Japanese word

砂糖

Pronunciation

Romajisatō

Meaning

  • nounsugar

Example

紅茶に砂糖を入れます。kō cha ni sa tō o i re ma su

I add sugar to my tea.

Illustration for 砂糖 (sugar)

More examples

料理に砂糖を使うと、味がまろやかになります。ryō ri ni sa tō o tsuka u to aji ga ma ro ya ka ni na ri ma su

Using sugar in cooking makes the flavor milder.

Core concept

Describes the common sweetener that changes the taste of food or drink by adding sweetness.

Common phrases

  • 砂糖を入れるsa tō o i re ru

    add sugar

  • 砂糖を控えるsa tō o hika e ru

    cut back on sugar

Definition in Japanese

サトウキビなどの汁から作られ、食べ物や飲み物に甘みを加える調味料。sa tō ki bi na do no shiru ka ra tsuku ra re ta be mono ya no mi mono ni ama mi o kuwa e ru chō mi ryō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 砂糖 (satō, "sugar") joins 砂 (sa, "sand") with 糖 (tō, "sugar"), likening its grains to sand.

Usage tips

  • In cooking, sugar is used not only in desserts but also to add sweetness and color to many savory dishes.

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