Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cooking" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cooking", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
調理
ちょうり (chōri)
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 調理 and 炊事.
In Japanese, 調理 (ちょうり (chōri)) is typically associated with "cooking, preparation (of food)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents This word refers to the act or process of cooking food. It is often used as a suru-verb.
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 "調理"
このレストランは様々な国の料理を調理します。
This restaurant cooks dishes from various countries.
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: "このレストランは様々な国の料理を ＿＿＿ します。" (Meaning: "This restaurant cooks dishes from various countries.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "調理" fits here because it means "cooking, preparation (of food)" in the context of: "This restaurant cooks dishes from various countries.". "炊事" represents "cooking; kitchen work; culinary duties".