スパイス

すぱいす

noun

spice

1. spice, seasoning

An aromatic or pungent substance used to flavor food. Also used figuratively to mean something that adds interest or excitement.

カレーにスパイスを加(くわ)える。

To add spices to curry.

このスパイスは香(かお)りがいい。

This spice has a nice aroma.

スパイスを何種類(なんしゅるい)も使(つか)って本格的(ほんかくてき)なカレーを作(つく)った。

I made an authentic curry using many different spices.

Usage

スパイス refers to dry seasonings and aromatics (cumin, turmeric, pepper, etc.), as distinct from 調味料(ちょうみりょう) (seasonings in general, including soy sauce, salt, etc.). スパイスカレー (spice curry) is a popular genre of curry in Japan that emphasizes individual spices over pre-made roux.

The figurative use (something that adds excitement to life) mirrors the English metaphor: 人生(じんせい)のスパイス (the spice of life).

Common collocations

スパイスを効(き)かせる: to season well with spices
スパイスカレー: spice curry
香辛料(こうしんりょう): spices (more formal synonym)
スパイスの香(かお)り: the aroma of spices

Related Words

Synonym: 香辛料(こうしんりょう) (formal synonym)

Related: 調味料(ちょうみりょう) (seasonings (broader))

Compare: 香料(こうりょう) (spice)

Compare: 香草(こうそう) (herb)

Compare: ペッパー (pepper)

general

Added 2026.2.13 5:10 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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