Translation guide
Refers to the seasoned rice used in sushi, not just any rice served with sushi. The key is short-grain Japanese rice mixed with a vinegar-based seasoning.
The vinegared rice used as the base for sushi, typically mixed with sushi vinegar (rice vinegar, sugar, salt).
The most common and direct term for sushi rice. Literally 'vinegar rice'.
酢飯を作るのは意外と難しい。
Making sushi rice is surprisingly difficult.
Short-grain Japanese rice (japonica) that becomes sticky when cooked, ideal for sushi.
Rice specifically sold or designated for sushi. Often a blend or premium short-grain variety.
寿司用の米を買ってきてください。
Please buy rice for sushi.
In English, 'sushi rice' can loosely mean the rice served with sushi, but in Japanese, 酢飯 specifically means seasoned rice. Plain steamed rice is just ご飯 (ごはん).
If you want to ask for sushi vinegar (the seasoning), say 寿司酢 (すしず). The process of mixing is called 切るように混ぜる (きるようにまぜる, 'cutting' the rice to avoid mashing).
This sushi rice has just the right amount of sourness.
Also means sushi rice, but can sometimes refer to the rice used for sushi before seasoning, or the dish itself. Less common than 酢飯 for the seasoned rice.
寿司飯の炊き方にこだわっている。
I'm particular about how to cook sushi rice.
Sushi chef jargon for the vinegared rice ball used in nigiri sushi. Not used in home cooking contexts.
この店はシャリが小ぶりで食べやすい。
At this restaurant, the sushi rice balls are small and easy to eat.
Short-grain rice, the type used for sushi. More technical.
寿司には短粒米が適している。
Short-grain rice is suitable for sushi.