Japanese word

油

Pronunciation

Romajiabura

Meaning

  • nounoil

Example

この油は熱くなります。ko no abura wa atsu ku na ri ma su

This oil gets hot.

Illustration for 油 (oil)

More examples

この油はサラダにも使えます。ko no abura wa sa ra da ni mo tsuka e ma su

You can also use this oil in salads.

Core concept

It is a liquid substance used where a smooth coating, stored energy, or cooking heat is needed.

Common phrases

  • 油を入れるabura o i re ru

    add oil

  • 油を混ぜるabura o ma ze ru

    mix in oil

  • 油を塗るabura o nu ru

    apply oil

Similar words

オイルoiru: A borrowed term for oil, often used for a named product or a specialized purpose.
脂abura: A fatty substance, especially from animals, that is often solid rather than liquid.

Definition in Japanese

水とは混ざりにくく、物を滑らかに動かしたり、食物を調理したり、燃料にしたりする液体。mizu to wa ma za ri ni ku ku mono o name ra ka ni ugo ka shi ta ri shoku motsu o chō ri shi ta ri nen ryō ni shi ta ri su ru eki tai

Word origin

The Japanese noun 油 (abura) is a native word with an uncertain older derivation, and the Chinese character used to write it was adopted for its meaning rather than as the source of its pronunciation.

Usage tips

  • A Japanese recipe may use 油 (abura) as a general label and specify a type only when the choice matters, which matches the broad meaning of English oil.

Related words

  • 油っぽいaburappoioilyi-adjective
  • 油っぽさaburapposaoilinessnoun

Word lists with this word