へら

へら
noun
spatula
1. spatula; paddle; scraper
spatula; paddle; scraper
へらで生地(きじ)()ぜてください。
Please mix the batter with a spatula.
()のへらで(いた)めると、フライパンを(きず)つけない。
Using a wooden spatula for stir-frying won't scratch the frying pan.
ゴムへらで(なべ)(そこ)をきれいに()った。
I scraped the bottom of the pot clean with a rubber spatula.
(この)()きをへらで(かえ)すのは(むずか)しい。
It's hard to flip okonomiyaki with a spatula.
ケーキの生地(きじ)(つく)るときは、ゴムへらでさっくりと()ぜるのがコツだ。
The trick to making cake batter is to fold it gently with a rubber spatula.

へら is a flat utensil used for mixing, stirring, flipping, and scraping in cooking. The shape and material vary by purpose.

COMMON TYPES:

  • ()べら / ()のへら: wooden spatula (for stir-frying)
  • ゴムべら: rubber/silicone spatula (for scraping bowls)
  • フライ(がえ)し: metal turner (for flipping)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • へらで()ぜる: to mix with a spatula
  • へらで(かえ)す: to flip with a spatula
  • へらで()るように()ぜる: to fold (cut and fold motion)

WRITING:
Usually written in hiragana. The kanji (へら) exists but is rarely used.

NOTE:
In お(この)()き restaurants, the flat metal spatulas used to cook and eat are also called へら or コテ.