肉 — meaning in English: meat

niku · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for flesh

肉

niku

いいえ

iie

トラフィック

torafikku

制限

seigen

トーリー

tōrī

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informal very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 肉 (niku) in various contexts, especially when discussing food preferences or ordering at restaurants. You might hear it in casual conversations about favorite dishes, such as 'I love grilled 肉 (niku)!' or during dinner preparations when asking, 'What type of 肉 (niku) should we buy?'

Synonyms & nuances

While 肉 (niku) generally refers to meat in a broad sense, the word 鶏肉 (toriniku) specifically means chicken meat, and 豚肉 (butaniku) refers to pork. Choosing 肉 (niku) over these alternatives typically implies a more general discussion about meat, especially in contexts where the type is not specified.

Culture

The word 肉 (niku) has its origins in the classical Chinese character for meat, which reflects the historical trade and cultural exchange between Japan and China. In Japanese cuisine, 肉 (niku) is not just a staple ingredient but also part of numerous traditional dishes, such as yakitori and sukiyaki, emphasizing the cultural significance of meat in social gatherings and celebrations.

FAQ

Q.What does 肉 (niku) mean in English?

肉 (niku) translates to 'meat' in English, encompassing a variety of animal flesh used in cooking. It's a commonly used term in both casual and culinary contexts.

Q.How do you use 肉 (niku) in a sentence?

You can use 肉 (niku) in sentences like '私は肉が好きです' (Watashi wa niku ga suki desu), which means 'I like meat.' This shows a personal preference for meat.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 肉 (niku)?

A common mistake is using 肉 (niku) to refer to a specific type of meat without specifying it. Instead of just saying 肉 (niku), clarify with terms like 鶏肉 (toriniku) for chicken or 豚肉 (butaniku) for pork when needed.

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