Japanese word

食

Pronunciation

Romajishoku

Meaning

  • nounfood

Example

食を楽しみます。shoku o tano shi mi ma su

I enjoy food.

Illustration for 食 (food)

More examples

旅行先では、その土地の食を楽しみます。ryo kō saki de wa so no to chi no shoku o tano shi mi ma su

While traveling, I enjoy the local food.

Core concept

Refers to what sustains the body through eating, whether a particular food or a person's usual diet.

Common phrases

  • 食の好みshoku no kono mi

    food preferences

  • 食を楽しむshoku o tano shi mu

    enjoy food

  • 食が細いshoku ga hoso i

    have a small appetite

Similar words

食べ物tabemono: Something eaten to nourish and sustain the body.
食事shokuji: A meal or the act of eating it.
料理ryōri: A dish made by preparing ingredients, usually with heat.

Definition in Japanese

人が生命を保つために食べる物。また、日常の食事や食べ方。hito ga sei mei o tamo tsu ta me ni ta be ru mono ma ta nichi jō no shoku ji ya ta be kata

Word origin

食 (shoku, "food") is a Sino-Japanese word based on the character 食 (shoku, "to eat; food"); its Chinese-derived reading and basic sense connect it with nourishment and diet.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 食 (shoku) often sounds broad or formal, while 食べ物 (tabemono) more naturally names a specific food item.

Other meanings

  • dietnoun

Word lists with this word