Japanese word

大根

Pronunciation

Romajidaikon

Meaning

  • nounJapanese radish

Example

この大根は大きいです。ko no dai kon wa ō ki i de su

This Japanese radish is big.

Illustration for 大根 (Japanese radish)

More examples

冬になると、大根をよく買います。fuyu ni na ru to dai kon o yo ku ka i ma su

I often buy Japanese radishes in winter.

Core concept

The word centers on a firm root vegetable whose fresh, slightly sharp flavor works in both raw and cooked dishes.

Common phrases

  • 大根をおろすdai kon o o ro su

    grate a Japanese radish

  • 大根を煮るdai kon o ni ru

    simmer a Japanese radish

  • 大根の葉dai kon no ha

    Japanese radish leaves

Definition in Japanese

白く太い根を主に食用とする野菜。shiro ku futo i ne o omo ni shoku yō to su ru ya sai

Word origin

大根 (daikon) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 大 (dai, "large") and 根 (kon, "root"), literally meaning "large root".

Usage tips

  • In English-language recipes, the loanword daikon usually names the long white radish used in salads, pickles, soups, and stir-fries.

Word lists with this word