Translation guide
A soft, fluffy steamed bun from Chinese cuisine, often filled with meat, vegetables, or sweet paste. In Japanese, the most common term is 中華まん, but specific types like 肉まん (meat bun) or あんまん (sweet bean bun) are used depending on the filling.
Referring to the broad category of steamed buns, regardless of filling.
The standard generic term for Chinese-style steamed buns. Used in convenience stores and restaurants.
コンビニで中華まんを買った。
I bought a Chinese steamed bun at the convenience store.
Literally 'steamed bread', but can refer to steamed buns without filling, or sometimes used loosely for filled ones. More common for unfilled, cake-like steamed bread.
Often implies a sweet, cake-like steamed bread rather than a filled bun. Use 中華まん for filled buns.
蒸しパンは朝ごはんにぴったりだ。
Steamed bread is perfect for breakfast.
Specifically a steamed bun with a meat filling, usually pork.
The most common term for a steamed bun filled with seasoned ground pork. A staple in Japanese convenience stores.
肉まんを二つください。
Two meat buns, please.
Specifically a pork bun, often used in Kansai region or to emphasize pork filling.
A steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).
Steamed bun filled with sweet red bean paste. Very common in Japan.
あんまんは甘くておいしい。
Anman is sweet and delicious.
Steamed buns with fillings like curry, pizza, or custard.
Curry-filled steamed bun.
カレーまんは少し辛い。
Curry buns are a little spicy.
Pizza-flavored steamed bun with cheese and tomato sauce.
ピザまんは子供に人気だ。
Pizza buns are popular with kids.
Custard-filled steamed bun, a sweet treat.
デザートにカスタードまんを食べた。
I had a custard bun for dessert.
In Japanese convenience stores, steamed buns are kept in a warmer near the counter. You can point and say the name, or ask '中華まんありますか？' (Do you have Chinese steamed buns?).
肉まん一つください。
One meat bun, please.
大阪では肉まんのことを豚まんと呼ぶ。
In Osaka, meat buns are called butaman.