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B1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

自炊

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 自炊 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 自炊 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '自炊 (jisui)' as a basic vocabulary word related to daily routines. Think of it as 'cooking for myself.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex nuances. Just remember that '自炊します (jisui shimasu)' means 'I cook my own meals.' You might use this when introducing yourself and your lifestyle. For example, 'Watashi wa mainichi jisui shimasu' (I cook every day). This helps you talk about your basic habits and how you spend your time at home. It's a very useful word because many Japanese people will ask you about your food habits when you first meet them. Even at this level, knowing the difference between 'cooking' (ryouri) and 'cooking for yourself' (jisui) will make your Japanese sound much more natural and specific. It shows you understand the concept of personal responsibility in a household.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use '自炊 (jisui)' in more complex sentences involving reasons and frequency. You might say 'Setsuyaku no tame ni jisui shimasu' (I cook for myself to save money) or 'Isogashii node, amari jisui dekimasen' (Because I am busy, I can't cook for myself much). At this stage, you should also recognize the word in simple reading passages about daily life or supermarket flyers. You can use it with frequency adverbs like 'itsumo' (always), 'tokidoki' (sometimes), or 'zenzen' (never). Understanding that 'jisui' is a noun that becomes a verb with 'suru' is important for your grammar development. You are moving beyond simple identification and starting to explain the 'why' behind your actions. This word is essential for discussing your health and budget, which are common topics in A2 level conversations.

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural implications of '自炊 (jisui)' in Japanese society. This includes the idea of 'jisui-ryoku' (the ability to cook for oneself) as a sign of maturity and independence. You should be able to participate in discussions about the pros and cons of home cooking versus eating out. You can use the word in more nuanced structures, such as 'Jisui wo kokorogakeru' (to make an effort to cook for oneself) or 'Jisui ni narete kita' (to have gotten used to cooking for oneself). You should also be aware of the 'book scanning' meaning of 'jisui' in technical or digital contexts, although the culinary meaning remains primary. At this level, you are expected to use the word naturally in social settings, such as when discussing your weekend plans or your living situation. It becomes a tool for expressing your lifestyle values and personal discipline.

At the B2 level, you can use '自炊 (jisui)' to discuss broader social trends in Japan. For example, you might talk about the rise of 'jisui-danshi' (men who cook) and how it reflects changing gender roles. You can analyze the economic factors that lead more people to 'jisui,' such as rising food prices or the popularity of health-conscious lifestyles. Your vocabulary should include compound words like 'jisui-seikatsu' (a life centered on home cooking) or 'jisui-muki' (suitable for home cooking). You should be able to understand more complex texts, such as blog posts or news articles about the 'jisui' habits of different age groups. You can also use the word in hypothetical or conditional sentences, like 'Moshi jisui wo shinakereba, motto okane ga kakaru deshou' (If I didn't cook for myself, it would probably cost more money). Your usage should feel fluid and context-aware.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of '自炊 (jisui)' and its place in the Japanese lexicon. You can use it in formal debates about public health or urban living. You might explore the psychological aspects of 'jisui,' such as how it relates to stress relief or self-fulfillment. You should be able to distinguish between 'jisui' and more technical terms like 'chouri' (culinary preparation) or 'suiji' (household cooking tasks) with high precision. Your ability to use 'jisui' in idiomatic or metaphorical ways should be developing. For instance, you might discuss the 'jisui' of information in the digital age. You can follow fast-paced conversations or podcasts where 'jisui' is discussed as part of a larger lifestyle philosophy. You are also capable of writing detailed essays or reports that incorporate the term within the context of Japanese sociology or economics.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '自炊 (jisui).' You understand the historical evolution of the word and its kanji roots. You can appreciate the word's appearance in literature or specialized academic texts. You are aware of the most subtle nuances, such as how the word might be used ironically in subcultures or how its meaning might be slightly different in various regional dialects of Japan. You can use 'jisui' in any register, from extremely formal to very casual slang. You are also fully conversant in the secondary 'book scanning' meaning, including the legal and ethical debates surrounding it in the 2010s. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can explain its multifaceted nature to others with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

自炊 in 30 Seconds

自炊 (jisui) means cooking your own meals at home.
It is a compound of 'self' and 'cooking rice.'
It is commonly used as a verb: 自炊する (jisui suru).
It contrasts with 外食 (gaishoku - eating out).

The Japanese word 自炊 (jisui) is a noun that translates directly to "cooking one's own meals." In the landscape of Japanese daily life, this term carries a weight that extends far beyond the simple act of food preparation. It is a compound formed by two kanji: 自 (ji), meaning "self," and 炊 (sui), which specifically refers to the act of cooking rice or boiling grains. Historically, since rice has been the cornerstone of the Japanese diet, the act of "cooking rice for oneself" became synonymous with preparing a full meal. In modern contexts, jisui is used to describe the lifestyle choice of preparing food at home rather than eating out (gaishoku) or buying pre-made convenience store meals (nakashoku).

Core Meaning: The act of an individual preparing their own food, typically associated with health consciousness, financial budgeting, and domestic independence.
Social Context: Often discussed among university students living alone for the first time or young professionals trying to manage their living expenses in expensive urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka.

一人暮らしを始めてから、毎日自炊をしています。
(Since I started living alone, I have been cooking my own meals every day.)

When you hear a Japanese person say they are "jisui-ha" (the cooking-at-home type), they are identifying with a specific lifestyle. This term is frequently used in conversations about health, as home cooking is perceived to be lower in sodium and preservatives compared to restaurant food. It is also a point of pride; being able to maintain a consistent jisui routine is seen as a sign of a well-organized and disciplined adult life. Interestingly, the word has also evolved in the digital age to describe a completely different activity: scanning one's own books to create digital copies (PDFs), though the primary meaning remains food-related. In this culinary context, it is almost always paired with the verb する (suru) to form the verb jisui-suru.

節約のために、できるだけ自炊を心がけています。
(To save money, I try to cook for myself as much as possible.)

Economic Nuance: Jisui is often the first step in financial planning (setsuyaku) in Japanese culture, as eating out is relatively expensive compared to buying ingredients at a local supermarket.

Furthermore, the word appears in many compound expressions. For instance, jisui-ryoku refers to one's ability or skill in maintaining a home-cooking lifestyle. In the dating world, mentioning that you enjoy jisui is often seen as a positive trait, suggesting that you are domestic, healthy, and responsible. It is a word that bridges the gap between a simple chore and a broader philosophy of self-care and autonomy. Whether you are boiling a simple bowl of ramen or preparing a complex three-course meal for yourself, if it happens in your kitchen by your hand for your own consumption, it is jisui.

最近は忙しくて、なかなか自炊ができません。
(I've been busy lately, so I haven't been able to cook for myself much.)

Using 自炊 (jisui) correctly requires understanding its function as a suru-verb. While it is a noun, it most frequently appears as jisui-suru. It is important to distinguish it from the more general term for cooking, ryouri. While ryouri refers to the craft or the food itself, jisui focuses on the *source* and *purpose* of the meal—specifically that you made it yourself to eat at home. You wouldn't typically use jisui if you were a professional chef cooking in a restaurant, nor would you use it if you were cooking a feast for twenty guests. It is inherently personal or household-oriented.

Verb Form: 自炊する (jisui suru) - To cook for oneself. Example: "Konban wa jisui shimasu" (I will cook for myself tonight).
Noun Form: 自炊 (jisui) - The act/habit of cooking for oneself. Example: "Jisui wa kenkou ni ii" (Cooking for oneself is good for health).

健康のために、外食を減らして自炊を増やすつもりです。
(For my health, I intend to reduce eating out and increase cooking for myself.)

In sentence patterns, jisui is often the object of verbs like hajimeru (to start), tsuzukeru (to continue), or yameru (to stop). Because it implies a lifestyle habit, it is often modified by frequency adverbs like mainichi (every day), tamani (occasionally), or zenzen (not at all). When someone asks you, "Do you cook?" in a casual social setting, they might ask, "Jisui shiteru?" rather than the more formal "Ryouri wo shimasu ka?" The former feels more grounded in the reality of daily survival and adulting.

彼は料理が上手ですが、面倒くさがってあまり自炊しません。
(He is good at cooking, but he finds it a hassle and doesn't cook for himself much.)

Another common structure involves the particle de to indicate the means of a meal. For example, "Kyou no yuushoku wa jisui de sumaseta" (I settled today's dinner with my own cooking). Here, jisui functions as a category of meal alongside gaishoku (eating out) or bentou (boxed lunch). It is also common to see it in the form of jisui-seikatsu (a lifestyle of cooking for oneself). This emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity. If you are describing your new life as a student, you might say, "Jisui-seikatsu ni mo naretekimashita" (I've started to get used to the lifestyle of cooking for myself).

週末にまとめて料理を作っておくと、平日の自炊が楽になります。
(If you cook in bulk on the weekend, cooking for yourself during the week becomes easier.)

You will encounter 自炊 (jisui) in a variety of real-world scenarios in Japan, ranging from casual office small talk to marketing campaigns for kitchen appliances. One of the most common places is the workplace. During lunch breaks, colleagues often ask each other about their meals. If someone brings a lunch box they prepared themselves, a colleague might say, "Sore, jisui desu ka? Sugoi desu ne!" (Is that home-cooked? That's impressive!). In this context, jisui is a compliment that acknowledges the effort and time put into self-care.

Supermarket Marketing: Supermarkets often have sections labeled "Jisui-ouen" (Support for home cooking), featuring pre-cut vegetables or easy-to-use sauces designed for busy people who want to cook at home but lack time.
Real Estate & Housing: When looking for apartments, listings for "one-room" flats often mention the kitchen size in relation to whether it is suitable for jisui. A "jisui-muki" (suitable for home cooking) kitchen usually implies at least two burners and some counter space.

最近のスーパーは、自炊をする人に便利な商品が多いです。
(Supermarkets these days have many products that are convenient for people who cook for themselves.)

Social media is another massive hub for this word. On platforms like Instagram or Twitter, the hashtag #自炊 or #自炊記録 (jisui-kiroku - home cooking record) is used by millions to share photos of their daily meals. It’s a way for people to stay motivated and exchange recipes. You'll also see it in the titles of popular cookbooks aimed at beginners, such as "The Absolute Easiest Jisui Recipes for People Living Alone." The word resonates with the modern Japanese struggle to balance a demanding work life with a healthy personal life.

SNSで自分の自炊写真をアップするのが流行っています。
(It is popular to upload photos of one's home-cooked meals on social media.)

In the realm of personal finance apps (Kakeibo), jisui is a standard category for tracking expenses. Users might compare their "Gaishoku-hi" (dining out costs) with their "Shokuryou-hi" (grocery costs for jisui). Finally, it’s worth noting the "book scanning" meaning again. In tech-savvy circles, if someone says "I'm going to jisui my manga collection," they mean they are going to cut the spines and scan the pages. This usage was so prevalent a decade ago that it caused legal debates regarding copyright, though the culinary meaning remains the dominant one in daily speech.

家計簿を見ると、自炊を始めてから食費が半分になりました。
(Looking at my budget book, my food expenses have halved since I started cooking for myself.)

While 自炊 (jisui) seems straightforward, English speakers often make nuanced errors. The most frequent mistake is using jisui when ryouri is required. Remember: jisui is about the act of cooking for *oneself* at home as a habit. If you are a guest at someone's house and they cook for you, you should never say "Your jisui is delicious!" Instead, say "Your ryouri is delicious!" Using jisui in that context sounds like you are describing their private habit of feeding themselves, which is awkward and grammatically incorrect for describing food served to others.

Mistake 1: Cooking for Others: Incorrect: "Tomodachi ni jisui wo tsukutta" (I made self-cooking for my friend). Correct: "Tomodachi ni ryouri wo furumatta" (I treated my friend to my cooking).
Mistake 2: Confusing with Professional Cooking: A professional chef in a kitchen is doing ryouri or chouri (culinary preparation), not jisui. Jisui is strictly domestic.

❌ 昨日は友達のために自炊しました。
✅ 昨日は友達のために料理を作りました。
(I made a meal for my friend yesterday.)

Another common error involves the kanji and pronunciation. Some learners confuse jisui (自炊) with jishuu (自習 - self-study) or jisui (地水 - earth and water, rare). Pay close attention to the second kanji sui (炊). It contains the "fire" radical (火) on the left, which is a visual clue that it relates to cooking. Mispronouncing it as "jisui" with a long "u" can also lead to confusion. Furthermore, learners sometimes use the particle wo incorrectly. While "jisui wo suru" is acceptable, simply "jisui suru" is much more common and natural in spoken Japanese.

❌ 彼はレストランで自炊の仕事をしています。
✅ 彼はレストランで料理人として働いています。
(He works as a chef in a restaurant.)

Finally, be careful with the nuance of the word in a family context. If a mother cooks for the whole family, she is doing suiji (household cooking chores) or ryouri. Jisui is most strongly associated with people living alone or individuals taking responsibility for their own nutrition. If you live with your parents and they cook for you, you cannot say you are "jisui-ing." You are only jisui-ing if you are the one planning and executing the meal for yourself.

To truly master 自炊 (jisui), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and antonyms. The most direct contrast is 外食 (gaishoku), which means eating out at restaurants. Another important term is 中食 (nakashoku), a relatively modern term that refers to buying prepared food (like a bento from a convenience store) and eating it at home. Understanding where jisui fits in this spectrum—Home-cooked vs. Restaurant-cooked vs. Pre-made—is key to describing your lifestyle accurately.

自炊 (Jisui) vs. 料理 (Ryouri): Jisui emphasizes the *lifestyle habit* of cooking for oneself. Ryouri emphasizes the *act of cooking* or the *resultant food*. You can have "ryouri" skills, but you have a "jisui" habit.
自炊 (Jisui) vs. 炊事 (Suiji): Suiji is a more formal, slightly old-fashioned term for the general chore of cooking and cleaning up in a household. It is often grouped with laundry and cleaning as "kaji" (housework).

毎日の自炊は大変ですが、外食よりずっと安いです。
(Daily home cooking is hard, but it's much cheaper than eating out.)

If you want to sound more casual, you might use the term uchi-gohan (home food/meal). This is a warm, domestic term used to describe eating at home with family. Another related concept is tsukuri-oki, which means "making food in advance" or meal prepping. Many people who jisui on a budget rely heavily on tsukuri-oki during their weekends. There is also tezukuri (handmade), which can apply to food, but also to crafts. If you want to emphasize that a meal was made from scratch with care, tezukuri-ryouri is a beautiful term to use.

彼女は自炊派で、お弁当も毎日手作りしています。
(She is the home-cooking type and makes her own lunch box every day.)

In summary, use jisui for the habit, ryouri for the skill or the food, gaishoku for the opposite (eating out), and tezukuri for the sentiment of "handmade." By mixing these terms, you can describe your relationship with food in Japanese with high precision and cultural nuance.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'sui' (炊) kanji specifically features the 'fire' radical because historically, cooking rice required tending a wood or charcoal fire.

Pronunciation Guide

UK dʒiː.suː.i

US dʒi.su.i

Flat pitch (Heiban style in Japanese). No particular syllable is stressed heavily.

Rhymes With

Risui (利水) Misui (未遂) Kisui (汽水) Shisui (止水) Gisui (擬推) Hisui (翡翠) Yisui (易推) Bisui (微睡)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sui' as 'swee' like in English (it should be two distinct sounds: su-i).
Adding a long 'u' sound (jisūi) which is incorrect.
Confusing 'ji' with 'chi'.
Stressing the first syllable too hard.
Misreading the kanji as 'jishuu'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but the second one is slightly more advanced.

Writing 4/5

Writing '炊' requires attention to the fire radical and the right-side strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once you get the 'sui' sound right.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

自分 (jibun) 料理 (ryouri) 作る (tsukuru) 食べる (taberu) 米 (kome)

Learn Next

外食 (gaishoku) 節約 (setsuyaku) 健康 (kenkou) 食材 (shokuzai) 献立 (kondate)

Advanced

炊事 (suiji) 厨房 (chuubou) 栄養学 (eiyougaku) 著作権 (chosakuken - for the book scanning meaning)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

自炊する (To cook for oneself)

Noun + particle 'wa' + Adjective

自炊は大変です。(Cooking for oneself is hard.)

Noun + particle 'ga' + Potential Verb

自炊ができません。(I can't cook for myself.)

Noun + particle 'ni' + Verb

自炊に慣れる。(To get used to cooking for oneself.)

Noun + particle 'de' + Verb

自炊で済ませる。(To settle with home cooking.)

Examples by Level

私は毎日自炊します。

I cook for myself every day.

Subject + Frequency + Jisui + Suru (polite form).

自炊は楽しいです。

Cooking for oneself is fun.

Jisui used as a noun with the 'wa' particle.

あまり自炊をしません。

I don't cook for myself much.

Negative form of 'jisui suru' with frequency adverb.

今日から自炊を始めます。

I will start cooking for myself from today.

Using 'hajimemasu' (to start) with 'jisui'.

自炊は安いです。

Cooking for oneself is cheap.

Describing the cost-benefit of jisui.

あなたは自炊しますか？

Do you cook for yourself?

Question form of 'jisui suru'.

一人で自炊をします。

I cook for myself alone.

Specifying 'alone' (hitori de).

自炊はおいしいです。

Home-cooked food is delicious.

Describing the quality of jisui.

節約のために自炊をしています。

I am cooking for myself to save money.

'~no tame ni' (for the purpose of) + jisui.

仕事が忙しい時は、自炊ができません。

When work is busy, I can't cook for myself.

'~toki' (when) + potential negative 'dekimasen'.

自炊をすると健康にいいです。

If you cook for yourself, it is good for your health.

Conditional '~to' + 'kenkou ni ii'.

スーパーで買い物をして自炊します。

I shop at the supermarket and cook for myself.

Te-form of 'kau' (to buy) to connect actions.

自炊は面倒ですが、頑張ります。

Cooking for myself is a hassle, but I'll do my best.

Using 'mendou' (hassle) with the particle 'ga' (but).

週末にまとめて自炊をします。

I cook for myself in bulk on the weekends.

'matomete' (all at once) used with jisui.

外食をやめて自炊を増やしたいです。

I want to stop eating out and increase home cooking.

'~tai' (want to) form of 'fuyasu' (to increase).

母に自炊のやり方を教わりました。

I was taught how to cook for myself by my mother.

'~no yarikata' (way of doing) + 'osowaru' (to be taught).

自炊を心がけることで、食生活が改善しました。

By making an effort to cook for myself, my eating habits have improved.

'~wo kokorogakeru' (to keep in mind/strive for) + 'koto de' (by doing).

一人暮らしを機に、本格的に自炊を始めました。

Taking the opportunity of living alone, I started cooking for myself in earnest.

'~wo ki ni' (taking the opportunity of) + 'honkakuteki ni' (seriously/in earnest).

自炊派の人は、キッチン用品にこだわることが多いです。

People who are the home-cooking type often care deeply about kitchenware.

'Jisui-ha' (the home-cooking faction/type) + 'kodawaru' (to be particular about).

毎日自炊を続けるのは、意外と根気がいります。

Continuing to cook for oneself every day requires more perseverance than expected.

'~wo tsuzukeru' (to continue) + 'konki ga iru' (requires patience).

自炊のレパートリーを増やすために、レシピ本を買いました。

I bought a cookbook to increase my home-cooking repertoire.

'Repertoarii' (repertoire) + 'fuyasu' (to increase).

最近は自炊をサボって、外食ばかりしています。

Lately I've been slacking on cooking for myself and doing nothing but eating out.

'Saboru' (to slack off/skip) + 'bakari' (only/nothing but).

自炊ができるようになると、生活に自信が持てます。

Once you become able to cook for yourself, you can have confidence in your life.

'~you ni naru' (to become able to) + 'jishin' (confidence).

忙しい社会人にとって、自炊は大きな課題です。

For busy working adults, cooking for oneself is a major challenge.

'~ni totte' (for / from the perspective of) + 'kadai' (task/challenge).

自炊は単なる節約術ではなく、自分への投資でもあります。

Cooking for oneself is not just a money-saving technique, but also an investment in oneself.

'Tannaru ~ dewa naku' (not just a mere...) + 'toushi' (investment).

昨今の物価高騰により、自炊の重要性が再認識されています。

Due to the recent rise in prices, the importance of home cooking is being recognized again.

'~ni yori' (due to) + 'sai-ninshiki' (re-recognition/re-evaluation).

自炊を習慣化させるコツは、無理をしないことです。

The trick to making home cooking a habit is not to overdo it.

'Shuukanka saseru' (to make something a habit) + 'kotsu' (the knack/trick).

最近では、自炊の様子を動画で配信する人が増えています。

Recently, the number of people who broadcast their home cooking on video is increasing.

'Yousu' (state/appearance) + 'haishin' (broadcast/stream).

自炊料理の写真は、SNSでのコミュニケーションのきっかけになります。

Photos of home-cooked meals become a catalyst for communication on social media.

'Kikkake' (catalyst/trigger/chance).

完璧な自炊を目指すよりも、継続することを優先すべきです。

Rather than aiming for perfect home cooking, you should prioritize consistency.

'~yori mo' (rather than) + 'yuusen subeki' (should prioritize).

自炊を通じて、食材の旬や栄養について詳しくなりました。

Through cooking for myself, I became knowledgeable about seasonal ingredients and nutrition.

'~wo tsuujite' (through/via) + 'kuwashiku naru' (become knowledgeable).

都会での一人暮らしにおいて、自炊は自立の第一歩と言えます。

In the context of living alone in the city, home cooking can be called the first step toward independence.

'~ni oite' (in/at the context of) + 'dai-ippo' (first step).

自炊という行為は、現代社会における自己管理能力の象徴とも捉えられます。

The act of cooking for oneself can be seen as a symbol of self-management ability in modern society.

'~to toraerareru' (can be perceived/captured as) + 'shouchou' (symbol).

ジェンダーレスな現代において、「自炊男子」という言葉も一般化しました。

In today's genderless society, the term 'jisui-danshi' (home-cooking men) has also become common.

'~mo ippanka shita' (has also become generalized/commonplace).

電子書籍化の文脈で使われる「自炊」は、著作権法上の議論を呼びました。

The term 'jisui' used in the context of digitizing books sparked debates on copyright law.

'Bunmyaku' (context) + 'giron wo yobu' (to spark/call for debate).

自炊の頻度と精神的な安定には、密接な相関関係があるという説もあります。

There is a theory that there is a close correlation between the frequency of home cooking and mental stability.

'Missetsu na soukan kankei' (close correlation) + 'setsu' (theory).

孤食化が進む中で、自炊は個人のアイデンティティを形成する重要な要素です。

As eating alone becomes more common, home cooking is an important element in forming an individual's identity.

'Koshoku-ka' (the trend of eating alone) + 'keisei suru' (to form/shape).

自炊を全くしない層が増える一方で、こだわり抜いた自炊を楽しむ層も存在します。

While the segment of people who don't cook at all is increasing, there is also a segment that enjoys highly meticulous home cooking.

'~ippou de' (on the other hand) + 'kodawari-nuita' (thoroughly meticulous).

効率性を追求する現代生活において、自炊はあえて手間をかける贅沢とも言えます。

In modern life where efficiency is pursued, home cooking can be called a luxury of intentionally taking time and effort.

'Aete' (intentionally/daringly) + 'tema wo kakeru' (to take time and effort).

食育の観点からも、幼少期から自炊の基礎を学ぶことは極めて有益です。

From the perspective of food education, learning the basics of home cooking from early childhood is extremely beneficial.

'Kanten' (perspective/viewpoint) + 'kiwamete yuueki' (extremely beneficial).

自炊の語源を遡れば、米を炊くという日本人の根源的な営みに突き当たります。

If you trace back the etymology of 'jisui,' you encounter the fundamental Japanese activity of cooking rice.

'Sakanoboreba' (if you go back in time/trace back) + 'tsukiataru' (to run into/encounter).

自炊という言葉に内包される「自立」のニュアンスは、時代と共に変遷してきました。

The nuance of 'independence' contained within the word 'jisui' has transitioned over time.

'Naihou sareru' (to be contained/connoted) + 'hensen' (transition/change).

SNS上の「自炊」は、単なる調理記録を超え、自己演出のツールへと昇華されています。

On social media, 'jisui' has transcended mere cooking records and been sublimated into a tool for self-presentation.

'~wo koe' (transcending) + 'shouka sareru' (to be sublimated).

本を裁断し電子化する「自炊」という隠語は、2010年代のIT文化を象徴する現象でした。

The jargon 'jisui' for cutting and digitizing books was a phenomenon symbolizing 2010s IT culture.

'Ingo' (jargon/slang) + 'shouchou suru' (to symbolize).

自炊を「苦行」と捉えるか「娯楽」と捉えるかは、個人の価値観に大きく依存します。

Whether one perceives home cooking as an 'ascetic practice' or 'entertainment' depends greatly on individual values.

'~ka ~ka' (whether A or B) + 'izon suru' (to depend on).

マクロな視点で見れば、自炊率の変動は国家の経済指標や国民の健康状態を如実に反映します。

From a macro perspective, fluctuations in the home-cooking rate vividly reflect national economic indicators and the health of the citizenry.

'Makuro na shiten' (macro perspective) + 'nyojitsu ni han'ei' (vividly reflect).

自炊という素朴な行為の中に、我々は失われつつある「丁寧な暮らし」の断片を見出すことができます。

In the simple act of home cooking, we can find fragments of the 'mindful living' that is being lost.

'Soboku na' (simple/rustic) + 'miidasu' (to find/discover).

自炊の定義が「素材からの調理」に限定されるのか、「半完成品の活用」を含むのかは、議論の余地があります。

There is room for debate as to whether the definition of 'jisui' is limited to 'cooking from scratch' or includes the 'utilization of semi-finished products.'

'~ni gentei sareru' (to be limited to) + 'giron no yochi' (room for debate).

Common Collocations

自炊を始める

自炊を続ける

自炊を心がける

自炊をサボる

自炊に慣れる

自炊が苦手

自炊派

自炊生活

自炊料理

自炊道具

Common Phrases

自炊してますか？

— Do you cook for yourself? (Common small talk).

「最近、自炊してますか？」「はい、たまに作ります。」

自炊は節約になる

— Cooking for oneself saves money.

自炊は節約になるから、頑張って続けよう。

自炊が面倒くさい

— Cooking for oneself is a hassle.

仕事の後は、どうしても自炊が面倒くさい。

自炊のレパートリー

— One's range of home-cooked dishes.

自炊のレパートリーを増やしたい。

ほぼ自炊です

— I mostly cook for myself.

食事は外食せず、ほぼ自炊です。

自炊できる環境

— An environment where one can cook (e.g., a good kitchen).

自炊できる環境が整っているアパート。

自炊男子

— A man who cooks for himself (often seen as a positive trait).

彼は自炊男子として知られている。

自炊を休む

— To take a break from cooking for oneself.

たまには自炊を休んで外食しよう。

自炊のコツ

— The secret/trick to cooking for oneself.

時短自炊のコツを教える。

自炊を楽しむ

— To enjoy cooking for oneself.

週末はゆっくり自炊を楽しむ。

Often Confused With

自炊 vs 自習 (jishuu)

Means self-study. Sounds similar but very different meaning.

自炊 vs 実施 (jisshi)

Means implementation. Similar starting sound.

自炊 vs 自首 (jishu)

Means surrendering to the police. Be careful with pronunciation!

Idioms & Expressions

"自炊の腕を磨く"

— To improve one's home cooking skills.

毎日作って、自炊の腕を磨いています。

Neutral

"自炊生活に終止符を打つ"

— To end the lifestyle of cooking for oneself (e.g., by getting married or moving).

結婚して、一人の自炊生活に終止符を打った。

Literary

"自炊に精を出す"

— To work hard at cooking for oneself.

健康のために自炊に精を出す。

Polite

"自炊を切り詰める"

— To cut back even on home cooking costs (extreme budgeting).

生活費が足りず、自炊を切り詰めている。

Neutral

"自炊が板に付く"

— To become very natural and skilled at home cooking.

一年経って、ようやく自炊が板に付いてきた。

Idiomatic

"自炊の種"

— Ingredients or 'material' for home cooking.

冷蔵庫に自炊の種が何もない。

Casual

"自炊を謳歌する"

— To fully enjoy and celebrate the home-cooking life.

新しいキッチンで自炊を謳歌している。

Formal

"自炊に飽きる"

— To get tired of cooking for oneself.

毎日同じメニューで、自炊に飽きてしまった。

Neutral

"自炊で食いつなぐ"

— To survive/get by by cooking for oneself (usually when poor).

給料日前は自炊で食いつなぐしかない。

Casual

"自炊を極める"

— To master the art of home cooking.

彼は自炊を極めて、プロ級の腕前だ。

Enthusiastic

Easily Confused

自炊 vs 料理 (ryouri)

Both mean cooking.

Ryouri is the act or the dish; Jisui is the lifestyle habit of cooking for oneself.

趣味は料理です。節約のために自炊します。

自炊 vs 炊事 (suiji)

Both involve cooking.

Suiji is a formal word for the chore of cooking; Jisui is personal and modern.

母は炊事に追われている。私は自炊を楽しんでいる。

自炊 vs 中食 (nakashoku)

Both involve eating at home.

Nakashoku is buying pre-made food; Jisui is making it from scratch.

今日は疲れたから自炊じゃなくて中食にしよう。

自炊 vs 外食 (gaishoku)

Opposite meanings.

Gaishoku is eating out; Jisui is eating home-cooked food.

外食ばかりだとお金がかかるので、自炊が一番だ。

自炊 vs 自作 (jisaku)

Both mean 'self-made'.

Jisaku is for crafts/objects/software; Jisui is specifically for food (or books).

これは自作のPCです。これは自炊のカレーです。

Sentence Patterns

私は[Noun]をします。

私は自炊をします。

[Reason]ので、自炊をします。

安いので、自炊をします。

[Noun]を心がけています。

自炊を心がけています。

[Noun]に慣れてきました。

自炊に慣れてきました。

[Noun]は[Noun]の第一歩です。

自炊は自立の第一歩です。

[Noun]よりも[Noun]を優先します。

自炊よりも時間を優先します。

[Noun]という行為は、[Concept]です。

自炊という行為は、自己管理です。

[Noun]に内包される[Nuance]は、[Change]した。

自炊に内包される意味は、変遷した。

Word Family

Nouns

自炊 (jisui)

自炊者 (jisuisha - person who cooks for themselves)

Verbs

自炊する (jisui suru)

Adjectives

自炊向きの (jisui-muki no - suitable for home cooking)

料理 (ryouri)

炊飯 (suihan)

自立 (jiritsu)

節約 (setsuyaku)

健康 (kenkou)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Using 'jisui' to describe cooking for a guest. → Using 'ryouri'.
Jisui is specifically for oneself or one's own household routine.
Saying 'Jisui ga oishii'. → Saying 'Jisui no ryouri ga oishii'.
Jisui is the act/habit, not the food itself.
Confusing 'jisui' with 'jishuu' (self-study). → Clear pronunciation of 'sui'.
The 's' and 'u' sounds are different; practice the distinct 'i' at the end.
Using 'jisui' for professional work. → Using 'chouri' or 'ryouri'.
Jisui is domestic and personal, never professional.
Thinking 'jisui' only applies to rice. → Understanding it's for all meals.
Despite the kanji for rice, it's a general term for home cooking.

Tips

Verb Usage

Always remember that 'jisui' is a noun that becomes a verb with 'suru'. You can say 'jisui suru' (to cook) or 'jisui shiteiru' (am cooking/habitually cook).

Bento Connection

If you make your own lunch for work, that is a form of 'jisui'. You can say 'obentou wo jisui shiteimasu'.

Jisui-ha

Use 'jisui-ha' (自炊派) to describe yourself if you prefer cooking at home over eating out. It's a common social label.

Saving Money

In Japan, 'jisui' is the #1 tip for saving money. Supermarkets often have 'jisui' sales in the evening.

Health Benefits

People who 'jisui' are generally seen as more health-conscious because they can control their intake of oil and salt.

Kanji Clue

The kanji 炊 has the fire radical (火). If you see fire, think cooking!

Small Talk

Asking 'Jisui shiteru?' is a great way to start a conversation about daily life and hobbies.

Tsukurioki

Combine 'jisui' with 'tsukurioki' (meal prep) to talk about how you manage a busy schedule.

Tech Slang

Be aware that in tech contexts, 'jisui' means scanning books. Don't be confused if you see it on a tech blog!

Recipe Blogs

Search for 'jisui reshipi' (自炊レシピ) on Japanese websites to find easy meals for one person.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'JI' as 'Just I' and 'SUI' as 'Soup'. 'Just I make Soup' = cooking for myself.

Visual Association

Imagine yourself standing alone in a kitchen, holding a bowl of steaming rice (the 'sui' part).

Word Web

Kitchen Rice Self Money Health Supermarket Bento Recipe

Challenge

Try to say 'Kyou wa jisui shimasu' every time you decide to cook at home today.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango). It combines the characters for 'self' and 'cooking rice/grains'.

Original meaning: To cook rice for oneself.

Japonic / Sinitic roots.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound judgmental if someone says they don't 'jisui'; it can be a sensitive topic related to work-life balance and poverty.

While English speakers just say 'I cook' or 'I'm cooking at home,' Japanese uses 'jisui' to specifically denote the lifestyle habit.

The 'Jisui' book-scanning controversy of 2011. Popular manga/anime like 'Amaama to Inazuma' which focus on the importance of home cooking. Japanese lifestyle magazines like 'Orange Page' that often feature 'jisui' tips.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Living Alone

一人暮らしで自炊をする
自炊は大変だ
自炊のコツ
簡単な自炊

Budgeting

節約のために自炊
自炊は安い
外食を減らして自炊
食費を抑える

Health

健康的な自炊
自炊で野菜を摂る
塩分を控えた自炊
自炊の効果

Socializing

自炊してますか？
自炊派ですか？
自炊が得意です
最近の自炊

Digital/Tech

本の自炊
自炊代行
スキャナーで自炊
自炊PDF

Conversation Starters

"最近、自炊をしていますか？ (Have you been cooking for yourself lately?)"

"自炊で得意な料理は何ですか？ (What is your specialty when cooking for yourself?)"

"自炊を続けるコツは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the trick to continuing to cook for yourself?)"

"自炊と外食、どちらが多いですか？ (Which do you do more: cook for yourself or eat out?)"

"自炊のレパートリーを増やすにはどうすればいいですか？ (How can I increase my home-cooking repertoire?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の自炊の内容を詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about what you cooked for yourself today.)

自炊をすることのメリットとデメリットを考えてください。 (Think about the merits and demerits of cooking for yourself.)

あなたが自炊を始めたきっかけは何ですか？ (What was the catalyst for you starting to cook for yourself?)

自炊を楽しくするために工夫していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you do to make home cooking more fun?)

一ヶ月間、完全に自炊だけで生活するとしたら、どんなメニューにしますか？ (If you lived entirely on home cooking for a month, what would your menu be?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. While the kanji 'sui' means cooking rice, the word 'jisui' refers to preparing any kind of meal for oneself at home. It includes making pasta, salad, or even sandwiches.

Usually, 'jisui' implies cooking for yourself, especially if you live alone. If you cook for a family, 'ryouri' or 'suiji' is more common, though 'jisui' can be used to mean 'the family cooks at home instead of eating out.'

It is a standard, neutral word. It's perfectly fine to use in polite conversation (desu/masu) and casual settings. It is not considered slang, except in the book-scanning context.

It refers to men who actively cook for themselves. It became a popular term to describe a modern, independent, and health-conscious male lifestyle.

Strictly speaking, no. 'Jisui' usually implies preparing food from ingredients. Heating a pre-made meal is often called 'nakashoku' or just 'atatamery' (heating up).

It's a play on words. 'Ji' (self) + 'sui' (a pun on 'suisui' meaning smoothly, or 'sui' from 'suishou' - crystal/digitizing). It basically means 'making it yourself' instead of buying a digital version.

No. A chef cooks 'ryouri'. 'Jisui' is strictly for domestic, non-professional contexts.

It translates to 'home-cooking ability.' It describes how well someone can manage their own meals, health, and budget through cooking.

No, that's incorrect. You say 'jisui wo suru' or 'jisui de ryouri wo tsukuru'. 'Jisui' is the act, not the physical food.

Yes, it is very common. For many students, 'jisui' is their first experience with budgeting and independent living.