Learn Japanese Through Gourmet! Master Japanese While Enjoying Delicious Food!
Hello everyone! Are you studying Japanese and interested in Japanese food culture? In fact, Japanese food is a very useful tool for learning Japanese. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone, learning Japanese naturally while eating delicious food!
In this article, Eri-san from JPLT Online Japanese Language School will introduce how you can learn Japanese while enjoying Japanese food, along with specific examples.
Why Can You Learn Japanese Through Japanese Food?
Japanese food contains many fascinating words. From ingredient names to cooking methods and taste expressions, there are plenty of learning elements. You can learn Japanese while simultaneously experiencing Japanese food culture. Let’s take a look at how Japanese food can help in your Japanese learning journey.
Ingredient Names
Japanese cuisine often features unique ingredients. By learning the names of fish, vegetables, and other ingredients, you can expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of food. Here are some examples of ingredients:
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お米 (kome): Rice, a staple in Japanese cuisine
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だし (dashi): Broth made from kombu seaweed or bonito flakes, essential in Japanese cooking
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大根 (daikon): A root vegetable used in stews and salads
Cooking Methods
Japanese cooking involves various cooking techniques. Learning these terms will not only help you when cooking but also allow you to apply them in other Japanese contexts:
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煮る (niru): To simmer, soften ingredients in a pot
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焼く (yaku): To grill or fry, used for fish and meat
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揚げる (ageru): To fry, used in dishes like tempura
Taste Expressions
Describing the taste of food is a great way to improve your expressive skills. Here are some taste expressions to learn:
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甘い (amai): Sweet, used for desserts and fruits
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辛い (karai): Spicy, used in dishes like curry and mustard-based recipes
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しょっぱい (shoppai): Salty, used for miso soup and soy-sauced dishes
Tableware Names
Japanese dining uses specific dishes and tools. Learning the names of these items will deepen your understanding of Japanese food culture:
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お椀 (owan): Bowl, used for miso soup
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お箸 (ohashi): Chopsticks, traditional Japanese eating utensils
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湯呑み (yunomi): Tea cup, used for drinking tea
Dining Etiquette
In Japan, dining-related expressions and etiquette are very important. By learning phrases like “いただきます” (Itadakimasu) and “ごちそうさま” (Gochisousama), you can naturally communicate when dining with Japanese people. Also, “dining manners” offer a great opportunity to deepen cultural understanding.
Specific Examples of Learning Japanese Through Japanese Food
Let’s take a look at specific examples of how you can learn Japanese by using Japanese food.
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Learn Japanese at a Sushi Restaurant!
At a sushi restaurant, you can naturally learn various Japanese terms, including fish names, cooking methods, and ordering phrases. Try memorizing the following fish names:
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まぐろ (maguro): Tuna
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さけ (sake): Salmon
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えび (ebi): Shrimp
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うに (uni): Sea urchin
The conversation at a sushi restaurant is very practical. For example, saying “マグロ一貫ください” (Maguro ikkan kudasai) or “今日のおすすめは何ですか？” (Kyou no osusume wa nan desu ka?) will help improve your Japanese expression.
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Learn Japanese at a Ramen Shop!
There are plenty of opportunities to learn Japanese at a ramen shop too. You can learn how to order ramen based on noodle firmness, broth thickness, and toppings:
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ラーメンの種類 (ramen no shurui): Types of ramen (shoyu ramen, miso ramen, shio ramen)
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麺の硬さ (men no katasa): Noodle firmness (hard, regular, soft)
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スープの濃さ (suupu no kosa): Broth richness (rich, light)
For example, by ordering with “醤油ラーメンの硬めをお願いします” (Shoyu ramen no katame wo onegaishimasu), you’ll naturally improve your Japanese while enjoying the experience.
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Learn Japanese with Homemade Japanese Cuisine!
Making Japanese home-cooked meals is another fun way to learn Japanese. By following a recipe, you can learn ingredient names, cooking methods, and seasoning names. For example, try memorizing the following seasonings:
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醤油 (shoyu): Soy sauce, a staple seasoning in Japanese cooking
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みりん (mirin): A sweet rice wine used in cooking
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味噌 (miso): Miso, used in miso soup
Cooking with friends or family will naturally create opportunities to communicate in Japanese, such as saying, “次は何をする？ (Tsugi wa nani wo suru?)” or “お塩を少し足して (Oshio wo sukoshi tashite)” to improve your vocabulary.
Tips for Learning Japanese While Enjoying Japanese Food
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Join a Cooking Class: By participating in a Japanese cooking class, you can learn not only from professionals but also practice vocabulary in a practical, real-life context.
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Read Japanese Recipe Books: Reading recipes in Japanese will help improve your reading skills and familiarize you with expressions used in cooking.
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Watch Japanese Cooking Shows or Videos: Watching Japanese cooking videos on YouTube or TV will improve your listening skills and expose you to real conversations and recipe descriptions.
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Eat with Japanese People: Dining with Japanese friends or colleagues will allow you to practice Japanese naturally in a casual setting.
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Engage in Conversations at Restaurants: When dining out, actively engage with waitstaff or chefs to ask about ingredients or cooking methods. It’s great practice.
Conclusion: Learn Japanese Through Gourmet! Master Japanese While Enjoying Delicious Food!
Japanese food reflects more than just a meal—it embodies the rich culture and history of Japan. Learning Japanese while enjoying Japanese food is not only fun but also an effective way to learn. Enjoy Japanese food at your own pace while improving your Japanese skills! If you’re interested in learning more about Japanese words and want to continue learning Japanese, visit JPLT Online Japanese Language School. It’s an online community where people from all over the world come together to learn Japanese for free. We offer various courses, from JLPT preparation to everyday conversation practice.
