Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cooking" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cooking", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
自炊
じすい (jisui)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
炊事
すいじ (suiji)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cooking" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 自炊 and 炊事.
In Japanese, 自炊 (じすい (jisui)) is typically associated with "cooking for oneself; self-catering" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to cooking one's own meals, often when living alone or on a trip to save money. Frequently used with する.
On the other hand, 炊事 (すいじ (suiji)) maps to "cooking; kitchen work; culinary duties" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to cooking, preparing meals, or kitchen work. A literal translation of "cooking" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "自炊"
一人暮らしなので、毎日自炊しています。
Since I live alone, I cook for myself every day.
Bilingual Context for "炊事"
母は仕事を持ちながら、毎日の_______や洗濯を完璧にこなしていました。
While holding a job, my mother perfectly managed daily cooking and laundry.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "一人暮らしなので、毎日 ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "Since I live alone, I cook for myself every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "自炊" fits here because it means "cooking for oneself; self-catering" in the context of: "Since I live alone, I cook for myself every day.". "炊事" represents "cooking; kitchen work; culinary duties".