Translation and Meaning of: 炊事 - suiji

The Japanese word 炊事[すいじ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese life. Additionally, we will look at practical tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural context.

If you've ever wondered what 炊事 means or how to use it in sentences, this text will help you. Here at Suki Nihongo, we always aim to provide clear and precise explanations about Japanese vocabulary, and 炊事[すいじ] is one of those words worth getting to know in depth.

Meaning and use of 炊事 [すいじ]

炊事 [すいじ] is a word that refers to the act of cooking, especially in the context of preparing daily meals. Unlike more generic terms like 料理 [りょうり] (which means "cuisine" or "dish"), 炊事 has a more practical focus related to the household tasks of preparing food.

An interesting detail is that 炊事 often appears in contexts such as communal kitchens, cafeterias, or even in camping situations. For example, in hostels or university dormitories in Japan, it is common to see signs like 炊事禁止[すいじきんし] (cooking prohibited), indicating restrictions on the use of stoves or pots.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 炊事 is formed by two kanji: 炊, which means "to cook" (especially grains like rice), and 事, which represents "matter" or "task." Together, they create the meaning of "cooking task." This combination is not random – it reflects the historical importance of rice in Japanese food.

It is worth noting that the kanji 炊 appears in other related words, such as 炊飯器[すいはんき] (rice cooker). Meanwhile, 事 is an extremely common character, used in various everyday terms. Understanding this composition can help to memorize the meaning of 炊事 more easily.

Tips for memorizing and using 炊事

A practical way to remember 炊事 is to associate it with everyday situations. Think of activities like washing dishes, chopping ingredients, or boiling water – all of this is part of 炊事. If you've ever used a shared kitchen, whether during trips or in student housing, this word makes even more sense.

Another tip is to observe that 炊事 usually appears in more formal or institutional contexts. While 料理 can be used to talk about gourmet cooking, 炊事 has a more functional tone. This subtle difference is important for those who want to sound natural when speaking Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 料理 (Ryouri) - Cuisine or prepared dishes; it refers to the art or technique of cooking.
• 調理 (Chouri) - Preparation and cooking of food; emphasizes the technical process of cooking.
• クッキング (Kukkingu) - Cooking activity; a more casual and general term, derived from the English "cooking".

炊事

Romaji: suiji
Kana: すいじ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: culinary; culinary arts

Meaning in English: cooking;culinary arts

Definition: To cook.

Example Sentences - (炊事) suiji

See below some example sentences:

炊事は家事の中でも重要な役割を担っています。

Suiji wa kaji no naka demo juuyou na yakuwari wo ninatte imasu

Cooking is an important role among household chores.

Cooking plays an important role in housework.

• 炊事 - Food preparation, kitchen
• 家事 - Housework
• 中でも - Among them, especially
• 重要な - Important
• 役割を担っています - Plays a role