Translation and Meaning of: アイスクリーム - aisukuri-mu

The word 「アイスクリーム」 (aisukurīmu) is an example of gairaigo, derived from the English "ice cream", which means "sorvete" (ice cream). It is written in katakana, the Japanese writing system used for foreign words, technical , and modern concepts. In contemporary Japanese, it is widely used to refer to frozen desserts made from cream and milk, a very popular item in the country.

Etymologically, 「アイスクリーム」 was adapted to fit Japanese phonology. The word was segmented into 「アイス」 (aisu), which represents "ice," and 「クリーム」 (kurīmu), which corresponds to "cream." The use of vowel lengthening with the character 「ー」 (chōonpu) in 「クリーム」 helps to reproduce a pronunciation close to the original English. Although it is a direct transliteration, the term has gained local nuances and has become an integral part of Japanese culture.

In practice, 「アイスクリーム」 can be simplified to 「アイス」 (aisu) in informal use, especially when referring to ice creams in general. The word also appears in combinations such as:

• **「ソフトクリーム」 (sofuto kurīmu)**: Used to describe ice cream served in a spiral shape, known as "soft ice cream".
• **"Hard ice cream"**: To specify ice cream with a firmer texture, typically sold in tubs or containers.
• **「抹茶アイスクリーム」 (matcha aisukurīmu)**: Green tea ice cream, a traditionally Japanese variation that is highly appreciated.

The consumption of 「アイスクリーム」 in Japan reflects the fusion between Western influences and local creativity, with a variety of flavors ranging from classics like vanilla and chocolate to unique ones like red bean and black sesame. Thus, the term symbolizes not only a frozen sweet but also Japan's ability to adapt foreign elements to its own culinary culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• アイス (Aisu) - It usually refers to "ice cream" or "ice," used to describe frozen desserts.
• アイスクリーム (Aisukurīmu) - Especially "ice cream," the creamy dairy product made from milk and sugar.
• ソフトクリーム (Sofutokurīmu) - "Soft serve," a type of creamy ice cream served in a cone or cup, with a lighter texture.
• アイスクリン (Aisukurin) - A more traditional variant of ice cream, often harder and less creamy than Western ice cream.
• アイスクリームコーン (Aisukurīmu Kōn) - Ice cream cone, usually made of wafers, used to serve ice cream.
• アイスクリームカップ (Aisukurīmu Kappu) - Cup or container used to serve ice cream.
• アイスクリームバー (Aisukurīmu Bā) - Ice cream bar, a rectangular portion of ice cream coated with chocolate or another material.
• アイスクリームサンドイッチ (Aisukurīmu Sandoicchi) - Ice cream sandwich, where the ice cream is placed between two layers of cookies.
• アイスクリームシェイク (Aisukurīmu Sheiku) - Milkshake, a creamy drink made with ice cream blended with milk and other ingredients.
• アイスクリームパーラー (Aisukurīmu Pārā) - Establishment where ice cream is sold, similar to an ice cream parlor.
• アイスクリームトラック (Aisukurīmu Torakku) - Ice cream truck, a vehicle that sells ice cream in various locations.
• アイスクリームスプーン (Aisukurīmu Supūn) - Ice cream scoop, a utensil designed to make it easier to scoop ice cream.
• アイスクリームメーカー (Aisukurīmu Meikā) - Ice cream maker for home use.
• アイスクリームスタンド (Aisukurīmu Sutando) - Kiosk or sales point that serves ice cream.
• アイスクリームマシン (Aisukurīmu Mashin) - Equipment used to make and serve ice cream.
• アイスクリームボール (Aisukurīmu Bōru) - Ice cream ball, a spherical portion of ice cream served on a plate.
• アイスクリームフレーバー (Aisukurīmu Furēbā) - Ice cream flavors, variations of taste available in ice cream.