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(ふく) (secondary) + 菜(さい) (dish).

Cultural note

Nutrition guides and school lunches describe a Japanese meal as 主食(しゅしょく) (rice or bread), 主菜(しゅさい) (the main protein dish), 副菜(ふくさい) (vegetable dishes) and 汁物(しるもの) (soup). The 副菜(ふくさい) supply the vegetables, seaweed and mushrooms.

Types

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 in dashi
サラダ: salad

Similar words

おかず: any dish eaten with rice, main or side (everyday word)
付(つ)け合(あ)わせ: a garnish served on the same plate as the main dish

Related Words

Antonym: 主菜(しゅさい) (main dish)

Related: 主食(しゅしょく) (staple food)

Related: おかず (side dish)

Compare: 小鉢(こばち) (small bowl)

Related: 一汁三菜(いちじゅうさんさい) (one soup, three dishes (traditional meal))

Compare: 付(つ)け合(あ)わせ (a garnish served on the same plate…)

general

Added 2026.1.14 22:31 · Revised 2026.10.7 4:10

04500/04993_fukusai