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A2 noun #8,000 mais comum 10 min de leitura

お玉

otama Top 8,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas お玉 em 30 segundos

Explicação お玉 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'otama' means 'ladle.' Think of it as a basic noun like 'spoon' or 'fork.' You will mostly use it in very simple sentences like 'This is a ladle' (Kore wa otama desu) or 'Where is the ladle?' (Otama wa doko desu ka?). At this stage, focusing on the visual shape—a long handle with a deep cup—will help you remember it. It is one of the first 500 words you might encounter if you look at a Japanese picture dictionary for the home. You don't need to worry about the kanji (the Chinese characters) yet; writing it in hiragana as 'おたま' is perfectly fine. The most important thing is to recognize the sound 'o-ta-ma' when you are helping someone in the kitchen or looking for one in a 100-yen shop. You might also see it in very simple children's books about cooking or helping around the house. Just remember: if it's for soup and it has a long handle, it's an 'otama.'

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'otama' in the context of simple daily tasks and instructions. This means pairing it with basic verbs like 'tsukau' (to use) or 'totte' (please pass/take). For example, if you are cooking with a Japanese friend, you might say, 'Otama o tsukaimasu' (I will use the ladle). You should also begin to understand simple measurements, like 'otama ippai' (one ladleful), which is common in home cooking recipes. At this level, you can also start to distinguish 'otama' from other tools like 'shamoji' (rice paddle). You are moving from just knowing the name to using the word to facilitate communication during a shared activity. You might encounter this word in elementary Japanese textbooks when discussing 'My Day' or 'Helping at Home.' It is a practical word that helps you navigate a Japanese-speaking household or a shared kitchen environment. You should also be comfortable seeing the kanji 'お玉', which is relatively simple to read.

At the B1 level, you can use 'otama' to describe more complex actions and preferences. You can talk about the material of the ladle, such as 'sutenresu-sei' (stainless steel) or 'mokusei' (wooden), and explain why one is better than the other. For instance, 'Sutenresu no otama wa jōbu desu' (Stainless steel ladles are durable). You should be able to follow a recipe that uses 'otama' as a reference for volume or for specific steps like 'aku o sukuu' (skimming the foam). Your vocabulary expands to include variations like 'ana-aki otama' (slotted ladle). At this stage, you are expected to handle social situations where the ladle is a central object, such as a 'nabe' (hot pot) party, where you might offer to serve others. You understand the cultural nuance of 'otama' as a tool for sharing and can use the word fluently in conversation without hesitation. You also start to recognize the word in more varied media, such as lifestyle blogs or basic cooking magazines.

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At the B2 level, you have a firm grasp of 'otama' and can use it in professional or highly detailed contexts. You can discuss the ergonomics of different ladle designs or the historical evolution of the word from 'otamajakushi.' You are comfortable using the more formal synonym 'shakushi' when appropriate, such as when discussing traditional Japanese crafts or professional culinary techniques. You can explain the difference between an 'otama' and a 'miso-koshi' to someone else. Your reading level allows you to understand specialized cooking articles that might discuss the 'ideal curve' of a ladle for specific types of broth. You can also use 'otama' in metaphorical or idiomatic contexts, although they are rare, and you understand the linguistic connection to tadpoles and musical notes (which are also called 'otamajakushi' due to their shape). At B2, your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker in terms of accuracy and context, and you can handle technical discussions about kitchen equipment.

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At the C1 level, you understand the deep cultural and historical roots of the word 'otama.' You are aware of its etymology involving the Taga Taisha shrine and the 'otamajakushi' (ladle-shaped charms) that gave the tool its name. You can discuss the linguistic shift from 'shakushi' to 'otama' during the Edo period and how gendered language or social class influenced the adoption of the 'o-' prefix. You can analyze the role of the ladle in Japanese folklore or traditional tea ceremonies (where specialized ladles like 'hishaku' are used). Your vocabulary is rich enough to compare the 'otama' with its Western counterparts and discuss the nuances of Japanese 'yosou' (serving) culture in an academic or professional essay. You can read complex culinary history texts and understand the subtle distinctions between different regional names for the tool. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in any register, from extremely casual slang to high-level professional discourse.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'otama' is exhaustive and includes rare, archaic, and highly specialized knowledge. You can navigate the most technical culinary environments, such as a Michelin-starred Kaiseki restaurant, where the choice of a specific 'shakushi' or 'otama' might be based on the type of wood or the specific curvature required for a delicate dashi. You are familiar with the kanji '杓子' and its various readings and historical uses in legal or administrative documents (e.g., as a metaphor for rigid rules). You can participate in high-level academic debates about the evolution of Japanese household vocabulary or the semiotics of kitchen tools in Japanese literature. You understand the most obscure puns and literary references involving 'otama' and 'otamajakushi.' For you, 'otama' is not just a ladle, but a linguistic thread that connects modern daily life to centuries of Japanese history, culture, and social evolution. You can switch between 'otama', 'shakushi', and 'hishaku' with perfect precision, reflecting a deep understanding of the subtle boundaries between these tools.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

お玉 em 30 segundos

Otama is the standard Japanese word for a kitchen ladle, used for soups and stews.
The name is a shortened version of 'otamajakushi,' which also means 'tadpole' in Japanese.
It is a versatile tool found in every Japanese household and used in communal dining.
Commonly paired with the verb 'sukuu' (to scoop) and used as a rough measurement.

The Japanese word お玉 (otama) is the common, everyday term for a ladle. It is an essential kitchen utensil used for scooping and serving liquid-based dishes such as miso soup, curry, stews, and hot pots (nabe). Linguistically, 'otama' is a shortened form of the word お玉杓子 (otamajakushi). Interestingly, 'otamajakushi' also means 'tadpole' in Japanese, a name derived from the visual similarity between the shape of a ladle and a young frog. In modern Japanese households, however, when you are in the kitchen, simply saying 'otama' is the standard way to refer to the tool. It belongs to the category of kitchenware (調理器具 - chōri kigu) and is a word even children learn very early because of its frequent appearance during family meals.

Common Usage: Used primarily when serving liquids or small solid ingredients from a large pot into individual bowls. It is used both during the cooking process (to stir or taste) and during the serving process.

台所からお玉を持ってきてください。 (Please bring the ladle from the kitchen.)

The word carries a domestic and warm connotation, often associated with the image of a mother or father preparing a home-cooked meal. Unlike more formal culinary terms that might be used in a high-end restaurant kitchen, 'otama' is the word you will hear in 99% of daily conversations. It is versatile enough to describe various types of ladles, including those made of stainless steel, wood, or modern heat-resistant silicone. When you are eating nabe (Japanese hot pot) with friends, you might ask, 'お玉、使ってもいい？' (Can I use the ladle?) as you prepare to serve yourself some soup. It is a foundational noun for anyone living or cooking in a Japanese environment.

Material Variations: Stainless steel (ステンレス製) is the most common, but silicone (シリコン製) is popular for non-stick pans, and wooden (木製) ladles are often used for traditional aesthetics or with clay pots (donabe).

このお玉はシリコン製なので、鍋を傷つけません。 (This ladle is made of silicone, so it won't scratch the pot.)

Culturally, the 'otama' is more than just a tool; it represents the act of sharing. In Japanese communal dining, the person holding the ladle often takes on the role of the 'server' for the group, ensuring everyone's bowl is filled. This act of service is a subtle but important part of Japanese social etiquette. Furthermore, the word appears in several compound forms, such as 穴あきお玉 (ana-aki otama), which refers to a slotted ladle used to scoop solids out of liquid without taking the broth. Understanding this word helps you navigate not just a kitchen, but also the social dynamics of a Japanese dinner table.

Using お玉 (otama) in a sentence is straightforward, as it usually functions as the direct object of a verb or the subject of a descriptive sentence. The most common verb paired with 'otama' is 使う (tsukau - to use) or 持つ (motsu - to hold). However, when describing the action of scooping, the verb すくう (sukuu - to scoop) is the most precise and natural choice. For example, 'お玉でスープをすくう' (Scoop soup with a ladle). Another common verb is よそう (yosou - to serve/dish out), which specifically refers to the act of putting food into a bowl or plate.

Action Verb: Sukuu: スープをお玉ですくってください。 (Please scoop the soup with the ladle.) - This emphasizes the physical action of picking up the liquid.

カレーをお玉でよそいましょう。 (Let's serve the curry with the ladle.)

In a more instructional or technical context, such as a recipe, you might see 'otama' used to measure quantities. While not a standard unit of measurement like a 'cup,' recipes often say お玉一杯 (otama ippai), which means 'one ladleful.' This is an approximate measurement, but it is very common in home cooking for adding broth or water to a dish. For instance, 'お湯をお玉二杯分足します' (Add two ladlefuls of hot water). This usage highlights how the tool itself becomes a makeshift measuring device in the flow of cooking.

Descriptive Sentences: このお玉は持ち手が長くて使いやすいです。 (This ladle has a long handle and is easy to use.)

新しいお玉を百円ショップで買いました。 (I bought a new ladle at the 100-yen shop.)

Furthermore, 'otama' can be modified by adjectives to specify its state or type. You might have a 汚れたお玉 (yogoreta otama - dirty ladle) or a 小さめのお玉 (chiisame no otama - slightly small ladle). Because it is a physical object, it takes the counter 本 (hon) for long, cylindrical objects, although in casual counting, 個 (ko) or 一つ (hitotsu) is also frequently used. Understanding these grammatical pairings allows you to communicate effectively in any Japanese kitchen scenario, whether you are following a recipe or helping a friend clean up after a party.

The word お玉 (otama) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, particularly in environments centered around food and domesticity. The most obvious place is the home kitchen. Parents often ask their children to help with dinner by saying, 'お玉を洗っておいて' (Wash the ladle for me). It is a word that bridges generations, used by everyone from toddlers learning the names of objects to the elderly. You will also hear it frequently in cooking shows and YouTube tutorials. Japanese chefs, while demonstrating how to make ramen or miso soup, will constantly refer to the 'otama' as they stir the pot or skim off foam (aku).

In the Supermarket: If you are looking for kitchen tools in a store like Nitori, Daiso, or a department store, you will see the label お玉 or レードル (Ladle) in the kitchenware section. The Katakana version 'レードル' is becoming more common in modern design shops, but 'otama' remains the dominant spoken word.

店員さん、お玉はどの売り場にありますか？ (Excuse me, in which section are the ladles located?)

Another common setting is the Izakaya (Japanese pub) or a restaurant that serves communal dishes like motsunabe or shabu-shabu. When the pot is brought to the table, it almost always comes with one or two 'otama' resting in a small stand. You might hear a waiter say, '取り分け用にお玉をお使いください' (Please use the ladle for serving). In these social settings, the 'otama' is the tool that facilitates sharing, and the word is often heard during the lively chatter of friends deciding who will scoop the next serving.

TV & Media: On variety shows featuring 'gourmet' segments, you might hear a guest exclaim how heavy or large a professional chef's 'otama' is. It is also a common prop in anime scenes depicting a cozy home life.

アニメで、お母さんがお玉を持って怒っているシーンをよく見ます。 (In anime, I often see scenes where a mother is angry while holding a ladle.)

Finally, you might encounter the word in preschool or elementary education contexts. Because of its linguistic connection to 'otamajakushi' (tadpole), teachers often use the word to play with puns or to teach children about shapes. Whether you are buying one, using one at a party, or watching a cooking show, 'otama' is a word that anchors you in the practical, flavorful world of Japanese cuisine.

For English speakers learning Japanese, the most frequent mistake is confusing お玉 (otama) with other scooping tools. The most common mix-up is with the 勺子 (shakushi) or the しゃもじ (shamoji). While 'otama' is specifically for liquids and is deep and bowl-shaped, a shamoji is a flat paddle used exclusively for rice. If you ask for an 'otama' to serve rice, you will get a very confused look, as the deep bowl of the ladle would make it impossible to spread the rice properly. Similarly, using 'otama' to refer to a small eating spoon (which is simply supūun) is incorrect; an 'otama' is always a large serving tool.

Linguistic Trap: Otamajakushi: A common mistake for beginners is using the full word お玉杓子 (otamajakushi) in the kitchen. While technically correct, it sounds overly formal or slightly archaic. In a modern kitchen, it’s like calling a 'spatula' a 'culinary rotating implement.' Stick to 'otama' for daily use.

❌ ご飯をお玉でよそってください。 (Serve the rice with a ladle. - Wrong tool! Use 'shamoji'.)

Another mistake involves the honorific 'o'. Some learners might think they can drop the 'o' and just say 'tama'. However, Tama (玉) on its own usually means 'ball,' 'sphere,' or 'gem.' If you ask for a 'tama' in the kitchen, people might think you are asking for an egg (tamago) or a ball of dough. The 'o' in 'otama' is practically inseparable from the word in this context. It is one of those words where the honorific has become part of the standard noun itself for most speakers.

Verb Misuse: Learners often use 飲む (nomu - to drink) with the ladle. You scoop with the ladle, but you don't drink 'from' the ladle in polite society. Always use すくう (sukuu) for the action.

❌ お玉でスープを飲みます。 (I drink soup with a ladle. - Use a spoon or bowl to drink; the ladle is for serving.)

Lastly, be aware of the Kanji vs. Hiragana. While 'otama' can be written in Kanji as お玉, it is very frequently written in Hiragana as おたま in casual contexts or Katakana as オタマ in biological contexts (referring to tadpoles). In a recipe book, Hiragana is most common. Using the wrong script isn't a 'mistake' per se, but using overly complex Kanji for simple kitchen tools can make your writing look stiff and unnatural.

To truly master the kitchen vocabulary, it's important to know the alternatives to お玉 (otama). The most direct synonym is 杓子 (shakushi). Historically, 'shakushi' was the general term for any scooping tool. Today, 'shakushi' is often used in more formal settings, in professional kitchens, or in idiomatic expressions. For example, the famous proverb '杓子定規' (shakushi jōgi) refers to being inflexible or 'acting by the rule of thumb.' While 'otama' is the physical object you hold, 'shakushi' carries more historical and linguistic weight.

Otama vs. Shakushi

Otama: Casual, daily life, specifically for soup/liquids.
Shakushi: Formal, professional, can be a general term for many scooping tools.

プロの料理人は、大きな杓子を使って出汁を取ります。 (Professional chefs use large ladles to make dashi broth.)

Another word often confused is しゃもじ (shamoji). As mentioned before, this is a rice paddle. It is usually flat and made of wood or plastic with a bumpy surface to prevent rice from sticking. If you are serving rice, you must use a 'shamoji.' If you are serving miso soup, you must use an 'otama.' Then there is the レンゲ (renge), the Chinese-style ceramic spoon. This is used for eating soup, particularly ramen or fried rice. While it functions like a tiny ladle, it is never called an 'otama' because it is an individual eating utensil, not a serving tool.

Specific Variations

穴あきお玉 (Ana-aki otama): Slotted ladle for scooping solids.
味噌こし (Miso-koshi): A specialized ladle-like strainer used specifically for dissolving miso paste into soup.

豆腐だけをすくいたい時は、穴あきお玉が便利です。 (When you want to scoop only the tofu, a slotted ladle is convenient.)

Finally, for very large quantities, such as in a school cafeteria or a festival where huge vats of soup are made, the tool might be called a 大杓子 (ōshakushi). Knowing these distinctions helps you sound more natural and ensures you are using the right tool for the job. In a Japanese kitchen, being precise about your tools is seen as a sign of a good cook!

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'otamajakushi' actually comes from Taga Taisha shrine, where they sold lucky ladles called 'otamajakushi' to pilgrims.

Guia de pronúncia

UK əʊˈtɑː.mə

US oʊˈtɑ.mə

Low-High-High (o-TA-MA).

Rima com

Kodama Adama Sama Gama Yama Hama Tama Nama

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'o' too long like 'ohhh'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Confusing the pitch with 'Otama' (a name).
Making the 't' sound too aspirated like 't-ha'.
Pronouncing 'ma' with a nasal 'n' at the end.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Kanji is simple, often in hiragana.

Escrita 2/5

Easy to write in hiragana or simple kanji.

Expressão oral 1/5

Simple three-syllable word.

Audição 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to recognize.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

鍋スープ使う台所スプーン

Aprenda a seguir

しゃもじまな板包丁フライ返しざる

Avançado

杓子柄杓美化語一体成型流体力学

Gramática essencial

Particles with Tools (de)

お玉でスープをすくう。

Honorific Prefix 'o'

お玉、お箸、お皿。

Counters for Long Objects (hon)

お玉を二本買いました。

Te-form for Requests

お玉を取ってください。

Compound Nouns

穴 + あき + お玉 = 穴あきお玉。

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Exemplos por nível

これはお玉です。

This is a ladle.

Basic 'A is B' structure.

お玉はどこですか？

Where is the ladle?

Question particle 'ka' used with 'doko' (where).

お玉をください。

Please give me the ladle.

Requesting an object using 'o kudasai'.

お玉でスープを飲みますか？いいえ。

Do you drink soup with a ladle? No.

Simple yes/no question.

お玉は台所にあります。

The ladle is in the kitchen.

Stating location with 'arimasu'.

赤いお玉です。

It is a red ladle.

Adjective modifying a noun.

お玉が一つあります。

There is one ladle.

Counting objects with 'hitotsu'.

お母さんはお玉を使います。

Mother uses the ladle.

Subject-Object-Verb order.

お玉を使って、スープをまぜます。

Use the ladle to stir the soup.

Using the 'te-form' of 'tsukau' to connect actions.

お玉を洗ってください。

Please wash the ladle.

Polite request with 'te-kudasai'.

お玉一杯の水を入れます。

Add one ladleful of water.

Using 'ippai' as a counter for 'one full [ladle]'.

新しいお玉を買いに行きましょう。

Let's go buy a new ladle.

Volitional form 'mashō' (let's).

このお玉は軽いです。

This ladle is light.

Descriptive adjective 'karui'.

お玉を取ってもらえますか？

Can you pass me the ladle?

Requesting a favor with 'te-moraemasu ka'.

カレーをお玉でよそいます。

I serve curry with a ladle.

Action verb 'yosou' (to serve).

お玉は引き出しの中にあります。

The ladle is inside the drawer.

Specifying location within an object.

穴あきお玉はどこに置きましたか？

Where did you put the slotted ladle?

Compound noun 'ana-aki otama'.

お玉でアクを丁寧にすくってください。

Please carefully scoop off the foam with the ladle.

Adverb 'teinei ni' (carefully).

シリコン製のお玉は鍋を傷つけないので便利です。

Silicone ladles are convenient because they don't scratch the pot.

Explaining a reason with 'node' (because).

お玉の持ち手が熱くなっているので気をつけて。

The handle of the ladle is hot, so be careful.

State of being 'te-iru' + warning 'ki o tsukete'.

このお玉、デザインがおしゃれですね。

This ladle has a stylish design, doesn't it?

Sentence-ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

お玉が二本必要です。

We need two ladles.

Using the counter 'hon' for long objects.

お玉を使って、味見をしてみました。

I tried tasting it using the ladle.

Trying an action with 'te-miru'.

お玉を引っ掛けるフックを付けました。

I attached a hook to hang the ladle on.

Relative clause 'otama o hikkakeru' modifying 'fukku'.

伝統的な和食の調理には、木製のお玉がよく使われます。

Wooden ladles are often used in preparing traditional Japanese food.

Passive voice 'tsukawaremasu'.

お玉の容量を確認してから、調味料を加えましょう。

Let's check the capacity of the ladle before adding the seasoning.

Noun 'yōryō' (capacity) and 'kara' (after).

スープが溢れないように、お玉で少しずつよそいます。

Serve little by little with the ladle so the soup doesn't overflow.

'Yō ni' expressing purpose/prevention.

お玉の形状によって、スープのすくいやすさが変わります。

The ease of scooping soup changes depending on the shape of the ladle.

'Ni yotte' (depending on).

このお玉は一体成型なので、汚れが溜まりにくく衛生的です。

This ladle is seamlessly molded, so it's hygienic and dirt doesn't accumulate easily.

Compound suffix 'nikui' (difficult to).

煮込み料理には、底が深いお玉が適しています。

A deep-bottomed ladle is suitable for stewed dishes.

Verb 'tekishite iru' (to be suitable).

お玉を鍋の中に放置すると、持ち手が溶ける恐れがあります。

If you leave the ladle in the pot, there is a risk the handle will melt.

'Osore ga aru' (there is a risk/fear that).

キャンプ用のお玉は、折りたたみ式のものが人気です。

Folding ladles are popular for camping.

Adjective 'oritatamishiki' (folding type).

お玉という名称の由来は、その形状がお玉杓子に似ていることにある。

The origin of the name 'otama' lies in its shape resembling a tadpole.

Formal explanatory structure 'ni aru'.

江戸時代の女性たちが「杓子」に「お」をつけて「お玉」と呼んだのが始まりとされる。

It is said to have begun when women in the Edo period added 'o' to 'shakushi' and called it 'otama'.

Passive report 'to sareru'.

プロの現場では「お玉」よりも「レードル」や「杓子」といった呼称が一般的だ。

In professional settings, terms like 'ladle' or 'shakushi' are more common than 'otama'.

Comparative 'yori mo'.

お玉一杯の分量を正確に把握することは、家庭料理の隠れたコツである。

Accurately grasping the volume of one ladleful is a hidden trick of home cooking.

Nominalized clause with 'koto'.

このお玉は、職人が一つ一つ手作業で叩き出した逸品です。

This ladle is a masterpiece, hand-hammered one by one by a craftsman.

Honorific 'ippin' (masterpiece).

機能美を追求したそのお玉は、もはや調理器具の枠を超えて芸術品のようだ。

That ladle, which pursues functional beauty, has already surpassed the category of kitchenware and is like a work of art.

Simile 'no yō da'.

お玉の歴史を紐解くと、日本の食文化の変遷が見えてくる。

Unraveling the history of the ladle reveals the transition of Japanese food culture.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural consequence.

素材の特性を活かしたお玉選びが、料理の仕上がりを左右する。

Choosing a ladle that makes use of the material's characteristics influences the final result of the dish.

Verb 'sayū suru' (to influence/control).

杓子定規な対応を批判する文脈で、「杓子」は象徴的な役割を果たすが、「お玉」にはそのような抽象的意味はない。

In the context of criticizing an inflexible (shakushi-jōgi) response, 'shakushi' plays a symbolic role, but 'otama' has no such abstract meaning.

Contrastive 'ga'.

懐石料理における「柄杓」と家庭用の「お玉」は、その精神性において一線を画す。

The 'hishaku' in Kaiseki cuisine and the household 'otama' are distinctly different in their spirituality.

'Issen o kakusu' (to draw a line/be distinct).

お玉杓子のメタファーが、音楽の譜面における音符の呼称にまで及んでいる点は興味深い。

It is interesting that the metaphor of the 'otamajakushi' extends even to the naming of musical notes on a score.

Appositive 'ten' (the point that...).

調理器具の呼称における「お」の付与は、日本語における美化語の変遷を研究する上で貴重な資料となる。

The addition of 'o' in the naming of kitchen utensils serves as valuable data for studying the transition of beautified language in Japanese.

'Ue de' (in the process of/for the purpose of).

無機質なステンレスのお玉に、家庭の温もりを見出すのは日本特有の感性かもしれない。

Finding the warmth of a home in an inorganic stainless steel ladle might be a sensibility unique to Japan.

'Tokuyū no' (unique to).

お玉の曲率が流体力学的にスープの対流に与える影響を考察する。

Consider the influence that the curvature of a ladle has on the convection of soup from a fluid dynamics perspective.

Technical verb 'kōsatsu suru'.

民俗学的な観点から見れば、お玉は単なる道具ではなく、共同体の食を司る象徴とも言える。

From a folkloric perspective, the ladle is not just a tool but can be said to be a symbol that governs the community's food.

'To mo ieru' (can also be said that).

お玉の摩耗具合から、その家庭でどれほど丹念に食事が作られてきたかが読み取れる。

From the degree of wear on a ladle, one can read how diligently meals have been prepared in that household.

Indirect question 'ka' followed by 'yomitoreru'.

Colocações comuns

お玉ですくう

お玉でよそう

お玉一杯

穴あきお玉

お玉を洗う

お玉の持ち手

お玉を置く

ステンレスのお玉

木のお玉

お玉を回す

Frases Comuns

お玉を貸して

— Lend me the ladle. Used during cooking or at a dinner table.

ちょっとお玉を貸してくれる？

お玉置き

— A ladle rest/stand. A common small kitchen accessory.

お玉置きがあると便利です。

お玉の先

— The tip or the bowl part of the ladle.

お玉の先を鍋に入れる。

お玉が熱い

— The ladle is hot. A common warning in the kitchen.

気をつけて、お玉が熱いよ。

お玉を落とす

— To drop the ladle. Often results in a loud noise or splash.

床にお玉を落としてしまった。

お玉で混ぜる

— To stir with a ladle. Used when a spoon is too small.

お玉でゆっくり混ぜてください。

お玉一杯分

— The amount contained in one ladle. A rough measure.

お玉一杯分だけ追加する。

お玉を探す

— To look for the ladle.

お玉を探しているんだけど、どこ？

お玉のサイズ

— The size of the ladle.

お玉のサイズが大きすぎる。

お玉の形

— The shape of the ladle.

お玉の形が独特ですね。

Frequentemente confundido com

お玉 vs しゃもじ

Shamoji is for rice; Otama is for liquids.

お玉 vs スプーン

Spoon is for eating; Otama is for serving.

お玉 vs レンゲ

Renge is a ceramic soup spoon for eating; Otama is a ladle.

Expressões idiomáticas

"杓子定規"

— To be overly literal or inflexible, like using a ladle as a ruler.

彼は杓子定規な性格だ。

Formal

"猫も杓子も"

— Everyone and everything; every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

猫も杓子もスマホを持っている。

Informal

"杓子を投げる"

— To give up or throw in the towel (rare/archaic).

ついに杓子を投げた。

Archaic

"お玉杓子"

— A tadpole, or a musical note.

池にお玉杓子が泳いでいる。

Neutral

"杓子の耳"

— Something that is useless or doesn't function (very rare).

それは杓子の耳のようなものだ。

Literary

"お玉で水を汲む"

— To do something inefficiently (figurative).

お玉で水を汲むような作業だ。

Casual

"杓子ですくう"

— To generalize or treat everything the same way.

杓子ですくうような議論は避けよう。

Academic

"お玉の恩返し"

— A play on 'The Crane's Return of a Favor' (not a real idiom, but used in puns).

これがお玉の恩返しだよ。

Humorous

"杓子を持ち直す"

— To take a fresh start or change one's approach.

ここで杓子を持ち直そう。

Casual

"お玉の心"

— A generous, serving heart (poetic/invented).

お玉の心で接する。

Poetic

Fácil de confundir

お玉 vs 玉 (tama)

Sounds the same.

'Tama' means ball/gem; 'Otama' means ladle. The 'o' is essential.

玉を投げる (Throw a ball) vs お玉を使う (Use a ladle).

お玉 vs お玉杓子 (otamajakushi)

It is the full version of the word.

'Otamajakushi' usually refers to a tadpole or musical note in modern speech.

池にお玉杓子がいる。

お玉 vs 杓子 (shakushi)

It is a synonym.

'Shakushi' is more formal or refers to any scooping tool including rice paddles.

杓子定規な人。

お玉 vs ひしゃく (hishaku)

Both are ladles.

'Hishaku' is specifically for water (shrines/tea ceremony); 'Otama' is for food.

手水舎でひしゃくを使う。

お玉 vs おたま (otama - name)

Common name for cats or characters.

Usually written in Hiragana or Katakana, context defines the meaning.

うちの猫のおたま。

Padrões de frases

これは[Noun]です。

これはお玉です。

[Noun]を[Verb]-てください。

お玉を洗ってください。

[Noun]で[Noun]を[Verb]。

お玉でスープをすくう。

[Noun]は[Adjective]ので、[Reason]。

このお玉は長いので、使いやすいです。

[Noun]の由来は[Fact]にあります。

お玉の由来は、その形にあります。

[Noun]から[Abstract Concept]が読み取れる。

お玉の傷から、家族の歴史が読み取れる。

[Noun]を使って、[Action]。

お玉を使って、カレーをよそう。

[Noun]はどこですか？

お玉はどこですか？

Família de palavras

Substantivos

杓子 (shakushi)

お玉杓子 (otamajakushi)

穴あきお玉 (ana-aki otama)

Verbos

掬う (sukuu)

装う (yosou)

Relacionado

鍋 (nabe)

スープ (sūpu)

台所 (daidokoro)

調理器具 (chōri kigu)

しゃもじ (shamoji)

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in domestic and culinary contexts.

Erros comuns

Using 'otama' for rice. → Using 'shamoji' for rice.
A ladle is too deep for rice; a paddle is flat and designed for it.
Saying 'tama' instead of 'otama'. → Saying 'otama'.
'Tama' means ball. The 'o' is part of the noun for ladle.
Using 'otama' as an eating spoon. → Using 'supuun' or 'renge'.
'Otama' is for serving from a pot, not for putting in your mouth.
Writing 'otamajakushi' for a kitchen tool. → Writing 'otama'.
The full word is technically correct but sounds very strange/childish in a kitchen context.
Using 'nomu' (drink) with 'otama'. → Using 'sukuu' (scoop) with 'otama'.
You scoop with the tool; you drink with your mouth or a spoon.

Dicas

Nabe Etiquette

When at a nabe party, always place the 'otama' back in its stand or on a plate, never leave it leaning against the side of the pot where it can get hot or fall in.

Polite Servings

When serving others with an 'otama', it's polite to say 'yosou' (serving) or 'douzo' (please have some).

The Frog Link

Remember the tadpole! If you forget the word, think of a baby frog. The word 'otamajakushi' will lead you back to 'otama'.

Measurement

One 'otama ippai' is usually around 50-80ml, but it varies. Use it for 'eyeballing' ingredients rather than precise baking.

100-Yen Finds

Daiso and Seria have many types of 'otama'. It's a great word to practice when looking for cheap kitchen essentials.

Particle Choice

Use 'de' for the tool (otama de) and 'o' for the liquid (soup o).

Handle Shape

Look for ladles with a small hook at the end of the handle; these are designed to hang on the edge of the pot.

Taga Taisha

The word has sacred roots! It started as a lucky charm at a shrine before becoming a kitchen staple.

Heat Warning

Metal 'otama' conduct heat quickly. Never leave one in a boiling pot for too long, or the handle will burn you.

Size Matters

There are 'dai-otama' (large) and 'ko-otama' (small). Small ones are perfect for individual miso soup bowls.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine an 'O' shaped 'TAMA' (ball) at the end of a long stick. It looks like a ladle!

Associação visual

A tadpole (otamajakushi) swimming in a pot of soup. The tadpole is the ladle.

Word Web

Kitchen Soup Serve Tadpole Miso Scoop Handle Pot

Desafio

Go to your kitchen, pick up a ladle, and say 'Kore wa otama desu' three times.

Origem da palavra

Shortened from 'otamajakushi'. The term 'shakushi' was the original word for ladle. During the Edo period, 'o' was added for politeness (bikago).

Significado original: A small scooping tool shaped like a tadpole.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

None. It is a neutral household word.

English speakers use 'ladle', which sounds more formal than 'otama'.

The anime 'Cooking Papa' Traditional Japanese folk songs about tadpoles Doraemon's kitchen gadgets

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Cooking Miso Soup

お玉で味噌を溶かす
お玉一杯の出汁
お玉を洗う
お玉で混ぜる

Nabe Party

お玉を使ってよそう
穴あきお玉を使う
お玉を貸して
お玉置きに置く

Shopping

お玉はどこですか
シリコンのお玉
お玉の値段
小さめのお玉

Cleaning up

お玉を片付ける
お玉を乾かす
お玉をフックにかける
お玉を磨く

Recipe Reading

お玉一杯分加える
お玉の背で潰す
お玉でアクを取る
お玉で回しかける

Iniciadores de conversa

"このお玉、どこで買ったんですか？ (Where did you buy this ladle?)"

"お玉を使ってスープをよそいましょうか？ (Shall I serve the soup using the ladle?)"

"穴あきお玉はありますか？ (Do you have a slotted ladle?)"

"お玉が熱くなっているので、気をつけてください。 (Please be careful, the ladle is hot.)"

"お玉一杯分、おかわりをください。 (One more ladleful, please.)"

Temas para diário

今日、お玉を使って何を作りましたか？ (What did you make today using a ladle?)

あなたが持っているお玉は、どんな素材ですか？ (What material is your ladle made of?)

お玉としゃもじの違いを説明してください。 (Please explain the difference between a ladle and a rice paddle.)

お玉を初めて使った時のことを覚えていますか？ (Do you remember when you first used a ladle?)

理想のお玉はどんな形ですか？ (What is the shape of your ideal ladle?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'tama' means ball or sphere. You must include the 'o' to mean 'ladle'. This is an example of a word where the honorific prefix has become inseparable from the object name in daily usage.

No, for rice you use a 'shamoji' (rice paddle). Using an 'otama' for rice is physically difficult and culturally incorrect.

It is a slotted ladle. 'Ana' means hole, and 'aki' means open. It is used to scoop ingredients out of a liquid without taking the liquid itself, like getting tofu out of miso soup.

Yes, 'お玉' is very common. However, in casual contexts or for children, 'おたま' in Hiragana is also frequently seen.

Not exactly. A 'supūun' is for eating, whereas an 'otama' is a larger tool specifically for serving or cooking liquids.

Since they are long objects, the counter 'hon' (本) is used. One ladle is 'ippon', two are 'nihon', etc.

The shape of a ladle—a round head with a long tail-like handle—looks exactly like a tadpole. The word for tadpole is 'otamajakushi', which literally means 'ladle-scoop'.

Yes, if you need a ladle for a communal pot, asking for an 'otama' is perfectly natural.

Most modern ones are stainless steel, but silicone and wood are also common. Traditional ones might be made of bamboo or wood.

They mean the same thing, but 'redoru' (ladle) sounds more modern or Western, while 'otama' is the traditional, cozy Japanese word.

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