惣菜(そうざい)

そうざい
noun
side dish, prepared food
1. side dish, prepared food, deli food
Pre-made dishes sold at supermarkets or specialty stores.
スーパーで惣菜(そうざい)を買(か)う。
To buy prepared food at the supermarket.
惣菜(そうざい)コーナーが充実(じゅうじつ)している。
The deli section is well-stocked.
惣菜(そうざい)パンを買(か)う。
To buy savory bread.
Bread with fillings like curry, ham, etc.

惣菜(そうざい) refers to ready-made side dishes and prepared foods sold at supermarkets and deli shops.

POLITE FORM:
お惣菜(そうざい) (osouzai) — commonly used in everyday speech.

COMMON TYPES:

  • 煮物(にもの): simmered dishes
  • 揚(あ)げ物(もの): fried foods
  • サラダ: salads
  • 漬物(つけもの): pickles

RELATED TERMS:

  • 惣菜(そうざい)屋(や): deli shop
  • 惣菜(そうざい)コーナー: deli section
  • 惣菜(そうざい)パン: savory bread

CULTURAL NOTE:
Japanese supermarkets and department store basements (デパ地下(デパちか)) are known for their extensive 惣菜(そうざい) selections.

general
Added 2026.1.16 17:49 · Revised 2026.1.26 22:42
05500/05827_souzai