Translation and Meaning of: 飯 - meshi

The term 「飯」 (meshi) has a deep meaning in Japanese culture, typically referring to food, especially cooked rice, which is a central element in the Japanese diet. Rice is such a fundamental food in Japan that the word for meal, 「飯」, is often used synonymously with rice. This concept is rooted in the daily life of the Japanese, reflecting the importance of rice in their history and culture.

Etymologically, 「飯」 is composed of two important radicals: 「食」 (shoku), which means 'food' or 'to eat', and 「反」 (han), which can be translated as 'opposite', but in this context is more related to the idea of balance in nutrition. Over time, the Japanese language evolved and began to use the kunyomi reading (native Japanese reading) of 「飯」 as 'meshi'. Additionally, the word 「飯」 also has an onyomi reading (reading derived from Chinese), which is 'han'.

In daily practice in Japan, in addition to referring literally and directly to rice, 「飯」 has become a common word to designate any meal. Expressions like 「朝飯」 (asameshi) for 'breakfast', 「昼飯」 (hirumeshi) for 'lunch', and 「夕飯」 (yūmeshi) for 'dinner' are examples of how this word is used to refer to meals in general. This highlights how food is deeply intertwined with language and Japanese culture.

It is also worth mentioning that the term 「飯」 frequently appears in more familiar or informal contexts, indicating the simplicity and practicality with which the Japanese handle their daily meals. However, in more formal settings, one might prefer to use the word 「ご飯」 (gohan), which adds a layer of politeness through the honorific prefix 「ご」。 This distinction in usage varies according to context and the formality of the situation, highlighting the rich texture of the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• ご飯 (gohan) - Cooked rice, meal (general)
• 御飯 (gohan) - Rice, meal (formal or respectful)
• ライス (raisu) - Rice (in English, used in more informal contexts)
• 白飯 (shiromeshi) - White rice, usually served without side dishes.
• 炊き込みご飯 (takikomi gohan) - Cooked rice with mixed ingredients
• 焼き飯 (yakimeshi) - Fried rice
• 揚げ飯 (agemeshi) - Fried rice or fried in oil
• 粥 (kayuu) - Rice porridge, usually in the form of a mush.
• おかゆ (okayu) - Consumed like a porridge, smoother than the 粥.
• おにぎり (onigiri) - Shaped rice cake, often filled
• おむすび (omusubi) - Outro termo para bolinho de arroz é "arancini".
• お握り (onigiri) - Less common variation of onigiri.
• お手軽ご飯 (otegaru gohan) - Easy or quick meal to prepare
• レトルトご飯 (retoruto gohan) - Vacuum-packed rice, ready to heat
• インスタントご飯 (insutanto gohan) - Instant rice, usually in a package, easy to prepare
• 冷凍ご飯 (reitou gohan) - Frozen rice can be heated directly.
• パックご飯 (pakku gohan) - Packaged rice portions, easy to heat
• カップご飯 (kappu gohan) - Rice in a cup, to heat in the microwave
• 炊飯器で炊くご飯 (suihanki de taku gohan) - Rice cooked in a rice cooker