Japanese word

せんべい

Pronunciation

Romajisenbei

Meaning

  • nounrice cracker

Example

このせんべいはしょっぱいです。ko no se n be i wa sho ppa i de su

This rice cracker is salty.

Illustration for せんべい (rice cracker)

More examples

祖母は手作りのせんべいを缶に入れておきます。so bo wa te zuku ri no se n be i o kan ni i re te o ki ma su

My grandmother keeps homemade rice crackers in a tin.

Core concept

Refers to a firm, crunchy rice-based snack that is baked or grilled and often seasoned with a savory coating.

Common phrases

  • せんべいを買うse n be i o ka u

    buy rice crackers

  • せんべいを食べるse n be i o ta be ru

    eat rice crackers

  • せんべいを選ぶse n be i o era bu

    choose a rice cracker

  • せんべいの袋se n be i no fukuro

    bag of rice crackers

Similar words

おかきokaki: A baked or grilled snack made from glutinous rice and commonly seasoned with soy sauce or salt.
あられarare: Small, crisp pieces made from rice dough and often mixed into snack assortments.

Definition in Japanese

米を加工した生地を焼いて硬くし、塩や醤油などで味を付けた菓子。bei o ka kō shi ta ki ji o ya i te kata ku shi shio ya shō yu na do de aji o tsu ke ta ka shi

Word origin

せんべい (senbei) is traditionally written 煎餅 (senbei, "roasted rice cake"), from 煎 (sen, "roast") and 餅 (bei, "rice cake").

Usage tips

  • The English word senbei identifies a Japanese rice cracker more specifically than the broad label rice cracker, which can cover many kinds of snacks.

Related words

  • せんべい屋senbeiyarice cracker shopnoun

Word lists with this word