副 菜(ふくさい)

ふくさい

noun

side dish

1. side dish

A smaller dish that accompanies the main dish in a meal. Typically vegetables or lighter preparations that complement the main course.

副菜(ふくさい)に野菜(やさい)の煮物(にもの)を作(つく)りました。

I made simmered vegetables as a side dish.

バランス(ばらんす)の良(よ)い食事(しょくじ)には副菜(ふくさい)が大切(たいせつ)です。

Side dishes are important for a balanced meal.

副菜(ふくさい)を二(に)品(ひん)用意(ようい)しました。

I prepared two side dishes.

副菜(ふくさい) refers to side dishes that accompany the main course.

副(ふく) = secondary/sub, 菜(さい) = dish

Typical side dishes:

煮物(にもの) (simmered dishes)
和(あ)え物(もの) (dressed dishes)
酢(す)の物(もの) (vinegared dishes)
お浸(ひた)し (boiled greens with dashi)
サラダ (salad)

Meal structure:

主食(しゅしょく) (staple - rice, bread)
主菜(しゅさい) (main dish - protein)
副菜(ふくさい) (side dish - vegetables)
汁物(しるもの) (soup)

Nutritional role:

Provides vitamins and minerals
Adds variety and color
Balances the meal nutritionally

Related Words

Antonym: 主菜(しゅさい) (main dish)

Related: 主食(しゅしょく) (staple food)

general

Added 2026.1.14 22:31 · Revised 2026.6.4 3:34

04500/04993_fukusai