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下ごしらえする

B1 verb #7,000 most common 8 min read

下ごしらえする

shitagoshirae suru Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 下ごしらえする in 30 Seconds

Explanation 下ごしらえする in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to master this long word yet, but it's good to recognize it as a 'cooking word.' Think of it as 'kitchen prep.' When you see 'shita' (under/preliminary) and 'koshirae' (make), just know it means getting food ready. You might hear it in very simple cooking videos or from a host family. Focus on the fact that it is a 'suru' verb, meaning you can just add 'suru' to the end to make it an action. A1 learners should focus on simple sentences like 'I prep the apple' or 'I prep the meat.' It helps you distinguish between 'cooking' (making the heat happen) and 'prepping' (cutting and washing). Even at this basic level, knowing that Japanese people have a specific word just for kitchen prep shows you how important cooking is in the culture.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'shitagoshirae suru' to describe your daily routines. Instead of just saying 'ryouri suru' (I cook), you can say 'yasai wo shitagoshirae shimasu' (I prep the vegetables). This adds more detail to your Japanese. You will likely encounter this word in elementary textbooks or simple recipes. It's important to remember that this word is for food. If you are preparing for a trip, use 'junbi.' At A2, you should practice the 'te-form' with this verb: 'shitagoshirae shite...' (prep and then...). This allows you to explain a sequence of actions, like 'I prep the ingredients and then I fry them.' Understanding this word helps you follow along with simple Japanese cooking instructions on YouTube or social media.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'shitagoshirae suru' in various contexts. You should understand the nuance that this word implies a systematic approach to cooking. At this stage, you will see it paired with helper verbs like '~te oku' (to do in advance). Phrases like 'shitagoshirae shite oita node, sugu ni dekimasu' (Since I prepped in advance, it will be ready soon) are very common. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'shikomi' (professional prep) and 'shitajunbi' (general prep). B1 learners are expected to understand recipes in Japanese, where 'shitagoshirae' is almost always the first section. You might also start hearing it used metaphorically for 'groundwork' in a business or project setting, though the culinary meaning remains the most frequent.

At the B2 level, you should appreciate the cultural weight of 'shitagoshirae suru.' It's not just about cutting vegetables; it's about the 'foundation' of a meal. You should be able to use it with various adverbs to describe the quality of the prep: 'teinei ni' (carefully), 'tebayaku' (quickly), 'nyuunen ni' (thoroughly). You will encounter this word in more complex texts, such as food essays or professional culinary guides. You should also be aware of the noun form 'shitagoshirae' and how it can be the subject of a sentence: 'Shitagoshirae ni jikan wo kakeru' (To spend time on prep). At this level, you can discuss the philosophy of Japanese cooking, where the 'shitagoshirae' is often seen as 80% of the work required for a successful dish.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'shitagoshirae suru' and its related synonyms. You can use it in formal discussions about gastronomy or cultural traditions. You should understand the historical context of the word 'koshiraeru' and how 'shitagoshirae' relates to other 'foundation-building' words in Japanese. You might use it in sophisticated metaphors, comparing the preparation of a legal case or a complex diplomatic negotiation to the meticulous 'shitagoshirae' of a master chef. Your usage should reflect an understanding of register—knowing when to use the professional 'shikomi' versus the more general but still refined 'shitagoshirae.' You are also expected to recognize the kanji version (下拵え) and understand its usage in classical or high-end culinary literature.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native intuition for 'shitagoshirae suru.' You can discern the subtle differences in connotation between this and every other preparatory verb in the Japanese lexicon. You might use it in academic writing about Japanese domestic life, the evolution of 'Washoku,' or the sociology of the kitchen. You understand how the concept of 'shitagoshirae' aligns with broader Japanese values like 'omotenashi' (hospitality) and 'kodawari' (pursuit of perfection). You can engage in deep technical discussions with professional chefs, using the term to discuss specific techniques like 'shio-momi' (rubbing with salt) or 'men-tori' (rounding off edges of vegetables) as part of the overall 'shitagoshirae' process. Your mastery is such that you can use the word with poetic or philosophical flair, describing the 'shitagoshirae' of one's character or life path.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

下ごしらえする in 30 Seconds

Kitchen prep verb
Specifically for food
Suru-verb pattern
Foundational cooking step

The Japanese verb 下ごしらえする (shitagoshirae suru) is a cornerstone of Japanese culinary culture, translating most directly to 'to prepare ingredients' or 'to do the preliminary prep work' before the actual cooking process begins. Unlike the general word for preparation, 準備 (junbi), which can apply to anything from packing a suitcase to getting ready for a meeting, 下ごしらえする is almost exclusively reserved for the kitchen environment. It encompasses a wide range of tasks: washing vegetables, peeling skins, deboning fish, marinating meats, or parboiling ingredients to remove bitterness. In the context of Japanese cuisine (Washoku), this stage is often considered more important than the actual heating or assembly of the dish, as it ensures that each component is primed to absorb flavors and maintain the ideal texture.

Etymological Nuance: The word is composed of 下 (shita) meaning 'under' or 'preliminary' and ごしらえ (koshirae), the nominalized form of koshiraeru (to make or construct). It implies building the 'foundation' of the meal.

美味しい煮物を作るには、野菜を丁寧に下ごしらえすることが大切です。 (To make delicious simmered dishes, it is important to carefully prepare the vegetables.)

People use this word when discussing recipes, instructing others in the kitchen, or describing their Sunday meal-prep routine. It suggests a level of care and attention to detail. For example, if you are making Tempura, 下ごしらえする would involve deveining the shrimp and making small incisions so they don't curl when fried. In a domestic setting, saying you've finished the 'shitagoshirae' tells your family that the hard work is done and the final cooking will be quick.

Common Actions: Peeling (kawa-muki), cutting (kizami), marinating (tsukekomi), and parboiling (shitayude).

魚の臭みを取るために、塩を振って下ごしらえする。 (Sprinkle salt to prep the fish and remove the smell.)

In summary, using this verb demonstrates an understanding of the labor-intensive but rewarding nature of Japanese cooking. It reflects the philosophy that the quality of the final product is determined long before the stove is turned on. When you tell a Japanese speaker you spent the afternoon 下ごしらえする-ing, they will envision you meticulously preparing ingredients for a healthy, well-thought-out meal.

As a Suru-verb, 下ごしらえする is highly versatile and follows standard conjugation patterns. It is typically used with the direct object particle を (wo) to specify what is being prepared. However, it can also stand alone as a noun, 下ごしらえ (shitagoshirae), when discussing the concept of prep work in general.

Grammar Pattern: [Noun/Ingredient] + を + 下ごしらえする

母は夕食のために、朝から材料を下ごしらえしておいた。 (My mother had prepped the ingredients since morning for dinner.)

The helper verb ~te oku (to do something in advance) is a natural partner for this word, as prep work is by definition an 'in advance' activity. You will frequently see 下ごしらえしておく in recipes. Another common construction is the passive voice 下ごしらえされる, used when describing how an ingredient should be treated: 'This meat must be prepped before grilling.'

玉ねぎを飴色になるまで炒める前に、細かく刻んで下ごしらえします。 (Before frying the onions until they are golden brown, I prep them by chopping them finely.)

In complex sentences, you might use the adverbial form to describe *how* someone is prepping. For instance, 手早く下ごしらえする (to prep quickly) or 入念に下ごしらえする (to prep thoroughly). This allows for a high degree of specificity regarding the effort put into the cooking process.

Example with Adverb: プロの料理人は、驚くほど手際よく下ごしらえする。 (Professional chefs prep with surprising efficiency.)

Note that while 下ごしらえする is a verb, the noun form 下ごしらえ is often used in titles or as the subject of a sentence, such as 'Shitagoshirae ga taihen da' (The prep work is hard). Understanding both the noun and verb usage is essential for fluency in culinary Japanese.

If you spend any time watching Japanese television, particularly the ubiquitous 'gourmet' shows or cooking segments like 'NHK Kyō no Ryōri' (Today's Cooking), you will hear 下ごしらえする constantly. It is the standard term used by hosts and chefs to transition from raw ingredients to the actual cooking phase. 'Sate, tsugi wa niku wo shitagoshirae-shimasu' (Now, next we will prep the meat) is a typical phrase.

「この魚、どうやって下ごしらえするの？」「まずはウロコを取ってください。」 (How do I prep this fish? First, please remove the scales.)

In a Japanese household, the word appears in daily conversations between family members. A parent might ask a child to help by saying, 'Yasai no shitagoshirae wo tetsudatte' (Help with the vegetable prep). It carries a domestic, warm connotation, often associated with the 'taste of home' (ofukuro no aji), where the care taken in prep work translates to the love felt in the meal.

Furthermore, the term is found in written form in every cookbook and recipe app like Cookpad. It usually appears in the first section of a recipe, detailing what needs to be done before the 'Step 1' of cooking. For example: 'Ebi wa se-wata wo tori, sake de shitagoshirae-shite oku' (Remove the vein from the shrimp and prep them with sake in advance).

Social Context: Using this word in a conversation about hobbies (like 'I love prepping food on Sundays') makes you sound very natural and culturally aware of the importance of the process in Japanese life.

料理の基本は、しっかりと下ごしらえすることから始まります。 (The basics of cooking start with thorough preparation.)

Interestingly, you might also hear it metaphorically in business or theater, though less commonly than in the kitchen. It can refer to the 'groundwork' or 'behind-the-scenes' preparation required for a successful presentation or performance, emphasizing that the visible part is only the tip of the iceberg.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using 下ごしらえする for non-culinary tasks. Because English uses 'prepare' or 'prep' for almost everything (prepping for a test, prepping for a trip), learners often over-extend this Japanese verb. Remember: if it's not related to food or a physical craft, stick to 準備する (junbi suru) or 用意する (youi suru).

❌ Incorrect Usage: 旅行のために下ごしらえする (Prepping for a trip) — Use 'junbi' instead.

❌ テストの下ごしらえする。 (Prepping for a test.)
✅ テストの準備をする。 (Preparing for a test.)

Another common error is confusing 下ごしらえする with 料理する (ryouri suru). Ryouri suru covers the entire process, including the actual cooking. If you say you are 'shitagoshirae-shite-iru,' someone will assume you are currently at the cutting board with raw ingredients, not that the food is on the stove. Using it to mean 'I am cooking dinner' is technically too narrow.

A subtle mistake involves the difference between 下ごしらえする and 仕込み (shikomi). While often interchangeable in casual speech, shikomi implies a more professional or large-scale preparation (like making a large batch of dashi in a restaurant). If you are just peeling two carrots at home, shikomi sounds a bit too 'industrial' or 'professional kitchen' for the context.

Confusing Kanji: The 'koshirae' part is often written in Hiragana (下ごしらえ). Writing it as 下拵え is correct but less common in modern everyday text. Don't be confused if you see both!

Finally, remember that 下ごしらえ is the *preliminary* step. If you've already started the main cooking process (like boiling the stew), you are no longer 'shitagoshirae-shite-iru'. You are now 'ryouri-shite-iru'. Keeping this timeline clear in your mind will help you use the word accurately.

Japanese has several words for 'preparation,' each with its own specific domain. Understanding these nuances is key to reaching the B1 and B2 levels of proficiency. Here is a comparison of the most common alternatives to 下ごしらえする.

下準備 (Shitajunbi): Very similar to shitagoshirae, but broader. It can refer to preliminary arrangements for a meeting, a project, or cooking. If you aren't sure, shitajunbi is a safer, more general choice.
仕込み (Shikomi): Used primarily in professional contexts (restaurants, breweries). It implies preparing a large quantity of something that will be used later. It also has meanings related to 'training' or 'stocking up'.
用意する (Youi suru): Focuses on the final readiness. 'Youi' is often the moment just before action. 'Lunch is ready' would be 'Hirugohan no youi ga dekita'.

レストランでは、開店前に数時間かけて仕込みをします。 (In restaurants, they spend several hours doing prep work before opening.)

When should you choose 下ごしらえ over shitajunbi? Use 下ごしらえ when the focus is on the *physical manipulation* of ingredients (cutting, washing, seasoning). Use shitajunbi when the focus is on the *organization* or *logistics* of the task (buying the ingredients, setting out the tools).

キャンプに行く前に、野菜を家で下ごしらえしておくと楽です。 (It's easier if you prep the vegetables at home before going camping.)

For learners, the most useful takeaway is that 下ごしらえする makes you sound like an experienced cook. It shows you value the process. If you are just 'getting food ready' in a hurry, youi is fine. But if you are 'preparing a dish with care,' 下ごしらえする is the perfect word.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'koshirae' is also used to refer to the decorative and functional mountings/fittings of a Japanese sword (Katana). Just as a sword needs proper 'koshirae' to be complete, a meal needs 'shitagoshirae' to be successful.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃi.ta.ɡo.ʃi.ɾa.e su.ɾu/

US /ʃi.ta.ɡo.ʃi.ɾa.e su.ɾu/

Japanese does not use stress accent like English; instead, it uses pitch. The word is generally pronounced with a consistent pitch after the initial syllable.

Rhymes With

Tae (to endure) Mae (before) Sae (even) Hae (fly) Kae (change) Iwae (celebrate) Osae (restraint) Koshirae (preparation)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shita' as 'sheeta' (vowel should be short).
Merging 'goshirae' into 'goshray' (all vowels must be pronounced).
Adding stress to the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 'shita' is easy, but 'goshirae' is usually in hiragana. If in kanji (拵), it is N1 level.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write in hiragana. The suru-verb pattern is standard.

Speaking 3/5

A bit long to say, but follows rhythmic Japanese patterns.

Listening 3/5

Common in cooking contexts, easily recognizable once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

料理する (Ryouri suru) 準備 (Junbi) 野菜 (Yasai) 切る (Kiru) 洗う (Arau)

Learn Next

仕込み (Shikomi) 下準備 (Shitajunbi) 和食 (Washoku) 煮る (Niru) 炒める (Itameru)

Advanced

隠し包丁 (Kakushi-boucho - Hidden cuts) 面取り (Men-tori - Rounding edges) アク抜き (Aku-nuki - Removing bitterness) 塩揉み (Shio-momi - Salt rubbing) 湯通し (Yu-doshi - Blanching)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

下ごしらえ + する = 下ごしらえする

~te oku (Doing in advance)

下ごしらえ + しておく = 下ごしらえしておく

~te kara (After doing)

下ごしらえ + してから = 下ごしらえしてから

~yasui / ~nikui (Easy/Hard to do)

下ごしらえ + しやすい = 下ごしらえしやすい

Potential form (Can do)

下ごしらえ + できる = 下ごしらえできる

Examples by Level

りんごを下ごしらえします。

I prep the apple.

Simple object + を + suru verb.

肉を下ごしらえする。

To prep the meat.

Dictionary form used as a general statement.

野菜を下ごしらえしましたか。

Did you prep the vegetables?

Past tense polite question.

母が魚を下ごしらえする。

My mother preps the fish.

Subject + ga + Object + wo + Verb.

下ごしらえは大切です。

Preparation is important.

Noun form used as a subject.

いっしょに下ごしらえしましょう。

Let's prep together.

~mashou (let's) form.

まず、たまねぎを下ごしらえして。

First, prep the onion.

~te form used as a gentle command.

下ごしらえをします。

I will do the prep.

Noun + を + shimasu.

夕食の材料を下ごしらえするのに一時間かかった。

It took an hour to prep the ingredients for dinner.

Verb + no ni (to do X) + time + kakaru.

野菜を下ごしらえしてから、鍋に入れます。

After prepping the vegetables, I put them in the pot.

~te kara (after doing X).

下ごしらえしたエビを焼きます。

I will grill the prepped shrimp.

Verb in past tense acting as an adjective for 'ebi'.

この魚は下ごしらえが難しいです。

Prepping this fish is difficult.

Noun + ga + Adjective.

料理の前に、しっかり下ごしらえしてください。

Please prep thoroughly before cooking.

~te kudasai (please).

鶏肉をタレに漬けて下ごしらえする。

Prep the chicken by marinating it in sauce.

~te (by means of) + main verb.

下ごしらえをしておくと、料理が楽になります。

If you prep in advance, cooking becomes easy.

~te oku (in advance) + to (if/when).

彼は下ごしらえがとても上手です。

He is very good at prep work.

Noun + ga + jouzu.

忙しいので、週末にまとめて下ごしらえしておきます。

Since I'm busy, I'll prep everything at once on the weekend.

Matomete (all together) + ~te oku.

下ごしらえを怠ると、料理の味が落ちてしまいます。

If you neglect the prep, the taste of the dish will suffer.

~to (if) + ~te shimau (unfortunate result).

ジャガイモは皮をむいて、水にさらして下ごしらえする。

Prep the potatoes by peeling them and soaking them in water.

Listing multiple prep actions.

このレシピは下ごしらえに時間がかかりますね。

This recipe takes a lot of time for prep, doesn't it?

Noun + ni (for the purpose of).

下ごしらえされた食材が冷蔵庫に入っている。

Prepped ingredients are in the refrigerator.

Passive past form (prepped) + noun.

プロの料理人にとって、下ごしらえは基本中の基本だ。

For professional chefs, prep is the most basic of basics.

Noun + wa + kihon chuu no kihon.

肉を柔らかくするために、塩麹で下ごしらえしておいた。

I prepped the meat with shio-koji to make it tender.

~tame ni (in order to).

下ごしらえが終わったら、教えてください。

Please let me know when you've finished the prep.

~tara (when/if).

和食の美味しさは、丁寧な下ごしらえにかかっている。

The deliciousness of Japanese food depends on careful prep.

Noun + ni kakatte iru (depends on).

素材の持ち味を活かすために、入念に下ごしらえする。

Prep thoroughly to make the most of the ingredients' natural flavors.

Adverb + ni + verb.

下ごしらえを済ませておけば、パーティーの時に慌てなくて済む。

If you finish the prep, you won't have to panic during the party.

~te okeba (if you do in advance) + ~nakute sumu (no need to).

ごぼうはアクが強いので、しっかり下ごしらえする必要がある。

Burdock root is very bitter, so it needs to be prepped thoroughly.

Noun + ga tsuyoi node (because X is strong).

見えないところでの下ごしらえが、最高の料理を生む。

Prep work behind the scenes creates the best dishes.

Relative clause modifying 'shitagoshirae'.

彼は料理の腕だけでなく、下ごしらえの手際も素晴らしい。

Not only is his cooking skill great, but his prep efficiency is also wonderful.

~dake de naku (not only).

下ごしらえの段階で、すでに勝負は決まっている。

The battle is already decided at the prep stage.

Noun + no dankai de (at the stage of).

手間はかかるが、下ごしらえをすることで仕上がりが違ってくる。

It takes effort, but by prepping, the final result changes.

~koto de (by doing).

伝統的な料亭では、下ごしらえだけで数時間を費やすことも珍しくない。

In traditional high-end restaurants, it's not uncommon to spend several hours just on prep.

~mo mezurashiku nai (not rare).

下ごしらえという工程こそが、日本料理の真髄であると言えるだろう。

It could be said that the process called prep work is the very essence of Japanese cuisine.

~koso (emphasis) + ~to ieru darou.

食材ごとに最適な方法で下ごしらえすることが、職人のこだわりだ。

Prepping each ingredient with the optimal method is the craftsman's obsession.

~goto ni (for each).

下ごしらえを軽視する者は、決して一流の料理人にはなれない。

Those who look down on prep work can never become top-tier chefs.

~mono (person) + keishi suru (look down on).

魚の血抜きや神経締めといった高度な下ごしらえが、鮮度を保つ鍵だ。

Advanced prep like bleeding and nerve-clamping is the key to maintaining freshness.

~to itta (such as).

舞台裏での入念な下ごしらえが、華やかな本番を支えている。

Meticulous preparation behind the scenes supports the brilliant performance.

Metaphorical usage.

下ごしらえの良し悪しが、そのまま客の満足度に直結する。

The quality of the prep work directly affects customer satisfaction.

Noun + no yoshi-ashi (quality).

一切の妥協を許さず、完璧に下ごしらえされた食材。

Ingredients prepped perfectly, without any compromise.

~wo yurusazu (without allowing).

下ごしらえの妙味は、単なる調理の準備を超え、食材への敬意を表する儀式とも言える。

The charm of prep work goes beyond mere cooking preparation; it can be called a ritual expressing respect for the ingredients.

~tomo ieru (can also be called).

微細な下ごしらえの差異が、最終的な味の奥行きに決定的な影響を及ぼす。

Minute differences in prep work have a decisive impact on the depth of the final flavor.

~ni eikyou wo oyobosu (exert influence on).

素材の生命を尊び、その美しさを最大限に引き出すための下ごしらえに心血を注ぐ。

Respecting the life of the ingredients, one pours their heart and soul into prep work to bring out their maximum beauty.

Shinketsu wo sosogu (pour heart and soul).

下ごしらえを極めることは、即ち、自己の精神を研ぎ澄ますことに他ならない。

Mastering prep work is nothing other than sharpening one's own spirit.

~ni hoka naranai (nothing other than).

長年の経験に裏打ちされた直感で、季節ごとの下ごしらえの塩梅を見極める。

With intuition backed by years of experience, one discerns the proper balance of prep for each season.

~ni urauchisareta (backed by).

下ごしらえという静謐な時間が、料理に魂を吹き込むのである。

The quiet time of prep work is what breathes soul into the cooking.

~no de aru (explanatory emphasis).

無機質な作業としての準備ではなく、慈しみを込めた下ごしらえこそが肝要だ。

Not preparation as a mechanical task, but prep work filled with affection is what is essential.

~de wa naku... koso ga kanyou da.

下ごしらえの奥深さを知ることは、食文化の深淵を覗くことに等しい。

Knowing the depth of prep work is equivalent to peering into the abyss of food culture.

~ni hitoshii (equivalent to).

Common Collocations

丁寧に下ごしらえする

手早く下ごしらえする

入念に下ごしらえする

まとめて下ごしらえする

下ごしらえに時間をかける

下ごしらえを済ませる

食材を下ごしらえする

下ごしらえしておく

下ごしらえを怠る

下ごしらえを教わる

Common Phrases

下ごしらえが肝心

— Prep is the most important part.

料理は下ごしらえが肝心だ。

下ごしらえの手際

— Efficiency in prep work.

彼女は下ごしらえの手際がいい。

下ごしらえ済み

— Already prepped.

下ごしらえ済みの野菜を買う。

下ごしらえのコツ

— Tips for prep work.

美味しい煮物の下ごしらえのコツ。

下ごしらえの手間

— The effort of prep work.

下ごしらえの手間を省く。

下ごしらえ一筋

— Dedicated solely to prep (metaphorical).

下ごしらえ一筋の職人。

下ごしらえの段階

— The prep stage.

下ごしらえの段階で失敗した。

下ごしらえを欠かさない

— Never skip prep.

毎日の下ごしらえを欠かさない。

下ごしらえ道具

— Prep tools (knives, peelers).

便利な下ごしらえ道具を使う。

下ごしらえの時間

— Prep time.

下ごしらえの時間を短縮する。

Often Confused With

下ごしらえする vs 準備 (Junbi)

Junbi is general; Shitagoshirae is specifically for food prep.

下ごしらえする vs 用意 (Youi)

Youi is about final readiness; Shitagoshirae is about the preliminary processing.

下ごしらえする vs 仕込み (Shikomi)

Shikomi is professional or large-scale; Shitagoshirae is for individual dishes.

Idioms & Expressions

"下ごしらえが万全だ"

— To be perfectly prepared (often used for food, but can be metaphorical).

パーティーの下ごしらえは万全だ。

Neutral

"下ごしらえに抜かりはない"

— To have no oversights in the preparation.

下ごしらえに抜かりはない、あとは焼くだけだ。

Formal

"下ごしらえの差が出る"

— The difference in the final result comes from the prep work.

プロとアマチュアでは下ごしらえの差が出る。

Neutral

"下ごしらえを笑う者は料理に泣く"

— Those who mock prep work will cry over their cooking (proverbial style).

下ごしらえを笑う者は料理に泣くと言うからね。

Informal

"下ごしらえから始める"

— To start from the very beginning.

基本に戻って下ごしらえから始める。

Neutral

"下ごしらえの鬼"

— Someone who is incredibly strict/meticulous about prep.

あのシェフは下ごしらえの鬼だ。

Slang/Informal

"下ごしらえが物を言う"

— The prep work speaks for itself (shows its value).

シンプルな料理ほど、下ごしらえが物を言う。

Neutral

"下ごしらえで決まる"

— It is decided by the prep work.

味は下ごしらえで決まる。

Neutral

"下ごしらえを盗む"

— To learn prep techniques by watching a master.

師匠の下ごしらえを盗む。

Neutral

"下ごしらえの賜物"

— The fruit of one's prep work.

この美味しさは丁寧な下ごしらえの賜物だ。

Formal

Easily Confused

下ごしらえする vs 下準備 (Shitajunbi)

Both mean 'pre-prep'.

Shitajunbi is broader and can be used for non-food items. Shitagoshirae is food-focused.

キャンプの下準備をする。

下ごしらえする vs 下書き (Shitagaki)

Both start with 'shita'.

Shitagaki is a draft of a document or drawing.

作文の下書きをする。

下ごしらえする vs 下見 (Shitami)

Both start with 'shita'.

Shitami is a preliminary inspection of a place.

会場の下見に行く。

下ごしらえする vs 下取り (Shitadori)

Both start with 'shita'.

Shitadori is a trade-in (of an old car, etc.).

古い車を下取りに出す。

下ごしらえする vs 下調べ (Shitashirabe)

Both start with 'shita'.

Shitashirabe is preliminary research.

旅行先を下調べする。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] を下ごしらえします。

りんごを下ごしらえします。

[Noun] を下ごしらえしてから、[Verb]。

肉を下ごしらえしてから、焼きます。

[Noun] を下ごしらえしておきます。

明日のために、野菜を下ごしらえしておきます。

[Noun] は下ごしらえが大変です。

この料理は下ごしらえが大変です。

丁寧に下ごしらえすることで、[Result]。

丁寧に下ごしらえすることで、味が良くなります。

[Noun] を下ごしらえする必要がある。

魚をしっかり下ごしらえする必要がある。

下ごしらえこそが、[Noun] の鍵だ。

下ごしらえこそが、美味しさの鍵だ。

[Noun] に裏打ちされた下ごしらえ。

職人の技に裏打ちされた下ごしらえ。

Word Family

Nouns

下ごしらえ (Shitagoshirae - Prep work)

拵え (Koshirae - Making/fittings)

Verbs

下ごしらえする (Shitagoshirae suru - To prep)

拵える (Koshiraeru - To make)

仕込む (Shikomu - To prepare in bulk)

準備 (Junbi)

用意 (Youi)

段取り (Dandori)

仕込み (Shikomi)

料理 (Ryouri)

How to Use It

frequency

High in culinary contexts, medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Using it for travel prep. → 旅行の準備 (Ryokou no junbi)
'Shitagoshirae' is for food only.
Using it for the actual cooking part. → 煮る (Niru) / 焼く (Yaku)
'Shitagoshirae' ends once the main cooking (heating) starts.
Pronouncing it as 'shitagoshira'. → Shitagoshirae (5 syllables)
Don't drop the 'e' at the end.
Using it for setting the table. → 用意 (Youi)
Prep is about ingredients, not the environment.
Writing the kanji 拵 when not necessary. → 下ごしらえ
The kanji is very difficult and may confuse readers; hiragana is safer.

Tips

Don't skip it!

In Japanese cooking, the 'shitagoshirae' is often the most important step for the final flavor. Take your time with it.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

SHITA (Under) + GOSHIRAE (Construction). Think of 'constructing' the meal from 'underneath' (the foundation).

Visual Association

Imagine a chef meticulously peeling a mountain of vegetables on a low table (shita).

Word Web

Kitchen Knife Vegetables Foundation Wash Cut Marinate Advance

Challenge

Try to name three 'shitagoshirae' tasks you do when making your favorite meal using the verb form.

Word Origin

Derived from the Japanese words 'shita' (under/preliminary) and 'koshirae' (nominalized form of koshiraeru, meaning to construct or make).

Original meaning: To make the foundation or preliminary structure of something.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Generally a very safe and positive word. No specific sensitivities.

In Western kitchens, this is equivalent to the French 'Mise en place', though 'shitagoshirae' often includes more active processing like marinating or parboiling.

NHK's 'Kyō no Ryōri' (Today's Cooking) The manga/anime 'Oishinbo' Cooking YouTube channels like 'Kimagure Cook'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Cooking

今日の夕食を下ごしらえする (Prep today's dinner)
下ごしらえを手伝って (Help with the prep)
下ごしらえが面倒くさい (Prep is a hassle)
下ごしらえは終わった？ (Is the prep finished?)

Restaurant Kitchen

開店前に下ごしらえする (Prep before opening)
仕込みと下ごしらえ (Bulk prep and specific prep)
下ごしらえを徹底する (Be thorough with prep)
下ごしらえの効率化 (Improving prep efficiency)

Recipe Books

下ごしらえのやり方 (How to prep)
下ごしらえ：5分 (Prep time: 5 mins)
下ごしらえのポイント (Key points of prep)
下ごしらえ不要のレシピ (Recipes requiring no prep)

Cooking Shows

次は下ごしらえです (Next is the prep)
下ごしらえしておいたものがこちらです (Here is the one I prepped earlier)
下ごしらえのコツを教えます (I'll show you the tricks of prep)
丁寧に下ごしらえしましょう (Let's prep carefully)

Supermarket

下ごしらえ済み野菜 (Pre-cut/prepped vegetables)
下ごしらえが楽な食材 (Ingredients that are easy to prep)
下ごしらえの手間いらず (No effort needed for prep)
下ごしらえに便利な道具 (Tools convenient for prep)

Conversation Starters

"料理をする時、下ごしらえにどのくらい時間をかけますか？ (When cooking, how much time do you spend on prep?)"

"下ごしらえで一番嫌いな作業は何ですか？ (What is the prep task you hate the most?)"

"下ごしらえが済んでいる野菜を買うのはどう思いますか？ (What do you think about buying prepped vegetables?)"

"美味しい和食を作るための下ごしらえのコツを知っていますか？ (Do you know any prep tips for making delicious Japanese food?)"

"あなたは料理の前にまとめて下ごしらえするタイプですか？ (Are you the type to prep everything at once before cooking?)"

Journal Prompts

今日はカレーを作るために、一時間かけて野菜を下ごしらえした。 (Today I spent an hour prepping vegetables to make curry.)

下ごしらえの大切さについて考えた。丁寧に行うと味が全然違う。 (I thought about the importance of prep work. If done carefully, the taste is completely different.)

母から魚の下ごしらえの方法を教わった。少し難しかった。 (I learned how to prep fish from my mother. It was a bit difficult.)

忙しい日は、下ごしらえ済みの食材を使うと本当に助かる。 (On busy days, using prepped ingredients really helps.)

将来、自分のレストランを持つなら、下ごしらえに一番こだわりたい。 (If I have my own restaurant in the future, I want to be most particular about the prep work.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'shitagoshirae' is almost exclusively for cooking. For an exam, use 'benkyou no junbi' or 'shitashirabe'.

'Shitagoshirae' is the prep work (cutting, cleaning). 'Ryouri' is the entire act of cooking, including the prep and the heating.

Yes, it is very common to write it as 下ごしらえ. The kanji 拵 is rare for everyday use.

Occasionally it's used for physical crafts like woodworking, but 99% of the time it refers to food.

No, it only refers to the preparation of the ingredients themselves before they are cooked.

'Shikomi' is usually used by professionals or for things that take a long time (like fermenting miso). 'Shitagoshirae' is more general.

You can say 'Shitagoshirae ga owarimashita' or 'Shitagoshirae wo sumaseta'.

No, setting the table is 'teeburu no youi' or 'haizen'.

Usually not. It's for ingredients that require processing like cutting or marinating.

It is neutral. It can be used in polite speech (shimasu) or casual speech (suru).