Yuzu vs Lemon: How the Citrus Fruits Differ
Yuzu is a plant native to East Asia that belongs to the genus Citrus of the family Rutaceae. It is an evergreen small tree blooming in May or June, bearing fruit in Autumn. Japan...
Category: Trivia
Gomen vs Gomenasai vs Gomen Ne: Meaning & Usage
As I gave an overview of how Gomenasai, Sumimasen, and Suimasen differ in this post, today let me talk about different ways to say “Gomenasai (ごめんなさい)”, that is, “Gomen (ごめん)” and “Gomen Ne (ごめんね)”....
Engawa vs Hirame vs Karei: Japanese Flounders
As you know, “Engawa (えんがわ)” is a popular sushi topping from a Japanese flounder called “Hirame (ヒラメ)” or “Karei (カレイ)”. The ingredient was actually named after its shape like a corridor on the outer...
Another Meaning of “Kamo (カモ: Duck)” in Japanese
As you might already know, “Kamo (カモ, 鴨)” means “duck” in Japanese. In the Japanese language, there are 3 common words for “duck”; One is “Kamo (カモ, 鴨)” which refers to a wild duck....
Perilla: Shiso vs Oba leaves
“Shiso (シソ, 紫蘇)” is an annual plant that belongs to the genus Perilla in the family Lamiaceae, and probably because of that, it is referred to as perilla in English. Shiso vs. Oba The...
Mochiko vs Shiratamako vs Joshinko: Japanese Rice Flour
As with many other Asian countries, rice is the staple food for us Japanese. In Japan, two types of rice called “Uruchimai (うるち米)” and “Mochigome (餅米)” are commonly eaten. The former Uruchimai is non-glutinous/non-sticky short-grain...
Gomenasai vs Sumimasen vs Suimasen: Sorry in Japanese
“Gomenasai (ごめんなさい)” and “Sumimasen (すみません)” both mean “I am sorry”, and in everyday conversation, Japanese people often use “Suimasen (すいません)”, which also means “I am sorry”. Gomenasai vs Sumimasen vs Suimasen These Japanese phrases...
What “Sauce” usually Refers To in Japan
In the previous post, I wrote that Shoyu (soy sauce) is not called “Sauce” in Japan. Then, when Japanese people say “ソース取ってもらえますか?” or “Could you pass me the sauce?”, what does the sauce usually...
