1.
rice paddle; rice scoop
A flat paddle used for scooping and serving rice from a rice cooker or container.
杓文字でご飯をよそう。
To scoop rice with a rice paddle.
炊飯器に杓文字が付いている。
A rice paddle comes with the rice cooker.
木の杓文字とプラスチックの杓文字がある。
There are wooden and plastic rice paddles.
ご飯が炊けたら杓文字で混ぜてください。
When the rice is done, please mix it with the rice paddle.
杓文字を水でぬらすと、ご飯がくっつかない。
If you wet the rice paddle with water, the rice won't stick to it.
杓文字 is a flat paddle used for scooping and serving rice — an essential kitchen tool in Japanese homes. Usually written in hiragana as しゃもじ.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- しゃもじでご飯をよそう: to scoop rice with a paddle
- しゃもじで混ぜる: to stir/mix with a paddle
- しゃもじを水でぬらす: to wet the paddle (prevents sticking)
MATERIALS:
- 木のしゃもじ: wooden rice paddle (traditional)
- プラスチックのしゃもじ: plastic rice paddle (modern, often non-stick)
CULTURAL NOTE:
宮島 (広島県) is famous for large decorative しゃもじ sold as souvenirs. Historically, しゃもじ have been associated with good luck and prayers for victory.