惣菜(そうざい)

そうざい
noun
side dish, prepared food
See also: 総菜(そうざい) (side dish (variant))
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:

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.

Related Words

Related: 煮物(にもの) (simmered dish)
Related: 揚(あ)げ物(もの) (fried food)
Related: 漬物(つけもの) (pickled vegetables)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:49 · Revised 2026.6.9 1:39
05500/05827_souzai