Translation guide
In Japanese, 'small dish' can refer to the physical plate or bowl, a side dish served in it, or a small portion of food. The most common word is 小皿 (kozara), but other terms exist depending on context.
Referring to a physically small plate, often used for side dishes, condiments, or as an underplate.
General term for a small plate or saucer. Commonly used in everyday contexts.
小皿に醤油を入れてください。
Please pour soy sauce into a small dish.
A small plate used for taking food from a shared dish. Often used at the dining table.
取り皿を取ってもらえますか？
Could you pass me a small plate?
A very small plate, often decorative or used for tiny portions. Literally 'bean plate'.
この豆皿は手作りです。
This tiny dish is handmade.
Referring to a small bowl, typically for soup, rice, or side dishes.
A small bowl, often used for side dishes in Japanese cuisine.
小鉢に漬物を盛り付けます。
I'll put the pickles in a small bowl.
A rice bowl, typically small. Can also refer to a teacup.
Referring to a small portion of food served as a side dish, often in a small plate or bowl.
A small side dish served in a small bowl. Common in Japanese set meals.
定食には小鉢料理が二つ付いています。
The set meal comes with two small side dishes.
General term for a side dish to accompany rice. Not necessarily small, but often served in small portions.
今日のおかずは何ですか？
What's the side dish today?
Referring to a small container for serving condiments, sauces, or small snacks.
A small dish for condiments like wasabi, ginger, or green onions.
薬味皿にわさびをのせてください。
Please put the wasabi on the small condiment dish.
A small dish specifically for soy sauce, often used when eating sushi or sashimi.
小皿 (kozara) is a flat small plate, while 小鉢 (kobachi) is a small bowl. Use 小皿 for dry or solid items and 小鉢 for liquid or semi-liquid dishes.
小皿に漬物を盛る。
Put pickles on a small plate.
小鉢に味噌汁を入れる。
Put miso soup in a small bowl.
In a restaurant, 'small dish' might be understood as 小鉢料理 (kobachi ryōri) or 突き出し (tsukidashi, an appetizer). At home, it's usually 小皿 or 取り皿.
Please serve rice into the bowl.
A single dish or à la carte item, often small. Used in restaurant contexts.
一品料理を追加で注文しました。
We ordered an extra small dish.
醤油皿に醤油を注いでください。
Please pour soy sauce into the soy sauce dish.