Japanese Conversation · Level 7
90 words
Japanese word
しょうが
Pronunciation
Romajishōga
Meaning
- nounginger
Example
しょうがを細かく切ります。shō ga o koma ka ku ki ri ma su
I chop the ginger finely.
More examples
紅茶にしょうがを入れると、体が温まります。kō cha ni shō ga o i re ru to karada ga atata ma ri ma su
Adding ginger to tea warms you up.
Core concept
Refers to a pungent, aromatic rhizome used to add a warm, sharp taste to food and drinks.
Common phrases
しょうがを入れるshō ga o i re ru
add ginger
しょうがをすりおろすshō ga o su ri o ro su
grate ginger
しょうがの香りshō ga no kao ri
the aroma of ginger
Definition in Japanese
香辛料や薬味として用いる、独特の辛みと香りを持つ根茎。kō shin ryō ya yaku mi to shi te mochi i ru doku toku no kara mi to kao ri o mo tsu kon kei
Word origin
The word しょうが (shōga, "ginger") is written 生姜 (shōga, "ginger"), a form of 生薑 (shōga, "ginger"): 生 (shō, "fresh") + 薑 (kyō, "ginger").
Usage tips
- English uses ginger for both the cooking ingredient and a reddish-orange hair color, whereas しょうが (shōga) has the food meaning in Japanese.