調味料

• Reading: ちょうみりょう
• Romaji: choumiryou
• Kanji breakdown: 調 (chou) — prepare, season; 味 (mi) — flavor, taste; 料 (ryou) — materials
• Pronunciation: /tɕoː.mi.ɾʲoː/

Meaning

Seasoning; condiment; flavoring. The general term for substances added to food to enhance its taste.

Covers all types of seasonings including salt, sugar, soy sauce, miso, and more. Japanese cooking has a classic seasoning order known as さしすせそ: 砂糖, 塩, 酢, 醤油, 味噌. This word is essential for discussing recipes and food preparation.

Examples

1. 調味料を入れる順番が大切です。 The order in which you add seasonings is important.
2. この棚に調味料が全部並んでいます。 All the seasonings are lined up on this shelf.
3. 調味料を少しずつ加えて味を調整しました。 I adjusted the flavor by adding seasonings little by little.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, kitchen, recipes

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 調 (to prepare, season), 味 (flavor), and 料 (materials). Literally 'flavor-preparing materials.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal