to reduce leftovers that would be discarded.

You will hear 残り物 (nokorimono) frequently in everyday Japanese settings. It's a staple word in households, especially during discussions about meals. Imagine a family sitting down for dinner; after everyone has eaten their fill, someone might say, 'さあ、残り物はどうしましょうか?' (Saa, nokorimono wa dō shimashō ka? - Well, what shall we do with the leftovers?). This is a common phrase to initiate the process of storing or distributing the remaining food. In more casual settings, like with friends or roommates, someone might exclaim, 'あ、この残り物、明日の朝ごはんにもってこいだね!' (A, kono nokorimono, ashita no asagohan ni motte koi da ne! - Oh, these leftovers are perfect for tomorrow's breakfast!).

At parties or gatherings, hosts often use this term when offering guests food to take home. 'どうぞ、残り物ですが、お持ち帰りください' (Dōzo, nokorimono desu ga, omochikaeri kudasai - Please, they are leftovers, but please take some home). This is a gesture of hospitality and a practical way to ensure food isn't wasted. Even in more formal situations, like discussing food management in a restaurant or catering service, the term 残り物 might be used, though perhaps with more specific technical vocabulary depending on the context. In educational settings, especially when teaching about Japanese culture or food, 残り物 is a common term used to explain meal practices and the concept of 'mottainai' (勿体無い), the regret over waste. You'll also hear it in anime and dramas, often in scenes depicting daily life, family interactions, or students packing lunches. Essentially, any situation where there's food that isn't consumed immediately is a prime opportunity to hear and use the word 残り物.

Household Conversation
Discussing what to do with extra food after a meal.
Social Gatherings
When offering guests food to take home.
Media
Commonly heard in dramas, anime, and variety shows depicting daily life.

今日の残り物、明日のお弁当にしようか。

Shall I make tomorrow's bento box with today's leftovers?

パーティーの残り物、みんなで分けて持って帰ったよ。

We divided up the party leftovers and took them home.

While 残り物 (nokorimono) is a straightforward word, learners might sometimes make mistakes in its application or understanding. One common pitfall is using it too broadly for any remaining item. Remember, 残り物 primarily refers to leftover *food*. If you're talking about leftover money or leftover time, different words would be more appropriate (e.g., 余り (amari) for money or time). Another potential confusion might arise in terms of politeness. While 残り物 itself is neutral, the context in which you offer or discuss it matters. Offering '残り物' to someone might sound a bit impolite if not phrased carefully, as it could imply you're giving them something less desirable. Phrases like '残り物ですが、召し上がりますか?' (Nokorimono desu ga, meshiagarimasu ka? - These are leftovers, would you like some?) are more polite ways to offer.

Some learners might also struggle with the nuance of freshness. While 残り物 simply means leftovers, in certain contexts, it can imply that the food is not as fresh as it once was. If you want to emphasize that the leftovers are still quite good, you might add descriptors like 'まだ新しい' (mada atarashii - still fresh) or '美味しく食べられる' (oishiku taberareru - can be eaten deliciously). Conversely, if the leftovers are clearly old or unappetizing, using 残り物 might be a polite understatement. It's also important not to confuse 残り物 with '食べ残し' (tabe nokoshi), which specifically refers to food *left on a plate* after someone has finished eating, implying it was deliberately left uneaten rather than simply being extra food from the entire meal preparation. Understanding these subtle differences will help you use 残り物 accurately and appropriately in various situations.

Misapplication
Using 残り物 for non-food items.
Politeness Nuance
Offering leftovers without polite phrasing.
Distinction from 食べ残し
Confusing general leftovers with food left on a plate.

これは残り物ではなく、わざと残したものです。

These are not leftovers; they were intentionally left.

While 残り物 (nokorimono) is the most common and general term for leftovers, there are a few related words and phrases that offer slightly different nuances or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.

食べ残し (tabe nokoshi)
This term specifically refers to food that is left on a plate after a person has finished eating. It implies that the person did not finish their portion, perhaps due to being full or not liking the food. While both 残り物 and 食べ残し refer to uneaten food, 残り物 is the general term for any food remaining from a meal preparation or serving, while 食べ残し is about individual portions left uneaten. For example, a host might offer 残り物 to guests, but no one would typically offer someone else their 食べ残し.
余り (amari)
This word means 'remainder,' 'surplus,' or 'rest.' While it can sometimes be used for food, it's more general and can apply to money, time, or other quantities. For instance, 'お釣りの余り' (otsuri no amari - leftover change) or '時間の余り' (jikan no amari - spare time). If you say '料理の余り' (ryōri no amari), it can refer to leftover food, but 残り物 is more specific and commonly used in this context. 余り often implies a quantifiable surplus.
持ち帰り (mochikaeri)
This means 'takeaway' or 'to take home.' While not a direct synonym for 残り物, it's often used in conjunction with it. For example, a restaurant might offer '持ち帰り用の残り物' (mochikaeri-yō no nokorimono - leftovers for takeaway). It describes the action or purpose related to the leftovers.
作り置き (tsukurioki)
This refers to food that is intentionally prepared in advance and stored for later consumption, like meal prepping. While these are technically 'leftovers' from the preparation time, they are usually intended to be eaten and are often fresher than typical 残り物 from a meal. It's about planned surplus rather than accidental surplus.

これは残り物ですか?それとも食べ残しですか?

Are these leftovers? Or is it food left uneaten on a plate?

この料理の余りは、明日のお弁当にしましょう。

Let's use the remainder of this dish for tomorrow's bento.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The concept of 'mottainai' (勿体無い), which expresses regret over waste, is closely associated with the careful handling and utilization of 残り物 in Japanese culture. This reflects a deep-seated respect for resources.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /noʊˈkoʊriˌmonoʊ/
US /noʊˈkoʊriˌmonoʊ/
no-KO-ri-MO-no
Rima con
mono domo komo nomo romo somo tomo yomo zomo kokoro tokoro sokoro
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r' instead of a flap.
  • Making the 'o' sounds too diphthongized (like 'oh-oo').
  • Incorrect syllable stress, making it sound unnatural.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The word itself is straightforward, but understanding its cultural context and nuances in various situations can require more advanced comprehension. Recognizing its use in proverbs or idiomatic expressions adds to the reading difficulty.

Escritura 3/5

Using '残り物' correctly in writing is generally easy, but achieving nuance and avoiding awkward phrasing, especially when discussing politeness or cultural aspects, can be challenging for learners.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation is relatively easy. The main challenge in speaking is using the word naturally in conversation and understanding its implications in different social contexts.

Escucha 3/5

Recognizing '残り物' when spoken is usually straightforward due to its common usage. However, understanding the subtle meanings conveyed by its use in context, especially in fast-paced conversations or with regional accents, can be more difficult.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

食べ物 (tabemono) - food 食事 (shokuji) - meal 冷蔵庫 (reizōko) - refrigerator 食べる (taberu) - to eat 残る (nokoru) - to remain

Aprende después

食べ残し (tabe nokoshi) - food left on a plate もったいない (mottainai) - it's a waste 作り置き (tsukurioki) - food prepared in advance 保存する (hozonsuru) - to preserve, to store

Avanzado

食品ロス (shokuhin rosu) - food loss/waste 食文化 (shoku bunka) - food culture 資源 (shigen) - resources 有効活用 (yūkō katsuyō) - effective utilization

Gramática que debes saber

Using the particle 'を' (o) as a direct object marker.

残り物温める。(Nokorimono o atatameru. - To warm up the leftovers.)

Using the particle 'が' (ga) for existence or subject.

冷蔵庫に残り物ある。(Reizōko ni nokorimono ga aru. - There are leftovers in the refrigerator.)

Using the particle 'の' (no) for possession or modification.

昨日の夕食残り物。(Kinō no yūshoku no nokorimono. - Yesterday's dinner 's leftovers.)

Using the verb '〜て済ませる' (te sumaseru) to mean 'to make do with' or 'to get by with'.

今日は残り物で済ませました。(Kyō wa nokorimono de sumasemashita. - Today, I made do with leftovers.)

Using the potential form of verbs to talk about possibility.

この残り物、まだ食べられますか?(Kono nokorimono, mada taberaremasu ka? - Can these leftovers still be eaten?)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

これ、残り物。

This is leftovers.

2

残り物、どうぞ。

Here are the leftovers, please take some.

3

残り物、冷蔵庫。

Leftovers, in the refrigerator.

4

残り物、美味しい。

The leftovers are delicious.

5

残り物、ない。

There are no leftovers.

6

残り物、温めて。

Warm up the leftovers.

7

残り物、明日。

Leftovers for tomorrow.

8

残り物、捨てる。

Throw away the leftovers.

1

昨日の残り物、まだ食べられますか?

Can yesterday's leftovers still be eaten?

2

この残り物、お弁当に入れてもいい?

Is it okay to put these leftovers in my bento box?

3

夕食の残り物を朝食にしました。

I had dinner leftovers for breakfast.

4

パーティーの残り物をみんなで分けました。

We divided the party leftovers among everyone.

5

残り物を無駄にしたくない。

I don't want to waste the leftovers.

6

冷蔵庫に残り物があります。

There are leftovers in the refrigerator.

7

残り物を温めてから食べよう。

Let's eat the leftovers after warming them up.

8

この残り物、いつまで食べられますか?

Until when can these leftovers be eaten?

1

昨日の夕食の残り物は、お弁当に入れました。

Yesterday's dinner leftovers were put into my bento box.

Subject-Object structure with a past action.

2

この残り物、まだ美味しく食べられると思いますか?

Do you think these leftovers can still be eaten deliciously?

Expressing an opinion or doubt about the quality of leftovers.

3

せっかく作った料理の残り物を捨てるのはもったいない。

It's a waste to throw away the leftovers of the meal we went to the trouble of making.

Using もったいない (mottainai) to express regret over waste.

4

大家族なので、いつも夕食の残り物が出ます。

Because it's a large family, there are always dinner leftovers.

Explaining a situation that leads to leftovers.

5

今日の残り物は、明日のお昼ご飯にしよう。

Let's make today's leftovers into tomorrow's lunch.

Planning for future meals using leftovers.

6

この残り物を活用して、何か新しい料理を作りませんか?

Why don't we utilize these leftovers to create some new dishes?

Suggesting repurposing leftovers.

7

外食で出た残り物は、持ち帰ることができます。

Leftovers from eating out can be taken home.

Discussing policies or possibilities regarding leftovers.

8

食べ残しではなく、単なる残り物です。

These are not food left on a plate, but simply leftovers.

Differentiating 残り物 from 食べ残し.

1

昨晩のパーティーで出た残り物を、朝食として皆で分け合った。

We shared the leftovers from last night's party as breakfast among everyone.

Using the 〜て form to connect actions and a more descriptive sentence structure.

2

せっかく心を込めて作った料理なのだから、できる限り残り物を減らしたい。

Since it's food made with all my heart, I want to reduce the leftovers as much as possible.

Expressing a strong desire and the reasoning behind it.

3

現代社会では、食品ロス削減のために残り物の有効活用がますます重要視されている。

In modern society, effective utilization of leftovers is increasingly emphasized to reduce food loss.

Discussing societal trends and the importance of a concept.

4

家庭によっては、残り物を翌日のお弁当や夕食に再利用するのが常識となっている。

In some households, it has become common sense to reuse leftovers for the next day's bento or dinner.

Describing common practices and cultural norms.

5

この残り物は、そのまま食べるのではなく、別の料理にアレンジすると良いだろう。

Rather than eating these leftovers as they are, it would be good to arrange them into a different dish.

Offering a suggestion or recommendation for handling leftovers.

6

外食産業においても、売れ残った食品をフードバンクに寄付するなど、残り物の問題への取り組みが進んでいる。

In the food service industry as well, efforts to address the issue of leftovers are progressing, such as donating unsold food to food banks.

Discussing industry-specific solutions to food waste.

7

子供が食べ残したものを親が食べるという光景は、昔はよく見られたが、衛生面から推奨されない場合もある。

The sight of parents eating what their children left uneaten was common in the past, but it is sometimes not recommended due to hygiene concerns.

Comparing past and present practices and highlighting potential issues.

8

残った料理を「残り物」と表現するか、「作り置き」と表現するかは、その意図によって意味合いが変わってくる。

Whether the remaining dish is expressed as 'nokorimono' or 'tsukurioki' changes the nuance depending on the intention.

Analyzing the semantic differences between related terms.

1

昨晩の祝宴で提供された豪華な料理の残り物は、翌日、参加者たちに惜しみなく分配された。

The leftovers from the luxurious meal served at last night's celebratory banquet were generously distributed among the participants the next day.

Using sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structure to describe a formal event and the handling of leftovers.

2

食品ロス削減への意識が高まる中、家庭で生じる残り物をいかに効率的に再利用するかという課題は、現代の食卓における重要なテーマとなっている。

As awareness of food loss reduction grows, the challenge of how to efficiently reuse leftovers generated at home has become an important theme on the modern dining table.

Employing abstract nouns and complex clauses to discuss a societal issue.

3

かつては「もったいない」精神から残り物を大切にする文化があったが、現代では利便性を優先するあまり、その意識が希薄になっている側面も否定できない。

In the past, there was a culture of valuing leftovers due to the 'mottainai' spirit, but it cannot be denied that in modern times, this awareness has become diluted due to the prioritization of convenience.

Contrasting historical cultural values with contemporary trends, using nuanced phrasing.

4

レストランで提供された料理の残り物を持ち帰る行為は、文化によっては歓迎されるが、日本ではまだ抵抗を感じる人も少なくない。

The act of taking home leftovers from a restaurant meal is welcomed in some cultures, but in Japan, not a few people still feel hesitant.

Discussing cultural differences and societal perceptions.

5

作り置きの料理と、単に食卓に残った残り物とでは、その保存状態や再利用の可否において明確な違いが存在する。

There exists a clear difference in the preservation state and the possibility of reuse between pre-prepared meals and simply leftover food remaining on the dining table.

Making a precise distinction between related terms using formal vocabulary.

6

子供の偏食によって生じる食べ残しは、親にとって頭の痛い問題であり、残り物として再利用するにも工夫が必要となる。

Food left uneaten due to a child's picky eating is a headache for parents, and requires ingenuity even to reuse as leftovers.

Describing a complex family issue and the challenges associated with it.

7

家庭料理における残り物の活用法は、地域や家庭の伝統によって多様であり、食文化の豊かさを示唆している。

The methods for utilizing leftovers in home cooking are diverse depending on the region and family traditions, suggesting the richness of food culture.

Connecting food practices to broader cultural concepts.

8

残された食材を無駄なく使い切るための創意工夫は、単なる節約術に留まらず、創造的な料理への挑戦でもある。

The ingenuity to use up remaining ingredients without waste is not merely a saving technique, but also a challenge for creative cooking.

Elevating a practical skill to a creative endeavor.

1

過剰な食品提供は、意図せずして大量の残り物を生み出し、それがまた新たな食品ロスへと繋がるという悪循環を内包している。

Excessive food provision implicitly contains a vicious cycle where it unintentionally generates a large amount of leftovers, which in turn leads to new food loss.

Using sophisticated abstract nouns and complex sentence structures to describe systemic issues and their consequences.

2

現代社会における食の豊かさと、それに伴う残り物の問題は、単なる食料資源の管理を超えた、倫理的・社会的な考察を必要とする。

The abundance of food in modern society and the accompanying issue of leftovers require ethical and social considerations beyond mere management of food resources.

Framing a practical issue within a broader ethical and philosophical context.

3

家庭料理における残り物の再利用は、単なる経済的な合理性のみならず、食に対する感謝の念や、食材への敬意といった文化的価値観を内包している。

The reuse of leftovers in home cooking embodies not only economic rationality but also cultural values such as gratitude for food and respect for ingredients.

Analyzing the deeper cultural and philosophical underpinnings of a common practice.

4

外食産業における残り物の処理は、衛生管理、法的規制、そして企業の社会的責任という多角的な観点から検討されるべき課題である。

The handling of leftovers in the food service industry is an issue that should be examined from multifaceted perspectives such as hygiene management, legal regulations, and corporate social responsibility.

Deconstructing a complex issue into its constituent analytical components.

5

食材の「もったいない」精神は、単に残り物を捨てることを惜しむだけでなく、食材の持つ可能性を最大限に引き出す創造的な調理法への探求を促す。

The spirit of 'mottainai' for ingredients not only entails reluctance to discard leftovers but also encourages the exploration of creative cooking methods that maximize the potential of the ingredients.

Expanding on a cultural concept to include its implications for creativity and innovation.

6

現代の都市生活における残り物の問題は、グローバルな食料供給システムとローカルな食卓との間に存在する乖離を浮き彫りにしている。

The issue of leftovers in modern urban life highlights the disconnect that exists between the global food supply system and the local dining table.

Connecting a local issue to global systems and societal structures.

7

子供たちに残り物を食べさせることに対する親の葛藤は、衛生観念、食育、そして経済的合理性の間で揺れ動く複雑な心理状態を反映している。

Parents' conflict regarding making children eat leftovers reflects a complex psychological state oscillating between hygiene consciousness, food education, and economic rationality.

Analyzing the psychological complexities behind a seemingly simple decision.

8

食文化の変遷を考察する上で、残り物をどのように扱い、再利用してきたかという歴史的変遷は、その社会の価値観や生活様式を理解する上で不可欠な要素である。

When considering the evolution of food culture, the historical changes in how leftovers have been handled and reused are indispensable elements for understanding the values and lifestyles of that society.

Positioning a specific aspect of food culture within a broader historical and anthropological framework.

Colocaciones comunes

夕食の残り物 (yūshoku no nokorimono)
料理の残り物 (ryōri no nokorimono)
残り物を温める (nokorimono o atatameru)
残り物を片付ける (nokorimono o katazukeru)
残り物を活用する (nokorimono o katsuyō suru)
残り物には福がある (nokorimono ni wa fuku ga aru)
残り物で済ませる (nokorimono de sumaseru)
残り物を捨てる (nokorimono o suteru)
残り物のおかず (nokorimono no okazu)
残り物のお味噌汁 (nokorimono no omisoshiru)

Frases Comunes

残り物、どうぞ。

— Here are the leftovers, please take some. (Often said when offering food to guests or family members.)

パーティーの残り物、どうぞ召し上がってください。

残り物で済ませる。

— To make do with leftovers; to eat leftovers for a meal.

今日は疲れているので、残り物で済ませようと思います。

残り物には福がある。

— Literally 'There is fortune in leftovers.' An idiom suggesting that leftovers can sometimes turn out to be surprisingly good or useful.

「残り物には福がある」と言うように、このカレーは翌日の方が美味しかった。

残り物を温める。

— To warm up leftovers.

冷蔵庫にある残り物を温めてください。

昨日の残り物。

— Yesterday's leftovers.

この残り物は、昨日作ったものです。

この残り物、まだ食べられますか?

— Can these leftovers still be eaten?

冷蔵庫の残り物、いつまで食べられるか確認しよう。

残り物を活用する。

— To utilize leftovers; to make good use of leftovers.

残り物を活用して、新しい料理を作るのは楽しいです。

残り物を捨てるのはもったいない。

— It's a waste to throw away leftovers.

まだ美味しく食べられる残り物を捨てるのはもったいない。

残り物のお弁当。

— A bento box made with leftovers.

昨日の残り物のお弁当を学校に持っていきました。

夕食の残り物。

— Dinner leftovers.

夕食の残り物を明日の朝食にする予定です。

Se confunde a menudo con

残り物 vs 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi)

While both refer to uneaten food, 食べ残し specifically means food left on a plate after an individual has eaten, whereas 残り物 is a more general term for any food remaining from a meal preparation.

残り物 vs 余り (amari)

Amari means 'remainder' or 'surplus' and can apply to food, but it's more general and can also refer to money, time, etc. 残り物 is more specific to food leftovers.

残り物 vs 残飯 (zanpan)

This term often implies spoiled or wasted food and carries a negative connotation, unlike the more neutral 残り物.

Modismos y expresiones

"残り物には福がある (nokorimono ni wa fuku ga aru)"

— Literally 'There is fortune in leftovers.' This proverb suggests that leftovers can sometimes be surprisingly good or useful, or that one should be grateful for what remains. It encourages resourcefulness and a positive outlook on what might seem like less desirable food.

「残り物には福がある」と言うように、この煮物は翌日の方が味が染みて美味しかった。

Proverbial, encouraging
"残り物で済ませる (nokorimono de sumaseru)"

— To make do with leftovers; to have a meal consisting only of leftovers. This phrase often implies a casual or less elaborate meal, perhaps due to lack of time, energy, or ingredients.

今日は疲れているから、夕食は残り物で済ませよう。

Colloquial, practical
"残り物を漁る (nokorimono o asaru)"

— To rummage through leftovers. This phrase can have a slightly negative connotation, implying someone is searching for something to eat among leftovers, perhaps out of hunger or desperation.

子供がお菓子箱の残り物を漁っていた。

Colloquial, can be slightly negative
"残り物をご馳走になる (nokorimono o gochisō ni naru)"

— To be treated to leftovers. This is a polite way of saying you are being offered and will eat someone else's leftovers, often in a friendly or familial context.

おばあちゃんの家に行くと、いつも残り物をご馳走になる。

Polite, familial
"残り物しか残っていない (nokorimono shika nokotte inai)"

— There are only leftovers remaining. This phrase indicates that no fresh food is available, and one must rely on what is left from previous meals.

冷蔵庫を開けたら、残り物しか残っていなかった。

Descriptive, common
"残り物をアレンジする (nokorimono o arenji suru)"

— To arrange or repurpose leftovers into a new dish. This highlights creativity and resourcefulness in dealing with leftover food.

昨日のカレーの残り物をアレンジして、ドリアを作ってみた。

Creative, practical
"残り物という名目 (nokorimono to iu meimoku)"

— Under the guise of 'leftovers.' This implies that something is being presented as leftovers, but perhaps it's actually something else, or the term is used to downplay its significance.

これは残り物という名目だが、実際はわざわざ作ってくれたものだ。

Figurative, nuanced
"残り物に目がない (nokorimono ni me ga nai)"

— To have a weakness for leftovers; to be unable to resist eating leftovers.

彼は残り物に目がないから、冷蔵庫から勝手に食べちゃうんだ。

Colloquial, descriptive
"残り物に冷たい (nokorimono ni tsumetai)"

— To be cold or indifferent to leftovers. This could mean being unwilling to eat leftovers, or not caring about them.

彼は残り物に冷たいので、いつも捨ててしまう。

Figurative, can be negative
"残り物で間に合わせる (nokorimono de ma ni awaseru)"

— To make do with leftovers; to get by using leftovers. Similar to 'nokorimono de sumaseru,' but can imply a more urgent need to make something work.

時間がないので、残り物で間に合わせるしかない。

Practical, common

Fácil de confundir

残り物 vs 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi)

Both refer to uneaten food.

残り物 (nokorimono) is general leftover food from a meal preparation. 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi) is specifically food left on an individual's plate after they have finished eating, often implying they didn't want to eat it.

夕食の<strong>残り物</strong>は冷蔵庫に入れたが、子供の<strong>食べ残し</strong>は捨てるしかなかった。(Yūshoku no <strong>nokorimono</strong> wa reizōko ni ireta ga, kodomo no <strong>tabe nokoshi</strong> wa suteru shika nakatta. - I put the dinner <strong>leftovers</strong> in the fridge, but I had no choice but to throw away the child's <strong>uneaten food from their plate</strong>.)

残り物 vs 余り (amari)

Both can refer to something left over.

余り (amari) is a general term for 'remainder' or 'surplus' and can apply to non-food items like money or time. 残り物 (nokorimono) specifically refers to leftover *food* from a meal.

この料理の<strong>余り</strong>は明日の弁当にしよう。(Kono ryōri no <strong>amari</strong> wa ashita no bentō ni shiyō. - Let's use the <strong>remainder</strong> of this dish for tomorrow's bento. - Here, <strong>残り物</strong> could also be used and might be more common.)

残り物 vs 作り置き (tsukurioki)

Both involve food prepared in advance.

作り置き (tsukurioki) refers to food intentionally prepared ahead of time and stored for later consumption (meal prep). 残り物 (nokorimono) refers to food that is left over from a meal that has already been served and partially consumed.

週末に<strong>作り置き</strong>のおかずをいくつか作っておくと、平日の食事の準備が楽だ。昨日の夕食の<strong>残り物</strong>は、明日の朝食にしよう。(Shūmatsu ni <strong>tsukurioki</strong> no okazu o ikutsuka tsukutte oku to, heijitsu no shokuji no junbi ga raku da. Kinō no yūshoku no <strong>nokorimono</strong> wa, ashita no chōshoku ni shiyō. - Making a few <strong>pre-prepared dishes</strong> on the weekend makes meal prep easier on weekdays. Let's make yesterday's dinner <strong>leftovers</strong> for tomorrow's breakfast.)

残り物 vs 残飯 (zanpan)

Both refer to uneaten food.

残り物 (nokorimono) is a neutral term for leftovers. 残飯 (zanpan) often carries a negative connotation, implying spoiled, wasted, or unappetizing food.

<strong>残り物</strong>を捨てるのはもったいないが、<strong>残飯</strong>は衛生上問題がある。(<strong>Nokorimono</strong> o suteru no wa mottainai ga, <strong>zanpan</strong> wa eisei-jō mondai ga aru. - It's a waste to throw away <strong>leftovers</strong>, but <strong>scraps/spoiled food</strong> are a hygiene problem.)

残り物 vs 遺物 (ibutsu)

Both involve the concept of 'remains'.

遺物 (ibutsu) refers to historical relics or artifacts, the remains of the past. It is never used for food. 残り物 (nokorimono) specifically refers to leftover food.

遺跡から発見された<strong>遺物</strong>は、当時の生活を知る手がかりとなる。昨日の夕食の<strong>残り物</strong>は、冷蔵庫にしまっておこう。(Iseki kara hakken sareta <strong>ibutsu</strong> wa, tōji no seikatsu o shiru tegakari to naru. Kinō no yūshoku no <strong>nokorimono</strong> wa, reizōko ni shimatte okō. - The <strong>relics</strong> discovered from the ruins serve as clues to understanding life at that time. Let's store yesterday's dinner <strong>leftovers</strong> in the refrigerator.)

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Noun + の + 残り物

昨日の<strong>残り物</strong>。

A1

残り物 + Verb

残り物、<strong>食べる</strong>。

A2

残り物 + を + Verb

残り物<strong>を</strong>温める。

A2

Noun + の + 残り物 + は + Adjective

昨日の残り物<strong>は</strong>美味しい。

B1

Noun + の + 残り物 + を + Verb

夕食<strong>の残り物</strong>を朝食<strong>にしました</strong>。

B1

残り物 + を + 活用する

残り物<strong>を活用して</strong>、新しい料理を作ります。

B2

Noun + で + 残り物 + で + 済ませる

今日は<strong>残り物で済ませました</strong>。

C1

〜こと + は + 残り物 + の + 問題 + である

家庭で生じる残り物の問題は、現代の食卓における重要なテーマである。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

残り物 (nokorimono)
残 (nokori) - remainder, rest

Verbos

残る (nokoru) - to remain, to be left

Relacionado

食べ残し (tabe nokoshi)
余り (amari)
残飯 (zanpan)
作り置き (tsukurioki)
もったいない (mottainai)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very High

Errores comunes
  • Using 残り物 for non-food items. Use 残り物 only for food leftovers.

    While '物 (mono)' means 'thing,' the combination '残り物 (nokorimono)' specifically refers to leftover food. For other remainders, use words like 余り (amari) or 残余 (zanyo).

  • Confusing 残り物 with 食べ残し. 残り物 = general leftovers; 食べ残し = food left on a plate.

    残り物 refers to any food remaining from a meal's preparation. 食べ残し is specifically food left on an individual's plate after they've eaten.

  • Offering leftovers impolitely. Use polite phrasing when offering leftovers to someone you don't know well.

    Saying '残り物です' (It's leftovers) directly can sound abrupt. A more polite approach is '残り物ですが、召し上がりますか?' (Nokorimono desu ga, meshiagarimasu ka? - These are leftovers, would you like some?).

  • Pronouncing 'r' as a hard English 'r'. Pronounce the 'r' sound as a flap, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.

    The Japanese 'r' sound is not the same as the English 'r'. It's a quick flap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, making the pronunciation of 残り物 more accurate.

  • Using 残り物 when referring to intentionally prepared food for later. Use 作り置き (tsukurioki) for food prepared in advance.

    残り物 implies food that was left over after a meal. If the food was intentionally prepared and stored for future consumption (meal prep), 作り置き is the more appropriate term.

Consejos

Visual Association

Picture a refrigerator with a label saying 'Nokorimono' or imagine a plate with a small amount of delicious food left, representing 'leftovers.' Associating the word with a strong visual can aid recall.

Sentence Building

Try to create sentences using 残り物 in different scenarios: 'I ate leftovers for breakfast.' 'We need to store the leftovers.' 'Don't waste the leftovers!' This active practice solidifies understanding.

Embrace 'Mottainai'

Understand the Japanese concept of 'mottainai' (勿体無い), which is about regretting waste. This cultural value is closely linked to the careful handling and utilization of 残り物, making it more than just 'leftovers' but a symbol of resourcefulness.

Syllable Stress

Pay attention to the syllable stress in 残り物 (no-KO-ri-MO-no). Stressing the correct syllables will make your pronunciation sound more natural to native speakers.

Distinguish Similar Terms

Be aware of words like 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi) and 余り (amari). Knowing the subtle differences helps you use 残り物 accurately and avoid confusion.

Listen in Context

When watching Japanese shows or listening to conversations, actively listen for 残り物. Notice how it's used in different situations and by different speakers to grasp its full range of meaning.

Use in Different Grammatical Structures

Practice using 残り物 as a subject, object, or in phrases like '〜で済ませる' (to make do with) or '〜を活用する' (to utilize). This variety in sentence structure will improve your writing fluency.

Break Down the Word

Understanding that 残り物 (nokorimono) comes from '残る' (to remain) and '物' (thing) helps solidify its meaning. It literally means 'remaining thing,' specifically food.

Hospitality and Leftovers

In some contexts, offering leftovers can be a gesture of hospitality. However, be mindful of politeness. Phrases like '残り物ですが、どうぞ' (Nokorimono desu ga, dōzo) are a polite way to offer.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a 'rock' (like 'mono' in the word) sitting on a table, 'no core' (like 'nokori') of the food left. This 'rock' is the leftover food, the 残り物.

Asociación visual

Picture a plate with a small amount of delicious food left on it, perhaps with a little arrow pointing to it and the word 'Leftovers' written next to it. Or, visualize a refrigerator with a label 'Nokorimono' on it.

Word Web

Food Meal Leftovers Dinner Lunch Kitchen Refrigerator Waste Reduction

Desafío

Try to describe a scenario where you have 残り物. For example, 'I have 残り物 from last night's dinner. I plan to eat it for lunch tomorrow. I will warm up the 残り物 before eating.' Use the word 残り物 at least three times in your description.

Origen de la palabra

The word 残り物 (nokorimono) is formed by combining the verb stem '残る' (nokoru), meaning 'to remain' or 'to be left,' with the noun '物' (mono), meaning 'thing.' The 'i' in 'nokori' is the connective particle linking the verb stem to the noun.

Significado original: Literally 'remaining thing,' specifically in the context of food.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

When offering 残り物 to someone else, especially outside of close family, it's polite to phrase it carefully, acknowledging that it is indeed leftovers. Phrases like '残り物ですが、召し上がりますか?' (Nokorimono desu ga, meshiagarimasu ka? - These are leftovers, would you like some?) are appropriate.

In English-speaking cultures, 'leftovers' are common, but the cultural emphasis on minimizing waste might be less pronounced compared to Japan's 'mottainai' concept. While people do eat leftovers, the cultural 'value' attached might differ.

The concept of 'mottainai' is often discussed in relation to Japanese culture and its emphasis on avoiding waste, which directly applies to the handling of 残り物. Many Japanese anime and dramas depict characters packing 残り物 into their lunchboxes or discussing what to do with them, illustrating its everyday relevance. Discussions about food security and sustainability in Japan often highlight the importance of utilizing 残り物 effectively.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Discussing what to eat for the next meal.

  • 昨日の残り物があるよ。
  • この残り物、明日のお弁当にしよう。
  • 残り物で済ませようか。

After a meal or party, dealing with extra food.

  • さあ、残り物はどうしましょうか?
  • 残り物は冷蔵庫に入れてください。
  • パーティーの残り物、お持ち帰りください。

In a family setting, planning meals.

  • 今日の残り物、まだ食べられる?
  • 残り物で何か作れないかな?
  • 残り物を無駄にしたくないね。

At a restaurant or someone's home, when food is offered or discussed.

  • 残り物ですが、召し上がりますか?
  • この残り物、美味しいですね。
  • 残った料理は持ち帰れますか?

Talking about food waste and sustainability.

  • 残り物を減らす工夫をしています。
  • 残り物を活用することは大切だ。
  • 食品ロス削減のために、残り物を大切にしよう。

Inicios de conversación

"What did you have for dinner last night? Were there any leftovers?"

"Do you usually eat leftovers for lunch the next day?"

"What's your favorite way to use up leftovers?"

"Is it common in your culture to offer leftovers to guests?"

"How do you feel about food waste? Do you try to minimize leftovers?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time you made a delicious meal out of leftovers. What was it?

Write about your family's habits regarding leftovers. Do you always eat them, or do you often throw them away?

Imagine you are hosting a party. How would you handle the leftovers afterwards?

Reflect on the concept of 'mottainai' and how it might influence your approach to food and leftovers.

Write a short story where leftovers play a central role in the plot.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

The most common and general term for 'leftovers' in Japanese is 残り物 (nokorimono). It's used in everyday conversations about food that remains after a meal.

Yes, there is a difference. 残り物 (nokorimono) refers to any food remaining from a meal's preparation or serving. 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi) specifically refers to food left on an individual's plate after they have finished eating, often implying it was deliberately left uneaten.

Primarily, 残り物 (nokorimono) refers to leftover food. While the component '物 (mono)' means 'thing,' when combined with '残り (nokori),' it strongly implies food. For other types of remainders, words like '余り (amari)' or '残余 (zanyo)' are more appropriate.

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Offering leftovers to close family or friends is common. However, when offering to someone less familiar, it's polite to phrase it carefully, such as '残り物ですが、召し上がりますか?' (Nokorimono desu ga, meshiagarimasu ka? - These are leftovers, would you like some?).

This proverb literally translates to 'There is fortune in leftovers.' It suggests that leftovers can sometimes be surprisingly delicious or useful, or it encourages gratitude and resourcefulness by not wasting food. It implies that what remains might bring unexpected good things.

Japanese culture often emphasizes minimizing waste due to the concept of 'mottainai.' Therefore, leftovers are commonly utilized by eating them the next day (especially for lunch), incorporating them into new dishes, or offering them to others. This reflects a mindful approach to food consumption.

Yes, besides 残り物 (nokorimono), you might encounter 食べ残し (tabe nokoshi - food left on a plate), 余り (amari - remainder/surplus), and 作り置き (tsukurioki - food prepared in advance).

Use 余り (amari) when referring to a general surplus or remainder of something that isn't necessarily food, like 'change' (お釣りの余り) or 'spare time' (時間の余り). While '料理の余り' can be understood as leftover food, 残り物 is the more common and specific term for food leftovers.

The cultural significance is tied to the concept of 'mottainai' (勿体無い), which expresses regret over waste. This leads to a strong emphasis on utilizing leftovers efficiently, showing respect for food, resources, and the environment. It's a practice that reflects mindful consumption and resourcefulness.

You would say '残り物を温める (nokorimono o atatameru).' For example, '残り物を温めてください。(Nokorimono o atatame te kudasai.)' which means 'Please warm up the leftovers.'

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