Japanese word

にんにく

Pronunciation

Romajininniku

Meaning

  • noungarlic

Example

このスープにはにんにくが入っています。ko no sū pu ni wa ni n ni ku ga hai tte i ma su

This soup has garlic in it.

Illustration for にんにく (garlic)

More examples

料理の前に、にんにくを細かく刻みます。ryō ri no mae ni ni n ni ku o koma ka ku kiza mi ma su

Before cooking, I finely chop garlic.

Core concept

Refers to the pungent bulb whose cloves are used to give savory dishes a strong flavor.

Common phrases

  • にんにくを刻むni n ni ku o kiza mu

    chop garlic

  • にんにくを使うni n ni ku o tsuka u

    use garlic

  • にんにくの匂いni n ni ku no nio i

    the smell of garlic

Definition in Japanese

独特の強い香りと辛みを持ち、食用にする球根状の野菜。doku toku no tsuyo i kao ri to kara mi o mo chi shoku yō ni su ru kyū kon jō no ya sai

Word origin

The Japanese plant name にんにく (ninniku, "garlic") is traditionally linked to 忍辱 (ninniku, "patience under hardship"), but this proposed origin is not certain.

Usage tips

  • On Japanese ramen menus, にんにく (ninniku) often appears as an optional flavor addition, so recognizing it helps beginners understand a common customization choice.

Word lists with this word