Translation guide
Horse meat is a specific type of meat eaten in some regions of Japan. The most common term is 馬肉 (baniku), but regional and culinary names like 桜肉 (sakuraniku) are also used.
The standard, widely understood word for horse meat as a food.
The standard Japanese word for horse meat. Used in menus, supermarkets, and everyday conversation.
馬肉の刺身を食べたことがありますか。
Have you ever eaten horse meat sashimi?
このスーパーでは馬肉を売っています。
This supermarket sells horse meat.
A common alternative name for horse meat, especially in culinary contexts, likening its color to cherry blossoms.
Literally 'cherry blossom meat', a poetic and appetizing name for horse meat. Often used in restaurants and regional specialties.
熊本では桜肉が名物です。
Horse meat is a local specialty in Kumamoto.
桜肉のユッケを注文しました。
I ordered horse meat yukhoe.
Specifically raw horse meat sashimi, a popular dish.
Horse meat sashimi. A common dish in regions like Kumamoto. Often served with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
馬刺しは新鮮なほど美味しいです。
Horse sashimi is more delicious the fresher it is.
居酒屋で馬刺しを頼みましょう。
Let's order horse sashimi at the izakaya.
When specifying the type of meat in a compound or descriptive phrase.
Literally 'meat of horse'. Less common than 馬肉 but still understood. Can be used for clarity or in descriptive contexts.
馬の肉は低カロリーで高タンパクです。
Horse meat is low in calories and high in protein.
Horse meat is especially associated with Kumamoto Prefecture, but also eaten in other regions like Nagano and Oita. If you're traveling there, you'll see it on many menus.
馬肉 is the straightforward term. 桜肉 is a euphemism used to make the meat sound more appealing, similar to how 'pork' is used instead of 'pig meat' in English. Both refer to the same thing.