Translation guide
The legume lentil is most commonly referred to as レンズ豆 in Japanese. The word レンズマメ is also used but less common. In culinary contexts, especially for Indian dishes, ダル may be used to refer to lentil-based dishes or split lentils.
Referring to the lentil plant or its edible seed in general contexts.
The standard Japanese word for lentil. Literally 'lens bean', referring to the lens-like shape.
レンズ豆はスープによく使われます。
Lentils are often used in soup.
Alternative katakana spelling, less common than レンズ豆.
レンズマメを買ってきてください。
Please buy some lentils.
Rarely used native Japanese name, literally 'flat bean'. Mostly found in botanical contexts.
ヒラマメはマメ科の植物です。
The lentil is a plant of the legume family.
Referring to lentil-based dishes or split lentils, especially in the context of Indian cooking.
Borrowed from Hindi/Urdu, commonly used in Japanese to refer to Indian lentil dishes or split lentils.
カレーにダルを添えました。
I served dal with the curry.
Alternative spelling of ダル, less common.
Use レンズ豆 when talking about the legume itself, such as in recipes or grocery shopping. Use ダル when referring to Indian-style lentil dishes or in the context of Indian cuisine.
I ordered dal at the Indian restaurant.