Translation guide
Describes food with a hot, pungent taste from chili peppers or other spices. Can also refer to something exciting or risqué.
Describing food that causes a burning sensation due to chili peppers or similar spices.
The most common word for spicy/hot food. Can also mean salty in some contexts, but primarily used for spicy heat.
Describing a sharp, nasal-clearing sensation from condiments like wasabi or mustard, distinct from chili heat.
Describing something thrilling, provocative, or slightly scandalous.
The word 辛い (からい) only refers to spicy/pungent taste, not temperature. For hot temperature, use 熱い (あつい) for objects/liquids or 暑い (あつい) for weather.
辛い is the general term for spicy heat or pungency. スパイシー implies a complex blend of spices, often in non-Japanese cuisine, and can sound more sophisticated or Western.
This curry is very spicy.
辛いものが好きですか？
Do you like spicy food?
Loanword from English, often used for complex spice blends or non-Asian dishes. Connotes aromatic spices more than pure heat.
このスパイシーなチキンは絶品だ。
This spicy chicken is exquisite.
Extremely spicy, often used on menus or product labels.
激辛ラーメンに挑戦した。
I tried the extremely spicy ramen.
Also used for wasabi, mustard, horseradish, etc. Context clarifies the type of spiciness.
わさびが辛すぎて涙が出た。
The wasabi was so spicy it made my eyes water.
Onomatopoeic phrase describing the sharp, stinging sensation in the nose from wasabi or mustard.
このマスタードはツーンとくるね。
This mustard really hits you, huh?
Means stimulating or exciting, often used for experiences, stories, or appearances that are thrilling or provocative.
彼女のドレスはとても刺激的だった。
Her dress was very spicy (provocative).
その小説は刺激的な内容で話題になった。
The novel became a hot topic because of its spicy content.
Can be used metaphorically, similar to English, for something with a bit of an edge or excitement.
彼のジョークはいつもスパイシーだ。
His jokes are always spicy (edgy).