Japanese word

おかず

Pronunciation

Romajiokazu

Meaning

  • nounside dish

Example

母が毎日おかずを作ります。haha ga mai nichi o ka zu o tsuku ri ma su

My mother makes a side dish every day.

Illustration for おかず (side dish)

More examples

忙しい日は、おかずを買って帰ります。isoga shi i hi wa o ka zu o ka tte kae ri ma su

On busy days, I buy a side dish on my way home.

Core concept

Refers to food served with the main staple to provide variety and make a meal more complete.

Common phrases

  • おかずを作るo ka zu o tsuku ru

    make a side dish

  • おかずを買うo ka zu o ka u

    buy a side dish

  • おかずを食べるo ka zu o ta be ru

    eat a side dish

Similar words

惣菜sōzai: A prepared dish bought or made in advance to serve as part of a meal.

Definition in Japanese

ご飯などの主食と一緒に食べる料理。go han na do no shu shoku to is sho ni ta be ru ryō ri

Word origin

おかず (okazu) is traditionally explained as 御 (o, an honorific prefix) plus 数 (kazu, "number"), reflecting the idea of a variety of dishes served with a meal.

Usage tips

  • A Japanese meal can have several おかず (okazu), so the word covers everything from vegetables and fish to meat served alongside the staple.

Word lists with this word