Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Plate" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "plate", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
皿
さら (sara)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
お皿
おさら (osara)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "plate" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 皿 and お皿.
In Japanese, 皿 (さら (sara)) is typically associated with "plate, dish" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A flat dish from which food is eaten. Can also be used as a counter for plates.
On the other hand, お皿 (おさら (osara)) maps to "plate; dish" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 食べ物を盛るための平たい容器。丁寧語の「お」が付いています。. A literal translation of "plate" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "皿"
食べ終わった皿を洗います。
I wash the plates after eating.
Bilingual Context for "お皿"
このお皿にケーキを乗せてください。
Please put the cake on this plate.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "食べ終わった ＿＿＿ を洗います。" (Meaning: "I wash the plates after eating.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "皿" fits here because it means "plate, dish" in the context of: "I wash the plates after eating.". "お皿" represents "plate; dish".