Japanese word

昆布

Pronunciation

Romajikonbu

Meaning

  • nounkelp

Example

料理に昆布を使います。ryō ri ni kon bu o tsuka i ma su

I use kelp in cooking.

Illustration for 昆布 (kelp)

More examples

味噌汁に昆布を入れると、うまみが出ます。mi so shiru ni kon bu o i re ru to u ma mi ga de ma su

Adding kelp to miso soup brings out a savory flavor.

Core concept

Refers to edible brown seaweed used to give soups and other dishes a deep savory taste.

Common phrases

  • 昆布だしkon bu da shi

    kelp stock

  • 昆布を水で戻すkon bu o mizu de modo su

    soak kelp in water

  • 昆布を煮るkon bu o ni ru

    simmer kelp

Definition in Japanese

食用にする褐色の海藻で、だしを取ったり煮物に加えたりするもの。shoku yō ni su ru kas shoku no kai sō de da shi o to tta ri ni mono ni kuwa e ta ri su ru mo no

Word origin

昆布 (konbu) is a borrowing of the Chinese term 昆布 (kūnbù), which names kelp; its Japanese form is not a combination of the kanji meanings.

Usage tips

  • English recipes often use the loanword kombu for this seaweed, especially in descriptions of Japanese cooking.

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