Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'condiment' is 調味料 (ちょうみりょう), a general term for seasonings and flavorings. However, specific condiments like soy sauce, miso, and wasabi are more commonly referred to by their individual names. This guide covers how to talk about condiments in various contexts.
Referring to condiments as a category, such as when asking for condiments at a table or discussing ingredients.
The standard word for 'condiment' or 'seasoning'. It encompasses sauces, spices, and other flavorings added to food.
調味料はテーブルの上にあります。
The condiments are on the table.
この料理にはどんな調味料を使いますか？
What kind of condiments do you use for this dish?
Refers specifically to condiments used to add flavor or aroma, often fresh garnishes like grated ginger, chopped green onions, or wasabi. Commonly used in Japanese cuisine.
薬味をたっぷりのせて食べてください。
Please eat it with plenty of condiments on top.
Literally 'accompaniment', this can sometimes refer to condiments served alongside a dish, but it more broadly means side dishes or garnishes. Use with caution.
この料理の付け合わせは何ですか？
What are the condiments/side dishes for this meal?
Talking about individual condiments like soy sauce, miso, or ketchup. Japanese often use the specific name rather than the generic term.
Soy sauce, the most ubiquitous Japanese condiment.
醤油を少しかけてください。
Please put a little soy sauce on it.
Fermented soybean paste, used in miso soup and as a seasoning.
味噌は冷蔵庫に入れてください。
Please put the miso in the refrigerator.
Ketchup, commonly used in Japanese cooking for dishes like omurice and napolitan spaghetti.
Mayonnaise, very popular in Japan, often used on pizza, okonomiyaki, and salads.
Often refers to Worcestershire sauce or thick Japanese-style sauces used for tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, etc.
Requesting condiments at a restaurant or in a store.
A direct way to ask for condiments. You can specify the type, e.g., 醤油をください (Please give me soy sauce).
すみません、調味料をください。
Excuse me, could I have some condiments?
Polite way to ask if there are any condiments available.
何か調味料はありますか？
Do you have any condiments?
調味料 (ちょうみりょう) is the broad term for all seasonings, including sauces, spices, and pastes. 薬味 (やくみ) specifically refers to aromatic condiments like wasabi, ginger, and green onions that are added in small amounts to enhance flavor. Use 調味料 for general contexts and 薬味 when talking about fresh, aromatic garnishes.
薬味として生姜を添えます。
We add ginger as a condiment.
While 調味料 is correct, Japanese speakers often use the specific name of the condiment (e.g., 醤油, ソース) rather than the generic term. Saying 調味料を取ってください (Please pass the condiments) is less natural than asking for the specific item you need.
どんな調味料がありますか？
What condiments do you have?
この調味料は辛いです。
This condiment is spicy.
ケチャップをかけすぎないで。
Don't put too much ketchup on it.
マヨネーズは好きですか？
Do you like mayonnaise?
Sauce is essential for tonkatsu.