At the A1 level, you should know that **お皿 (osara)** means 'plate'. You use it to talk about basic things in the kitchen or on the table. You will mostly use it with simple verbs like 'wash' (araimasu) or 'put' (okimasu). You should also learn that we add 'o' to the beginning to be polite. For example, 'Osara desu' (It is a plate). At this stage, don't worry too much about the different types of plates, just focus on identifying the object and using the general counter 'hitotsu' if you forget the specific one, though 'ichimai' is better. This word is essential for basic survival Japanese when eating out or helping at home.
At the A2 level, you begin to use **お皿 (osara)** in more complex sentences. You should be comfortable using the counter **枚 (mai)** (e.g., 'osara wo ni-mai kudasai'). You will also learn compound words like **取り皿 (torizara)** for sharing plates at a restaurant. You can describe the plate using adjectives like 'kirei' (beautiful), 'ookii' (big), or 'chiisai' (small). You should also be able to understand instructions like 'Osara wo narabete' (Line up the plates). At this level, you start to distinguish 'osara' (flat) from 'chawan' (bowl), which is a common point of confusion for beginners.
At the B1 level, you use **お皿 (osara)** in a wider variety of social and domestic contexts. You can discuss materials (ceramic, plastic, glass) and specific purposes (microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe). You might use the word in the context of chores, like **皿洗い (sara-arai)**, and talk about your daily routines. You are also expected to use appropriate honorifics when speaking to staff in a shop or restaurant. You might encounter the word in simple stories or news articles about Japanese crafts (traditional pottery). Your ability to use 'osara' correctly with particles like 'de' (made of) or 'ni' (put onto) should be solid.
At the B2 level, you understand the cultural significance of **お皿 (osara)** in Japanese 'Washoku' (traditional cuisine). You can explain why different plates are used for different seasons or types of food. You are familiar with regional pottery styles like Arita-yaki or Bizen-yaki and can use 'osara' in discussions about art and craftsmanship. You also understand more complex grammar, such as the passive voice (e.g., 'Osara ga kowasareta' - The plate was broken by someone) or the causative (e.g., 'Kodomo ni osara wo arawaseta' - I made the child wash the dishes). You can also handle more specialized vocabulary like 'mamezara' (tiny plates).
At the C1 level, you can use **お皿 (osara)** and related terms in nuanced, professional, or academic discussions. You might discuss the history of ceramic trade in Japan or the aesthetic principles of 'wabi-sabi' as applied to flawed or repaired plates (**Kintsugi**). You understand the metaphorical uses of related words like **器 (utsuwa)** (caliber/capacity) and can distinguish between them in literary contexts. You can follow complex instructions or lectures about pottery techniques. Your usage of honorifics (Keigo) when discussing high-end tableware in a business or formal setting is flawless.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of **お皿 (osara)** in all its forms. You can appreciate and analyze classical literature or folklore where plates play a symbolic role (like the ghost story of Okiku). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the intersection of utility and beauty in Japanese household objects. You are aware of archaic or highly specialized terms for various types of historical vessels. You can switch effortlessly between casual slang and the most formal registers of Japanese when discussing anything from a simple kitchen plate to a national treasure ceramic piece.

お皿 30 सेकंड में

  • Osara means 'plate' or 'dish' in Japanese.
  • It uses the honorific 'o' and the kanji 'sara'.
  • Counted with the suffix '-mai' for flat objects.
  • Distinguished from bowls (chawan) and used for food presentation.

The Japanese word お皿 (osara) is a fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it refers to a plate or a dish—specifically a flat or shallow vessel used for serving or eating food. The word consists of the kanji 皿 (sara), which is a pictograph representing a shallow dish with a rim, and the honorific prefix お (o). In Japanese culture, adding 'o' to everyday objects often softens the tone and adds a layer of politeness or refinement, reflecting the respect shown toward household items and the act of dining.

Core Definition
A flat, typically circular or rectangular vessel made of ceramic, glass, or plastic, used for holding food during a meal.
Cultural Nuance
In Japan, the presentation of food is as important as the taste. Osara come in various shapes and sizes, each intended for specific types of seasonal dishes, reflecting the 'Washoku' (traditional Japanese cuisine) philosophy.

テーブルの上にお皿を並べてください。(Teeburu no ue ni osara wo narabete kudasai.)

Translation: Please arrange the plates on the table.

You will use this word in almost every dining context, from asking for an extra plate at a restaurant (取り皿 - torizara) to discussing household chores like washing the dishes (皿洗い - sara-arai). Unlike English, where 'dish' can sometimes refer to the food itself (e.g., 'a delicious dish'), in Japanese, osara almost exclusively refers to the physical container. If you want to talk about the food preparation, you would use 'ryouri' (料理).

Historically, Japanese plates evolved from simple earthenware to sophisticated porcelain. Regions like Saga (Arita-yaki) and Ishikawa (Kutani-yaki) are famous for their unique styles of osara. When you visit a Japanese home, you might notice that plates are rarely part of a uniform set; instead, a variety of colors and patterns are used to complement the colors of the food and the current season. This makes the word osara a gateway into understanding Japanese aesthetics and the concept of 'beauty in utility'.

このお皿はとてもきれいです。(Kono osara wa totemo kirei desu.)

Translation: This plate is very beautiful.

In a metaphorical sense, sara can appear in various expressions. For instance, the phrase 'sara wo mawasu' (turning a plate) is sometimes used in modern slang for DJing, though this is quite specific. More commonly, you'll hear it in the context of 'sara-arai' (dishwashing), a chore that is universal. Understanding the nuances of osara involves recognizing that it is not just a tool, but a canvas for the culinary arts in Japan.

Usage Note
While 'sara' is the noun, 'osara' is the standard polite way to refer to them in daily conversation. Omitting the 'o' can sound slightly blunt or masculine in casual settings, but it is common in technical or compound words.

Finally, consider the size variations. A large platter is an 'oozara', a medium plate is a 'chuuzara', and the tiny plates used for soy sauce or side dishes are 'kozara' or 'mamezara' (literally 'bean plates'). This categorization shows how central the osara is to the Japanese dining experience, where multiple small dishes are served rather than one large heap of food on a single plate.

Using お皿 (osara) in sentences requires an understanding of basic Japanese particles and the specific counters associated with flat objects. Because it is a concrete noun, it frequently acts as the object of a verb (using the particle を) or the subject of a description (using は or が).

Direct Object (Particle を)
Use 'wo' when you are doing something to the plate, such as washing, breaking, or moving it.

夕食の後で、お皿を洗いました。(Yuushoku no ato de, osara wo araimashita.)

Translation: I washed the plates after dinner.

When counting plates, you must use the counter 枚 (mai). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to saying 'two plates'. In Japanese, the number and counter usually come after the noun and particle, or immediately before the verb.

In a restaurant setting, you might need a 'sharing plate'. This is called a 取り皿 (torizara). Learning this specific compound is incredibly useful for social dining in Japan (Izakaya style), where dishes are shared among the group.

すみません、取り分け用のお皿を三枚いただけますか?(Sumimasen, toriwake-you no osara wo san-mai itadakemasu ka?)

Translation: Excuse me, could we have three plates for sharing?
Descriptive Sentences (Particle は/が)
Use 'wa' or 'ga' when describing the state or quality of the plate.

If you accidentally break a plate, which is a common scenario in language textbooks, you use the verb 'waru' (to break something intentionally/actively) or 'wareru' (to be broken/passive). For example: 'Osara wo watte shimaimashita' (I've gone and broken the plate).

このお皿は電子レンジで使えますか?(Kono osara wa denshi renji de tsukaemasu ka?)

Translation: Is this plate microwave-safe?

Finally, consider the material. You can describe what the plate is made of using the particle 'de'. 'Purasuchikku no osara' (plastic plate) or 'Touki no osara' (ceramic plate). This adds precision to your speech and helps in shopping or kitchen contexts.

The word お皿 (osara) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life. You will hear it most frequently in three main environments: the home, restaurants, and retail stores. In each setting, the word carries slightly different connotations and is paired with specific verbs and honorifics.

At Home (家庭 - Katei)
Parents often ask children to help with 'sara-arai' (washing dishes) or 'sara-dashi' (taking out plates). It's a core part of household vocabulary.

「太郎、お皿を運ぶのを手伝って!」(Tarou, osara wo hakobu no wo tetsudatte!)

Translation: Taro, help me carry the plates!

In a restaurant, particularly a Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) shop, osara is the central unit of the experience. The price of your meal is often calculated by counting the number and color of the plates on your table. You'll hear staff say 'Osara wo o-kazoe shimasu' (I will count your plates).

空いたお皿をお下げしてもよろしいですか?(Aita osara wo osage shite mo yoroshii desu ka?)

Translation: May I take away your empty plates?

You will also hear this word in department stores (Depaato) or interior shops like Nitori or Muji. Sales clerks will use very formal language (Keigo) when discussing the quality of the ceramic or the origin of the design. They might refer to a set as an 'osara no setto' or use the term 'shokki' (tableware) as a broader category.

Another interesting place you'll hear it is in Japanese folklore or ghost stories. The most famous is 'Banchō Sarayashiki', the story of Okiku, a servant girl who was killed and thrown into a well after being accused of losing one plate from a precious set of ten. Her ghost is said to count the plates every night: 'Hitotsu... futatsu...' (one, two...). This shows that even in ancient legends, osara were valued possessions.

Modern Media
In anime and drama, characters often bond over 'sara-arai' (washing dishes together), which is depicted as a moment of domestic intimacy or quiet reflection.

Whether you are ordering at a ramen shop and needing a side plate for your gyoza, or buying a souvenir in Kyoto, 'osara' is a word that bridges the gap between basic survival and high art. It is a word you will not only hear but use almost every single day if you live in Japan.

While お皿 (osara) is a simple noun, English speakers often make several common errors involving its usage, counters, and distinctions from other types of dishes. Avoiding these will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Osara' with 'Chawan'
In English, 'dish' or 'plate' is sometimes used loosely for bowls. In Japanese, 'osara' is strictly for flat or shallow items. For rice bowls or soup bowls, you must use 茶碗 (chawan) or 椀 (wan).

❌ ご飯をお皿に入れてください。(Gohan wo osara ni irete kudasai.)

✅ ご飯をお茶碗に入れてください。(Gohan wo ochawan ni irete kudasai.)

Note: Rice belongs in a bowl (chawan), not a flat plate (osara).

Another major mistake is using the wrong counter. English speakers tend to use 'hitotsu, futatsu' (the general counter) for everything. While understandable, it sounds childish. For plates, always use 'ichimai, nimai'.

A subtle mistake involves the honorific 'o'. While it is optional, omitting it (just saying 'sara') can sometimes sound a bit rough or overly clinical. In most social situations, 'osara' is the safer, more natural choice. However, in compound words like 'sara-arai' (dishwashing), you don't add the 'o' to the beginning of the whole word (don't say 'o-sara-arai').

Mistake 2: Using 'Osara' to mean 'The Meal'
In English, we say 'This is a great dish' to mean the food is good. In Japanese, if you say 'Kore wa ii osara desu', you are complimenting the physical ceramic plate, not the chef's cooking!

Finally, be careful with the verb 'to wash'. While 'osara wo arau' is correct, many learners forget that 'sara-arai' is the noun for the act itself. Also, when plates are 'done' (meaning the meal is finished), we don't say the plates are 'finished'; we say they are 'empty' (aita osara) or 'finished eating' (tabe-owatta).

❌ このお皿は美味しいです。(Kono osara wa oishii desu.)

✅ この料理は美味しいです。(Kono ryouri wa oishii desu.)

Translation: The food is delicious (don't eat the plate!).

By keeping these distinctions in mind—physicality, counters, and honorifics—you will avoid the most common pitfalls and speak about dining with the same elegance that Japanese culture brings to the table.

While お皿 (osara) is the general term for a plate, Japanese has a rich vocabulary for different types of vessels. Choosing the right one shows a higher level of fluency and cultural awareness.

食器 (Shokki)
This is the general term for 'tableware' or 'cutlery'. It includes plates, bowls, spoons, and forks. Use this when talking about the category as a whole.
プレート (Pureeto)
The katakana version of 'plate'. This is often used for Western-style plates or 'one-plate' meals (wan-pureeto) where several items are served on one large dish.
小皿 (Kozara)
Literally 'small plate'. Essential in Japan for side dishes, soy sauce, or 'pickles' (tsukemono).

醤油を入れるために、小皿を貸してください。(Shouyu wo ireru tame ni, kozara wo kashite kudasai.)

Translation: Please lend me a small plate for the soy sauce.

For deeper vessels, we move away from 'sara'. A 鉢 (hachi) is a deep bowl or basin, often used for salads or stewed dishes (nimono). A 丼 (donburi) is a large, deep bowl specifically for rice dishes topped with meat or fish.

In formal or poetic contexts, you might see 器 (utsuwa). This word refers to a container or vessel but is often used metaphorically to describe a person's 'capacity' or 'caliber'. For example, 'Kare wa utsuwa ga ookii' means 'He is a big-hearted/capable person'. You wouldn't use 'osara' for this metaphor!

彼はリーダーとしてのがある。(Kare wa riidaa to shite no utsuwa ga aru.)

Translation: He has the caliber to be a leader.

Finally, in modern casual Japanese, people might use 'disshu' (dish), but it's much less common than 'osara' or 'pureeto'. Stick with 'osara' for 90% of your needs, but learn 'kozara' and 'torizara' for restaurant situations, and 'shokki' for general household talk. This variety allows you to be specific and culturally accurate in any dining scenario.

How Formal Is It?

रोचक तथ्य

The kanji for 'plate' (皿) is also a radical in other kanji related to vessels or containers, such as 盆 (bon - tray) and 盗 (tou - steal, which originally depicted someone salivating over a dish!).

उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका

UK əʊ.sæ.rə
US oʊ.sɑː.rə
Flat pitch (Heiban) in standard Japanese. The pitch does not rise or fall significantly.
तुकबंदी
Kara (from) Nara (city) Tara (cod) Bara (rose) Hara (stomach) Kura (warehouse) Tera (temple) Sora (sky)
आम गलतियाँ
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (keep it short and flapped).
  • Elongating the 'o' too much.
  • Putting stress on the wrong syllable.
  • Forgetting the honorific 'o' in polite company.
  • Confusing the pitch with 'sara' (meaning 'new').

कठिनाई स्तर

पठन 2/5

The kanji is simple and looks like the object it represents.

लिखना 2/5

Only 5 strokes, very easy to memorize.

बोलना 1/5

Simple pronunciation, though the 'r' requires practice.

श्रवण 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in context.

आगे क्या सीखें

पूर्वापेक्षाएँ

食べる (To eat) 料理 (Food/Cooking) テーブル (Table) 洗う (To wash) お茶碗 (Rice bowl)

आगे सीखें

コップ (Cup) 箸 (Chopsticks) スプーン (Spoon) フォーク (Fork) 冷蔵庫 (Refrigerator)

उन्नत

陶芸 (Pottery) 釉薬 (Glaze) 金継ぎ (Kintsugi) 懐石料理 (Kaiseki cuisine) 工芸品 (Crafts)

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Counters for flat objects (枚 - mai)

お皿を五枚買いました。

Honorific Prefix 'o'

お皿、お箸、お茶。

Te-shimau (Accidental action)

お皿を割ってしまいました。

Nominalization with 'no'

お皿を洗うのは大変です。

Particle 'de' for materials

ガラスのお皿で食べています。

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

これはお皿です。

This is a plate.

Simple identification using 'kore wa ... desu'.

2

お皿を洗います。

I wash the plates.

Verb 'arau' (to wash) in polite form.

3

青いお皿が好きです。

I like blue plates.

Using 'suki' (to like) with the object particle 'ga'.

4

お皿が一つあります。

There is one plate.

Using the general counter 'hitotsu'.

5

お皿をください。

Please give me a plate.

Requesting an object using 'wo kudasai'.

6

お皿はどこですか?

Where is the plate?

Asking for location using 'doko desu ka'.

7

きれいなお皿ですね。

It's a beautiful plate, isn't it?

Using 'ne' for agreement/confirmation.

8

お皿を置いてください。

Please put the plate down.

Using the 'te' form for a request.

1

お皿を二枚出してください。

Please take out two plates.

Using the specific counter 'mai' for flat objects.

2

取り皿をもう一枚お願いします。

One more sharing plate, please.

Using 'torizara' (sharing plate) and 'mou ichimai' (one more).

3

お皿を割ってしまいました。

I accidentally broke the plate.

Using 'te shimau' to express regret for an accidental action.

4

テーブルにお皿を並べましょう。

Let's arrange the plates on the table.

Using the volitional form 'mashou' (let's).

5

このお皿はプラスチック製です。

This plate is made of plastic.

Describing material using 'sei' (made of).

6

お皿にケーキをのせます。

I put the cake on the plate.

Using the particle 'ni' for the destination of the action.

7

大きなお皿にサラダを盛りました。

I served salad on a large plate.

Using 'moru' (to heap/serve food).

8

お皿を洗うのは誰ですか?

Who is the one washing the plates?

Using the nominalizer 'no' to turn a verb into a noun phrase.

1

このお皿は電子レンジで使っても大丈夫ですか?

Is it okay to use this plate in the microwave?

Asking for permission/safety using 'te mo daijoubu desu ka'.

2

食洗機に対応しているお皿を買いたいです。

I want to buy plates that are dishwasher-safe.

Using 'tai' (want to) and 'taiou' (compatible/safe).

3

お皿を洗うのが面倒くさいです。

Washing dishes is a hassle.

Using 'mendokusai' (bothersome) with a nominalized verb.

4

母はお皿のコレクションを大切にしています。

My mother treasures her plate collection.

Using 'taisetsu ni suru' (to treasure/take care of).

5

引越しのお祝いで、お皿のセットをもらいました。

I received a set of plates as a housewarming gift.

Using 'morau' (to receive) and 'oiwai' (celebration/gift).

6

このお皿は手洗いしてください。

Please hand-wash this plate.

Specific instruction for care.

7

お皿に残ったソースをパンで拭き取った。

I wiped off the sauce remaining on the plate with bread.

Using 'nokotta' (remaining) as a relative clause.

8

パーティーのために使い捨てのお皿を準備した。

I prepared disposable plates for the party.

Using 'tsukaishute' (disposable).

1

料理の色に合わせてお皿を選ぶのは楽しいです。

It's fun to choose plates that match the color of the food.

Using 'ni awasete' (in accordance with/matching).

2

このお皿は有田焼で、非常に価値があるものです。

This plate is Arita ware and is extremely valuable.

Identifying a specific regional craft style.

3

お皿が割れないように、丁寧に梱包してください。

Please pack it carefully so that the plate doesn't break.

Using 'nai you ni' (so that ... not).

4

回転寿司では、お皿の色で値段が決まります。

At conveyor belt sushi, the price is determined by the color of the plate.

Explaining a cultural/commercial system.

5

お皿を落として、粉々に砕けてしまった。

I dropped the plate, and it shattered into pieces.

Using 'konagona ni' (into pieces/shatters).

6

和食では、季節感をお皿で表現することが重要です。

In Japanese cuisine, it is important to express the season through the plates.

Discussing cultural concepts like 'seasonality'.

7

そのアンティークのお皿には、細かいひびが入っている。

That antique plate has fine cracks in it.

Using 'hibi ga hairu' (to get cracks).

8

お皿を洗う手間を省くために、ラップを敷いた。

I put plastic wrap down to save the trouble of washing the plates.

Using 'tema wo habuku' (to save trouble/effort).

1

金継ぎという技法で、割れたお皿を修復した。

I repaired the broken plate using a technique called Kintsugi.

Referring to a specific traditional art form.

2

このお皿の文様は、江戸時代の伝統的なデザインです。

The pattern on this plate is a traditional design from the Edo period.

Discussing historical design elements.

3

陶芸教室で、自分だけのお皿を自作した。

I made my own unique plate at a pottery class.

Using 'jisaku' (self-made).

4

鑑賞用のお皿なので、実際に食事には使いません。

It's a plate for display, so we don't actually use it for meals.

Using 'kanshou-you' (for viewing/appreciation).

5

お皿の表面に施された釉薬が、独特の光沢を放っている。

The glaze applied to the surface of the plate emits a unique luster.

Using technical vocabulary like 'yuuyaku' (glaze).

6

不揃いなお皿が並ぶ様子に、わびさびの美しさを感じる。

In the sight of mismatched plates lined up, I feel the beauty of wabi-sabi.

Expressing abstract aesthetic concepts.

7

魯山人の作品とされるそのお皿は、数千万円の価値がある。

That plate, said to be a work of Rosanjin, is worth tens of millions of yen.

Referring to famous historical figures/artists.

8

お皿の縁が欠けてしまったが、愛着があるので捨てられない。

The rim of the plate is chipped, but I'm attached to it, so I can't throw it away.

Using 'aichaku' (emotional attachment).

1

番町皿屋敷のお菊の幽霊が、夜な夜な九枚のお皿を数える。

The ghost of Okiku from the Banchō Sarayashiki counts nine plates night after night.

Referring to classical folklore.

2

料理の余白を活かすことで、お皿がキャンバスのように見える。

By utilizing the negative space of the food, the plate looks like a canvas.

Using 'yohaku' (negative space/margin).

3

お皿の肌触りや重みも、食事の体験を構成する重要な要素だ。

The texture and weight of the plate are also important elements that constitute the dining experience.

Discussing sensory integration in dining.

4

このお皿は、土の温かみを感じさせる素朴な風合いが魅力だ。

The charm of this plate lies in its rustic texture that makes one feel the warmth of the earth.

Using descriptive terms like 'fuuai' (texture/appearance).

5

かつてお皿は権力の象徴として、外交の場でも贈答された。

In the past, plates were given as gifts in diplomatic settings as a symbol of power.

Discussing historical political contexts.

6

お皿一枚にも、職人の魂と数千年の伝統が息づいている。

In even a single plate, the soul of the craftsman and thousands of years of tradition live on.

Using metaphorical/poetic language.

7

そのお皿に盛られた料理は、まるで一幅の絵画のようであった。

The food served on that plate was just like a single scroll painting.

Using similes and literary expressions.

8

お皿の裏に刻まれた銘が、その真贋を証明している。

The inscription carved on the back of the plate proves its authenticity.

Using specialized terms like 'mei' (signature) and 'shingan' (authenticity).

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

お皿を洗う
お皿を並べる
お皿を割る
お皿を下げる
お皿を重ねる
お皿に盛る
お皿を拭く
お皿を出す
お皿を片付ける
お皿を数える

सामान्य वाक्यांश

取り皿をください

— Used to ask for a small plate to share food. Extremely common in restaurants.

すみません、取り皿を二枚ください。(Excuse me, two sharing plates please.)

お皿洗い

— The act of washing dishes. Refers to the chore.

今日はお皿洗いの当番です。(It's my turn to wash the dishes today.)

空いたお皿

— Empty plates. Usually used when asking to clear the table.

空いたお皿をお下げします。(I'll take the empty plates.)

一皿いくら

— How much per plate. Common in pricing contexts like sushi.

このお店は一皿百円です。(This shop is 100 yen per plate.)

お皿セット

— A set of plates. Often given as gifts.

結婚祝いで五枚のお皿セットをもらった。(Received a 5-plate set as a wedding gift.)

お皿の縁

— The rim or edge of the plate.

お皿の縁が少し欠けている。(The rim of the plate is slightly chipped.)

お皿を回す

— To spin plates. Used literally or for DJing.

彼はDJとしてお皿を回している。(He is spinning plates as a DJ.)

お皿をなめる

— To lick the plate. Usually implies the food was very good.

お皿をなめるほど美味しかった。(It was so good I almost licked the plate.)

割れないお皿

— Unbreakable plates. Usually plastic or silicone.

子供には割れないお皿を使わせる。(Make children use unbreakable plates.)

お皿に取る

— To take food onto one's plate from a shared platter.

好きな分だけお皿に取ってください。(Please take as much as you like onto your plate.)

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

お皿 vs 茶碗 (Chawan)

English speakers use 'dish' for both, but Japanese distinguishes flat 'osara' from deep 'chawan'.

お皿 vs 更 (Sara)

A different kanji meaning 'further' or 'again', pronounced the same.

お皿 vs 新 (Sara)

Slang for 'brand new', often pronounced 'sara-pin' or just 'sara'.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"皿まで舐める"

— To lick even the plate. To eat everything greedily because it's delicious.

彼はそのカレーを皿まで舐めるように食べた。

Informal
"皿を回す"

— Modern slang for DJing (spinning vinyl records).

週末はクラブで皿を回しています。

Slang
"皿を割る"

— Sometimes used metaphorically for making a mistake in a domestic setting.

新婚早々、皿を割るような喧嘩をした。

Literary
"お皿の上の鯉"

— A carp on a cutting board (or plate). To be in a situation where one is helpless.

今の私はまな板(皿)の上の鯉だ。

Idiomatic
"皿の数"

— Referring to the number of courses or the scale of a feast.

皿の数が多いほど豪華な食事だ。

Neutral
"皿を洗う"

— Can be a humble way to describe working in a kitchen (starting from the bottom).

彼は皿洗いから始めて、今は一流のシェフだ。

Neutral
"皿に盛る"

— Metaphorically, to present a situation or facts in a certain way.

事実を美しく皿に盛って話す。

Literary
"皿の底まで"

— To the very bottom of the dish. Completely.

皿の底まで見通すように調べた。

Poetic
"皿が一枚足りない"

— A reference to the ghost story 'Okiku', implying something is missing or ominous.

この家は何かがおかしい。皿が一枚足りないような気分だ。

Cultural
"皿を並べる"

— To prepare for a guest or a big event.

心待ちにしていた客のために皿を並べる。

Neutral

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

お皿 vs 鉢 (Hachi)

Both hold food.

Osara is flat; Hachi is a deep bowl or basin for salads/stews.

サラダは大鉢に入れましょう。

お皿 vs トレー (Toree)

Both are flat.

Toree is a tray used for carrying multiple items, not usually for eating off directly.

トレーにお皿をのせる。

お皿 vs お椀 (Owan)

Both are vessels.

Owan is specifically a wooden/lacquer bowl for miso soup.

お椀に味噌汁を入れる。

お皿 vs 皿 (Sara) vs 料理 (Ryouri)

English 'dish' covers both.

Osara is the container; Ryouri is the food itself.

この料理はお皿が美しい。

お皿 vs 皿 (Sara) vs プレート (Pureeto)

Synonyms.

Osara is traditional/general; Pureeto is modern/Western style.

朝食のプレート。

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

A1

[Noun] wa osara desu.

Kore wa osara desu.

A1

Osara wo [Verb].

Osara wo araimasu.

A2

Osara wo [Number] mai [Verb].

Osara wo ni-mai kudasai.

A2

Osara ni [Food] wo noseru.

Osara ni piza wo noseru.

B1

Osara wo [Verb] no wa [Adjective] desu.

Osara wo arau no wa mendou desu.

B1

[Material] no osara.

Touki no osara ga hoshii desu.

B2

Osara wo [Verb] you ni suru.

Osara wo waranai you ni suru.

C1

Osara ni [Abstract Noun] wo kanjiru.

Osara ni dentou wo kanjiru.

शब्द परिवार

संज्ञा

皿 (Sara - Plate)
小皿 (Kozara - Small plate)
大皿 (Oozara - Large plate)
取り皿 (Torizara - Sharing plate)
皿洗い (Sara-arai - Dishwashing)

क्रिया

皿を洗う (Sara wo arau - To wash plates)
皿を割る (Sara wo waru - To break plates)

विशेषण

皿状の (Sarajou no - Plate-shaped)

संबंधित

食器 (Shokki - Tableware)
陶器 (Touki - Ceramics)
磁器 (Jiki - Porcelain)
茶碗 (Chawan - Bowl)
箸 (Hashi - Chopsticks)

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

frequency

Extremely High (Daily usage)

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Using 'hitotsu' instead of 'ichimai'. Osara wo ichimai.

    While 'hitotsu' is a general counter, 'mai' is the specific and correct counter for flat objects like plates.

  • Saying 'Osara ga oishii'. Ryouri ga oishii.

    This literally means 'the plate is delicious'. You should compliment the 'ryouri' (food) instead.

  • Calling a rice bowl 'osara'. O-chawan.

    Japanese distinguishes between flat plates (osara) and deep bowls (chawan).

  • Adding 'o' to 'sara-arai'. Sara-arai.

    In compound words, the honorific 'o' is often dropped. 'O-sara-arai' sounds unnatural.

  • Using 'osara' for a tray. Toree / Bon.

    A tray used for carrying is a 'toree' or 'o-bon', not an 'osara'.

सुझाव

Master the Counter

Always use 'mai' for plates. If you use 'hitotsu', people will understand, but you'll sound much more fluent if you use the correct counter.

Seasonality

In Japan, the plate is part of the season. Use light colors for spring and dark, heavy textures for winter.

Handling Plates

It is common to lift small plates (kozara) to your mouth when eating, but large plates (oozara) should stay on the table.

Compound Words

Learn 'torizara' (sharing plate) and 'sara-arai' (dishwashing) early; you'll use them more than you think.

Kanji Logic

The kanji 皿 looks like a plate. Use this visual to help you remember it!

Pitch Accent

Osara has a flat pitch accent. Try not to let your voice go up or down too much.

Checking Safety

Look for 'Denshi renji taiou' (Electronic microwave compatible) on the back of plates when shopping.

Offering Plates

When sharing food, it's polite to offer a 'torizara' to others before taking one for yourself.

Appreciating Flaws

Don't throw away a broken plate immediately; look up 'Kintsugi' to see how it can be turned into art.

Sushi Plates

In conveyor belt sushi, never put a plate back on the belt once you've touched it!

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Imagine an 'O' shaped donut sitting on a 'SARA' (Sarah's) plate. O-SARA.

दृश्य संबंध

Visualize the Kanji 皿. It looks like a flat bottom with two small sides and a rim. It literally looks like a cross-section of a dish.

Word Web

Plate Dinner Wash Kitchen Ceramic Counter: Mai Sushi Table

चैलेंज

Try to count all the plates in your kitchen today using 'ichimai, nimai...' and see how many 'osara' you have!

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

The kanji 皿 (sara) is a pictograph representing a shallow dish. It has been used in Japan for centuries. The honorific 'o' was added later to show respect for the objects used in daily life.

मूल अर्थ: A shallow vessel or container for food.

Japonic / Sino-Japanese (Kanji origin).

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Be careful when handling expensive 'osara' in Japan; ceramics can be incredibly valuable and have deep historical roots.

In English, 'dish' often means the food itself. In Japanese, 'osara' is almost always the physical object.

Banchō Sarayashiki (Ghost story of Okiku and the 10 plates) Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor belt sushi culture) Kintsugi (The art of repairing broken plates with gold)

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

At a Restaurant

  • 取り皿をください
  • お皿を下げてください
  • このお皿は熱いですか?
  • お皿の色で値段が違います

At Home

  • お皿を洗って
  • お皿を並べて
  • お皿を割っちゃった
  • お皿を拭いて

Shopping

  • このお皿、いくらですか?
  • お皿のセットはありますか?
  • 割れないお皿がいいです
  • 電子レンジ対応のお皿

Cooking Class

  • お皿に盛り付けます
  • きれいなお皿を選んで
  • お皿を温めておく
  • お皿の余白を大切に

Moving/Packing

  • お皿を新聞紙で包む
  • お皿が割れないように
  • お皿を箱に入れる
  • 大事なお皿です

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"そのお皿、どこで買ったんですか? (Where did you buy that plate?)"

"お皿洗いは好きですか、嫌いですか? (Do you like or hate washing dishes?)"

"どんなデザインのお皿が好きですか? (What kind of plate designs do you like?)"

"日本のお皿は種類が多くて面白いですね。 (Japanese plates have so many types, it's interesting, isn't it?)"

"家にお皿は何枚くらいありますか? (About how many plates do you have at home?)"

डायरी विषय

今日使ったお皿について書いてください。 (Write about the plates you used today.)

お皿を割ってしまった時のエピソードを教えてください。 (Tell an episode about a time you broke a plate.)

理想のキッチンのためにお皿を買いに行くなら、どんな店に行きますか? (If you went to buy plates for your ideal kitchen, what kind of store would you go to?)

日本のお皿の文化についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about Japanese plate culture?)

お皿洗いの時間を楽しくする方法を考えてください。 (Think of ways to make dishwashing time fun.)

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

While not grammatically required, saying 'osara' is the standard polite way to speak in daily life. Omitting the 'o' can sound slightly masculine or blunt. In compound words like 'sara-arai', the 'o' is dropped.

The counter is 'mai' (枚). You say 'ichi-mai', 'ni-mai', 'san-mai', etc. This is used for all flat, thin objects.

No. For soup, you should use 'owan' or 'suupu-booru'. 'Osara' is specifically for flat or very shallow dishes.

It is 'sara-arai' (皿洗い). You can say 'sara-arai wo suru' (to do the dishes).

Yes, it's called 'torizara' (取り皿). You'll use this word often at Izakayas or family-style restaurants.

It means 'large plate' or 'platter'. It's often used for dishes meant for the whole table to share.

No. In Japanese, 'osara' only refers to the physical plate. To talk about the food, use 'ryouri' or the name of the dish.

You say 'Osara wo watte shimaimashita'. The 'te shimau' part adds a feeling of regret.

It literally means 'bean plate'. It's a tiny, decorative plate used for condiments or very small appetizers.

Many are, but Japanese culture also favors square, rectangular, and irregular 'natural' shapes, which is a major part of the dining aesthetic.

खुद को परखो 200 सवाल

writing

Translate: 'Please wash the plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I have two plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'This plate is beautiful.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'May I have a sharing plate?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I accidentally broke a plate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Is this plate microwave-safe?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Please set the plates on the table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I bought a set of five plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Washing dishes is my chore.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'There is a small plate for soy sauce.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I like blue ceramic plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Please wipe the plates with a cloth.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I put the salad on a large plate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Empty plates will be taken away.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Don't drop the plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'I collect unique plates.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'The rim of the plate is gold.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'How many plates do we need?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'Put the fruit on the plate.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Translate: 'This is a plastic plate for kids.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

How do you ask for a plate in a restaurant?

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'I washed two plates' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Describe a beautiful plate using 'kirei'.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Ask if a plate is microwave-safe.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'Let's set the plates.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

How do you say 'I broke the plate' with regret?

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Ask for a sharing plate politely.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'Washing dishes is fun.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Tell someone to put the cake on the plate.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Count from 1 to 5 plates using 'mai'.

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'This is a small plate.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'Please wipe the plates.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'The plate is dirty.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'I bought new plates.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'There are ten plates.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'Don't break the plate.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Ask 'Where is the plate?'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'I need a large plate.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'Help me with the dishes.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Say 'The plate is heavy.'

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Osara wo ni-mai kudasai.' How many plates?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Kozara ni shouyu wo irete.' What goes in the small plate?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Sara-arai wa kirai desu.' Does the speaker like washing dishes?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Aita osara wo osage shimasu.' What is happening?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Kono osara wa kowareyasui desu.' Is the plate sturdy?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'San-mai no osara ga arimasu.' How many plates?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Torizara wo onegaishimasu.' What does the speaker want?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Osara ni piza wo nosemashita.' What was put on the plate?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Osara wo watte shimatta!' What happened?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Teeburu ni osara wo narabete.' Where should the plates go?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Gomai no osara wo kaimashita.' How many plates were bought?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Kono osara wa Arita-yaki desu.' What kind of plate is it?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Osara wo fukimashou.' What should we do?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Kozara wo kashite kudasai.' What does the speaker need?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Audio: 'Osara ga mada yogorete iru.' Is the plate clean?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

संबंधित सामग्री

संबंधित ग्रामर रूल्स

home के और शब्द

上に

B1

ऊपर; के ऊपर। भौतिक स्थिति के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है।

不在

B1

अनुपस्थित; मौजूद नहीं।

手頃な

B1

किफायती, उचित (कीमत)। एक कीमत जो बहुत अधिक नहीं है और जिसे आसानी से खरीदा जा सकता है। उदाहरण: यह फोन किफायती है।

お先に

B1

Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.

仲介

B1

मध्यस्थता या एजेंसी, विशेष रूप से रियल एस्टेट के संदर्भ में।

あっ

B1

आह!; अचानक अहसास या आश्चर्य की अभिव्यक्ति। इसका उपयोग तब किया जाता है जब आप कुछ महसूस करते हैं या किसी को देखते हैं।

エアコン

A2

'エアコン' का अर्थ है एयर कंडीशनर, जो जापान में गर्मी और सर्दी दोनों में बहुत महत्वपूर्ण है।

冷暖房

B1

शीतलन और तापन ( <mark>冷暖房</mark> - reidanbō) एक कमरे या भवन के लिए हीटिंग और कूलिंग का संयुक्त सिस्टम है।

風通しの良い

B1

हवादार; जहाँ हवा का आवागमन अच्छा हो।

~可

A2

एक प्रत्यय जिसका अर्थ है 'अनुमत' या 'स्वीकृत'। यह आमतौर पर संकेतों और आधिकारिक दस्तावेजों में प्रयोग किया जाता है।

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!