Translation guide
The word for chocolate in Japanese is チョコレート, often shortened to チョコ. It refers to the food itself, and is used in many compound words for chocolate products.
Referring to chocolate as a food or ingredient in general.
The standard word for chocolate. Used in formal and written contexts, and in product names.
チョコレートを食べたい。
I want to eat chocolate.
このチョコレートは甘い。
This chocolate is sweet.
A common abbreviation of チョコレート, used in everyday conversation. Very natural and widely understood.
チョコを買ってきて。
Buy some chocolate (and bring it here).
チョコが好きです。
I like chocolate.
Referring to individual chocolate sweets, like a box of chocolates or a chocolate bar.
Can refer to chocolate candies as well as the substance.
バレンタインにチョコレートをあげた。
I gave chocolates on Valentine's Day.
The abbreviated form is very common for chocolate candies, especially in casual contexts.
友達にチョコをもらった。
I received chocolates from a friend.
Referring to the beverage made from chocolate.
The standard term for hot chocolate. Often shortened in casual speech.
寒い日はホットチョコレートが飲みたい。
On cold days, I want to drink hot chocolate.
A common abbreviation of ホットチョコレート, used in casual conversation.
カフェでホットチョコを頼んだ。
I ordered a hot chocolate at the café.
Often used for hot chocolate made from cocoa powder. In Japan, ココア typically refers to the sweetened milk-based drink, while ホットチョコレート may imply a richer, darker drink.
Describing something that is chocolate-flavored.
Means 'chocolate-flavored'. Used for ice cream, snacks, etc.
チョコレート味のアイスクリームをください。
Please give me chocolate-flavored ice cream.
A shorter, casual version of チョコレート味.
チョコ味のクッキーが好き。
I like chocolate-flavored cookies.
チョコ is the everyday abbreviation and is perfectly natural in casual speech. チョコレート sounds slightly more formal or emphatic, and is common in product names and written language.
チョコ食べる？
Wanna eat some chocolate?
このチョコレートはベルギー産です。
This chocolate is from Belgium.
I often drank hot cocoa as a child.