Translation and Meaning of: 調味料 - choumiryou

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about Japan's culinary culture, you have probably come across the word 調味料[ちょうみりょう]. But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore its meaning, usage in everyday Japanese, and even some tips for memorizing it. If you want to understand how Japanese people refer to ingredients that add flavor to food, you have come to the right place. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you master like this in a practical way.

The meaning and use of 調味料 in Japanese

The word 調味料 refers to any type of seasoning or condiment used in cooking. It is composed of the kanji 調 (adjust), 味 (taste), and 料 (material), literally indicating "materials to adjust the taste." In daily life, the Japanese use this term to talk about items such as shoyu, miso, salt, sugar, and vinegar.

Unlike Portuguese, where "tempero" can be something more generic, 調味料 has a broad but technical meaning. In recipes or product packaging, it is common to see this word describing ingredients that enhance the flavors of dishes. If you cook Japanese dishes, you will frequently encounter it on labels and cookbooks.

The origin and composition of the kanjis for 調味料

The kanji 調 (chou) carries the idea of harmonizing or regulating, while 味 (mi) represents the flavor itself. Meanwhile, 料 (ryou) is a common suffix for materials or ingredients. This combination is not random – it reflects the importance of balance in Japanese cuisine, where seasonings should complement, never overpower, the natural flavor of the food.

It is worth noting that 調味料 is a word of Japanese origin (和語), not a term borrowed from Chinese. This means that its use is deeply connected to local culture. Unlike words like スパイス (supaisu, from English "spice"), which refer to condiments more associated with foreign cuisines.

How to memorize and use 調味料 correctly

An effective way to this word is to associate it with practical situations. For example, when you see a bottle of shoyu or a packet of dashi, think: "this is a 調味料". Repeating this classification mentally helps to embed the term in your active vocabulary.

Another tip is to pay attention to how the word appears in real contexts. In Japanese supermarkets, the aisles of 調味料 often gather various products used in daily life. Observing these usage patterns makes learning more natural and less mechanical.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 味付け料 (Ajitsuke-ryō) - Ingredients for seasoning
• 調合料 (Chōgō-ryō) - Mixture ingredients
• 調味剤 (Chōmizai) - Seasoning agents
• 調味調合料 (Chōmi Chōgō-ryō) - Mix of ingredients for seasoning
• 調味調理料 (Chōmi Chōri-ryō) - Ingredients for seasoning dishes
• 調味料理 (Chōmi Ryōri) - Seasoned dishes
• 調味品 (Chōmihin) - Seasoning products
• 調理調味料 (Chōri Chōmiryō) - Cooking seasoning ingredients
• 調理料理用調味料 (Chōri Ryōri-yō Chōmiryō) - Seasoning ingredients for cooking