Translation guide
Sushi is a Japanese dish of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients, primarily seafood. In Japanese, the word 寿司 (すし) refers to this dish, but there are many specific types and related terms. This guide covers how to talk about sushi naturally in Japanese.
寿司
sushi
Referring to the dish sushi as a general concept or category.
The standard word for sushi. Can be used in almost any context.
今夜は寿司を食べに行きませんか。
Would you like to go eat sushi tonight?
寿司が大好きです。
I love sushi.
Polite form with honorific prefix お. Commonly used in polite conversation or when referring to sushi in a respectful manner.
お寿司をいただきました。
I had some sushi. (polite)
Referring to particular styles or forms of sushi, such as nigiri, maki, etc.
Hand-pressed sushi, the most iconic type with a slice of fish on top of rice.
握り寿司を一人前ください。
One order of nigiri sushi, please.
Rolled sushi, typically with rice and fillings wrapped in nori seaweed.
Scattered sushi, a bowl of sushi rice topped with various ingredients.
Pressed sushi, made by pressing layers of rice and toppings in a mold. A specialty of Osaka and other regions.
Referring to the fish or other toppings used on sushi.
Sushi topping. This is the standard term used in sushi restaurants.
今日のおすすめのネタは何ですか。
What's today's recommended topping?
Another term for sushi topping, originally the reverse reading of ネタ. Less common in everyday speech.
タネが新鮮ですね。
The topping is fresh, isn't it?
Referring specifically to the vinegared rice used in sushi.
Sushi rice. This term is used in sushi restaurants to refer to the rice portion.
このシャリは酢がきいていますね。
This sushi rice has a nice vinegar flavor.
Vinegared rice, the general term for sushi rice. Can be used outside of sushi contexts as well.
酢飯の作り方を教えてください。
Please teach me how to make sushi rice.
Referring to a place where sushi is served, especially a traditional sushi bar.
Sushi restaurant or sushi shop. A general term for any place that serves sushi.
あの寿司屋はいつも混んでいます。
That sushi restaurant is always crowded.
Alternative kanji for sushi restaurant, often used for high-end or traditional establishments.
老舗の鮨屋で修行しました。
I trained at a long-established sushi restaurant.
Counter, often used to refer to the sushi bar seating area.
Referring to the person who makes sushi.
Sushi chef, a craftsman specializing in sushi.
彼は有名な寿司職人です。
He is a famous sushi chef.
Chef (literally 'in front of the board'), often used for sushi chefs working at the counter.
板前さんに今日のおすすめを聞いてみよう。
Let's ask the chef for today's recommendation.
Phrases and patterns for ordering sushi in a restaurant.
Please give me ~. Standard way to order.
まぐろをください。
Tuna, please.
サーモンを二貫ください。
Two pieces of salmon, please.
~ please. A polite way to order.
おまかせでお願いします。
Omakase (chef's choice), please.
How to count pieces of sushi.
Counter for pieces of sushi (nigiri).
えびを三貫ください。
Three pieces of shrimp, please.
Generic counter for items, can be used for sushi pieces in casual settings.
まぐろを二つください。
Two tuna, please. (casual)
Sushi (寿司) always includes vinegared rice. Sashimi (刺身) is sliced raw fish without rice. Don't confuse them.
In English, 'sushi' is sometimes used loosely for any raw fish dish. In Japanese, sushi specifically refers to the combination of rice and topping. If you want just raw fish, ask for 刺身 (さしみ).
Let's make rolled sushi.
ちらし寿司は彩りがきれいですね。
Chirashi sushi is so colorful, isn't it?
Osaka's pressed sushi is famous.
Counter seats, please.