(しゅさい)

しゅさい
noun
main dish
1. main dish, main course, entrée
The primary dish in a meal, typically featuring protein such as meat, fish, or tofu. The centerpiece of the meal.
今日(きょう)主菜(しゅさい)()(ざかな)です。
Today's main dish is grilled fish.
主菜(しゅさい)(にく)(さかな)(おお)い。
Main dishes are often meat or fish.
主菜(しゅさい)副菜(ふくさい)バランス(ばらんす)(かんが)えて献立(こんだて)(つく)ります。
I plan the menu considering the balance of main and side dishes.
和食(わしょく)献立(こんだて)主菜(しゅさい)副菜(ふくさい)のバランスが大切(たいせつ)です。
In a Japanese meal plan, the balance between the main dish and side dishes is important.
今日(きょう)夕食(ゆうしょく)主菜(しゅさい)はとんかつにしようと(おも)って、()(もの)()きました。
I went shopping because I was thinking of making tonkatsu as tonight's main dish.

主菜(しゅさい) is the main dish featuring protein.

(しゅ) = main/primary, (さい) = dish

Common main dishes:

  • ()(ざかな) (grilled fish)
  • 刺身(さしみ) (sashimi)
  • 煮魚(にざかな) (simmered fish)
  • 生姜焼(しょうがや)き (ginger pork)
  • 唐揚(からあ)げ (fried chicken)
  • ハンバーグ (hamburger steak)
  • とんかつ (pork cutlet)

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:

  • Primary source of protein
  • Contains fats and essential nutrients