A1 noun ニュートラル #2,548 よく出る 3分で読める

tomato

/təˈmeɪtoʊ/, /ˈtɒmɑːtoʊ/ 上位2,548

The tomato is a versatile red fruit, commonly used as a vegetable in diverse culinary applications worldwide.

30秒でわかる単語

A round, red fruit used as a vegetable in cooking.
Botanically a fruit, culinarily treated as a vegetable.
Common in salads, sauces, soups, and many dishes.
Pronunciation varies between American and British English.

Overview

The word 'tomato' refers to a specific, widely cultivated plant and its fruit. The fruit itself is globally recognized for its characteristic round shape, smooth skin, and juicy, pulpy interior filled with small seeds. Its color ranges from bright red when ripe to green when unripe, though some varieties can be yellow, orange, purple, or even striped.

Botanically, the tomato is classified as a berry, which is a type of fruit. However, in the culinary world, its flavor profile—often described as slightly acidic, sweet, and savory (umami)—lends itself to savory preparations, leading to its common classification as a vegetable. This dual identity is a key aspect of its understanding.

Usage Patterns:

In everyday English, 'tomato' is a common, neutral term. It's used equally in informal conversations and more formal settings. When spoken, the pronunciation can vary slightly, with the most common being /təˈmeɪtoʊ/ (toe-MAY-toe) in American English and /ˈtɒmɑːtoʊ/ (TOM-ah-toe) in British English. Both are widely understood. In written English, it appears in recipes, grocery lists, menus, and discussions about food.

Common Contexts:

'Tomato' is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in grocery stores, kitchens, restaurants, and farmers' markets. It's a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, from Italian pasta sauces and Spanish gazpacho to Indian curries and Mexican salsas. In educational contexts, it might be discussed in biology classes (as a fruit) or in home economics (as a vegetable). Media often features tomatoes in cooking shows, advertisements for food products, and even in literature where food plays a role.

Comparison with Similar Words:

The closest related concepts are 'fruit' and 'vegetable'. While botanically a 'fruit', it's culinarily a 'vegetable'. This distinction is often a point of discussion or mild confusion. Unlike 'apple' or 'banana', which are unequivocally considered fruits in all contexts, the tomato's identity is more fluid. It's also distinct from specific tomato products like 'ketchup' (a sauce made from tomatoes) or 'tomato paste' (a concentrated form).

Register & Tone:

The word 'tomato' itself is neutral and doesn't carry strong connotations of formality or informality. Its use is dictated by the context. Discussing the nutritional benefits of tomatoes in a health article would be neutral. Ordering a 'tomato salad' at a casual cafe is informal. Mentioning the cultivation of heirloom tomatoes in an agricultural journal is more formal. The tone shifts based on the surrounding language, not the word 'tomato' itself.

Common Collocations Explained:

Collocations are word pairings that frequently appear together. Understanding these helps in using the word naturally. For example, 'sliced tomato' refers to tomatoes cut into flat pieces, common in sandwiches. 'Cherry tomato' denotes a small, bite-sized variety, often eaten whole or in salads. 'Vine-ripened tomato' emphasizes the quality of being allowed to mature fully on the plant, implying better flavor. 'Canned tomatoes' refers to tomatoes preserved in cans, often used for cooking. 'Beefsteak tomato' describes a large, meaty variety perfect for slicing. 'Tomato soup' is a classic dish, often canned or homemade. 'Tomato sauce' is a fundamental cooking ingredient. 'Green tomato' refers to an unripe tomato, sometimes fried or pickled.

This comprehensive view highlights the tomato's simple yet multifaceted nature in the English language.

例文

Could you please add a couple of ripe tomatoes to the shopping list?

everyday

Aroshisto, te lutem, shtoni disa domate të pjekura në listën e blerjeve?

The chef prepared a vibrant salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella.

formal

Shefi përgatiti një sallatë të gjallë me domate trashëgimore, borzilok dhe mocarela të freskët.

We're making pizza tonight, so we'll need plenty of tomato sauce.

informal

Ne po bëjmë picë sonte, kështu që do të na duhet shumë salcë domate.

Nutritional analysis indicates that tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C and lycopene.

academic

Analiza ushqyese tregon se domatet janë një burim i pasur i Vitaminës C dhe likopenit.

The novel vividly described the sun-ripened tomatoes hanging heavy on the vine.

literary

Romani përshkroi në mënyrë të gjallë domatet e pjekura nga dielli që varen rëndë në hardhi.

Our company specializes in high-quality canned tomatoes for the food service industry.

business

Kompania jonë specializohet në domate të konservuara me cilësi të lartë për industrinë e shërbimit ushqimor.

He was so embarrassed, his face went bright red, just like a tomato.

everyday

Ai ishte aq i turpshëm, sa i'u skuq fytyra, pikërisht si një domate.

For authentic Italian flavor, always use San Marzano tomatoes if possible.

culinary

Për një aromë autentike italiane, përdorni gjithmonë domate San Marzano nëse është e mundur.

類義語

cherry tomato plum tomato beefsteak tomato heirloom tomato roma tomato

反対語

meat dairy

よく使う組み合わせ

cherry tomato Domate qershi (një varietet i vogël)

beefsteak tomato Domate biftek (një varietet i madh dhe i mishit)

sliced tomato Domate të prera në feta

tomato sauce Salcë domate

tomato soup Supë domate

ripe tomato Domate e pjekur

canned tomatoes Domate të konservuara

green tomato Domate e papjekur (jeshile)

よく使うフレーズ

red as a tomato

Very red, usually from blushing or heat.

drop the tomato

To mess up or fail at something simple (less common idiom).

all over the tomato

Completely covered in tomato sauce or similar (often humorous).

よく混同される語

tomato vs fruit

While botanically a tomato is a fruit, in culinary contexts it's almost always treated as a vegetable. Use 'fruit' for sweet items like apples or bananas, and 'tomato' for the specific red item.

tomato vs vegetable

This is how tomatoes are used in cooking, but 'vegetable' is a broader category. Use 'tomato' when you specifically mean the tomato plant's fruit, not just any vegetable.

tomato vs pepper

Peppers (like bell peppers or chili peppers) are also fruits used as vegetables, but they are distinct from tomatoes in shape, texture, and typical culinary use. 'Tomato' refers specifically to the round, red item.

文法パターン

Singular/Plural: 'a tomato' / 'some tomatoes' As a noun adjunct: 'tomato soup', 'tomato sauce' In comparisons: 'red as a tomato' Describing state: 'ripe tomato', 'green tomato' Part of compound nouns: 'tomato plant', 'tomato juice' In lists of ingredients: 'tomatoes, onions, garlic...'

How to Use It

使い方のコツ

The word 'tomato' is highly versatile and used across all registers. Be mindful of regional pronunciation differences, though both 'toe-MAY-toe' and 'TOM-ah-toe' are universally understood. In culinary discussions, it's typically treated as a vegetable, despite its botanical classification.

よくある間違い

Learners sometimes struggle with the pluralization, using 'tomato' when 'tomatoes' is required (e.g., 'I bought three tomato' instead of 'I bought three tomatoes'). Also, the fruit vs. vegetable debate can cause confusion; remember its culinary role is key in most contexts.

Tips

💡

Taste the Difference

When possible, choose tomatoes that are in season and smell fragrant. They will likely have the best flavor for your salads and dishes.

⚠️

Don't Refrigerate

Avoid storing ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can damage their texture and dull their flavor. Keep them at room temperature instead.

🌍

Global Staple

Tomatoes are a cornerstone of cuisines worldwide, from Italy to India. Understanding their role in different food cultures can enhance your appreciation and cooking.

🎓

Exploring Varieties

Beyond the standard red tomato, explore heirloom varieties like 'Brandywine' or 'Cherokee Purple' for unique flavors and colors in your cooking.

語源

The word 'tomato' entered English from the Spanish 'tomate', which itself came from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) word 'tomatl'. Initially, it was sometimes called 'love apple' in English, possibly due to a mistranslation or association with aphrodisiacs.

文化的な背景

The tomato is central to the cuisines of many cultures, particularly in Mediterranean and Latin American countries. Its image is often associated with freshness, health, and vibrant flavors. It's a common visual element in food advertising and cooking shows worldwide.

覚え方のコツ

Picture a bright red, juicy TOp Model All TOo Outstanding (TOMATO) posing with a delicious salad!

よくある質問

8 問

Botanically speaking, a tomato is a fruit because it develops from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds. However, in cooking and everyday language, it's typically considered a vegetable due to its savory flavor and use in main courses rather than desserts.

The most common pronunciations are /təˈmeɪtoʊ/ (toe-MAY-toe) in American English and /ˈtɒmɑːtoʊ/ (TOM-ah-toe) in British English. Both are widely understood and accepted.

Tomato sauce is generally smoother and thinner, often seasoned and used as a base for dishes like pasta or pizza. Tomato paste is much thicker and more concentrated, made by cooking tomatoes down to remove most of the water, and adds intense tomato flavor.

Yes, green tomatoes can be eaten, though they have a firmer texture and a tarter taste than ripe red tomatoes. They are often fried, pickled, or used in relishes.

'Vine-ripened' means the tomatoes were allowed to mature fully on the plant before being picked. This usually results in a sweeter flavor and better texture compared to tomatoes picked green and ripened later.

Absolutely! There are hundreds of varieties, including small cherry tomatoes, large beefsteak tomatoes, plum tomatoes (often used for sauces), and heirloom varieties with unique shapes and colors.

Acidity can vary based on the tomato variety, ripeness, soil conditions, and growing methods. Some varieties are naturally bred to be sweeter, while others have a more pronounced tartness.

Yes, the phrase 'red as a tomato' means someone is blushing deeply, usually from embarrassment or heat. It vividly captures the color change.

自分をテスト

fill blank

For the salad, we need ripe red ______, lettuce, and cucumber.

正解！おしい！正解: tomatoes

'Tomatoes' fits the context of a salad ingredient and matches the plural form needed.

multiple choice

This recipe calls for a large can of crushed tomatoes.

正解！おしい！正解: A red, fleshy fruit commonly used as a vegetable in cooking

This option accurately describes the common understanding and culinary use of a tomato.

sentence building

sauce / makes / great / He / tomato

正解！おしい！正解: He makes great tomato sauce

The subject 'He' comes first, followed by the verb 'makes', then the adjective 'great' describing the object 'tomato sauce'.

error correction

I love to eat tomato raw in my sandwiches.

正解！おしい！正解: I love to eat tomatoes raw in my sandwiches.

The word 'tomato' should be plural ('tomatoes') because sandwiches typically contain more than one slice or piece, and the general act of eating them implies plurality.

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Summary