1.
eggplant, aubergine
A common vegetable used extensively in Japanese cooking. Japanese eggplants are typically smaller and more slender than Western varieties.
Writing
Written in katakana as ナス or in kanji as 茄子. Both are common, but katakana ナス is standard in grocery stores and recipes.
Cultural note
Japanese eggplants (和ナス) are smaller and thinner-skinned than Western varieties, making them ideal for grilling, deep-frying, and simmering. Common preparations include 焼きナス (grilled eggplant), 揚げナス (fried eggplant), and 麻婆ナス (mapo eggplant).
Common collocations
Common expressions
秋ナスは嫁に食わすな — "Don't let the bride eat autumn eggplant." A well-known saying with debated meaning: either autumn eggplant is too delicious to share, or it is considered too cooling for a woman's body.