Japanese word

なす

Pronunciation

Romajinasu

Meaning

  • nouneggplant

Example

このなすは大きくておいしいです。ko no na su wa ō ki ku te o i shi i de su

This eggplant is big and delicious.

Illustration for なす (eggplant)

More examples

夏になると、なすが安くなります。natsu ni na ru to na su ga yasu ku na ri ma su

Eggplants become cheaper in summer.

Core concept

Refers to a soft-fleshed purple fruit that is mainly used in savory cooking rather than eaten sweet.

Common phrases

  • なすを切るna su o ki ru

    cut an eggplant

  • なすを焼くna su o ya ku

    grill an eggplant

  • なすの漬物na su no tsukemono

    pickled eggplant

Similar words

なすびnasubi: A regional or colloquial name for the purple fruit used mainly in savory cooking.

Definition in Japanese

紫色の皮と柔らかな果肉を持ち、主に料理に用いる果実。murasaki iro no kawa to yawa ra ka na ka niku o mo chi omo ni ryō ri ni mochi i ru ka jitsu

Word origin

The Japanese noun なす (nasu, "eggplant") developed from なすび (nasubi, "eggplant") by shortening, while the original source of なすび is not certain.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, eggplant is a countable noun, so speakers say an eggplant and two eggplants.

Word lists with this word