砂糖

• Reading: さとう
• Romaji: satou
• Kanji breakdown: 砂 (sa/suna) — sand; 糖 (tou) — sugar, candy
• Pronunciation: /sa.toː/

Meaning

Sugar. The standard word for sugar used in cooking and beverages.

Refers to granulated sugar in general. Japanese cooking uses sugar more than many Western cuisines — it appears in soy sauce-based sauces, teriyaki, and many simmered dishes. Common types include 上白糖 (refined white sugar, the most common in Japan) and 黒糖 (brown sugar from Okinawa).

Examples

1. コーヒーに砂糖を入れますか。 Do you put sugar in your coffee?
2. 料理に砂糖を少し使います。 I use a little sugar in cooking.
3. 砂糖の食べすぎは体によくないです。 Eating too much sugar is bad for your health.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, cafes, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 砂 (sa, 'sand') and 糖 (tou, 'sugar/candy'). The name literally means 'sand sugar,' describing the granular texture of refined sugar. Sugar was introduced to Japan from China.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal