JLPT · Level 103
45 words
Japanese word
主食
Pronunciation
Romajishushoku
Meaning
- nounstaple food
Example
パンは多くの国で主食です。pa n wa ō ku no kuni de shu shoku de su
Bread is a staple food in many countries.
More examples
地域によって、よく食べられる主食が異なります。chi iki ni yo tte yo ku ta be ra re ru shu shoku ga koto na ri ma su
The staple foods commonly eaten differ by region.
Core concept
Describes the food that forms the central part of everyday meals and provides a regular source of nourishment.
Common phrases
主食を取るshu shoku o to ru
eat a staple food
主食になるshu shoku ni na ru
become a staple food
Similar words
常食jōshoku: Food eaten regularly as part of a person's everyday diet.
Definition in Japanese
日常の食事で中心となる食べ物。nichi jō no shoku ji de chū shin to na ru ta be mono
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 主食 (shushoku) combines 主 (shu, "main") and 食 (shoku, "food"), giving the sense of a main food.
Usage tips
- In English, staple can also describe a basic item used regularly, as in a staple crop, so staple food specifies that the item is food.
Opposites
- 副食fukushokuside dishnoun