1.
baron
The lowest rank in the Japanese peerage system (華族) established in 1884 and abolished in 1947. Also used as the general translation for the European title of baron.
彼は男爵の称号を持っていた。
He held the title of baron.
明治時代に華族制度が作られ、男爵が最も低い位だった。
The peerage system was created in the Meiji era, with baron being the lowest rank.
小説の主人公はドイツの男爵家の末裔という設定だ。
The novel's protagonist is set up as a descendant of a German baronial family.
2.
Irish Cobbler (potato variety)
Short for 男爵いも, a popular variety of potato in Japan with a floury texture, well-suited for mashing and croquettes. Named after Baron Kawata, who introduced it to Hokkaido.
男爵いもでコロッケを作った。
I made croquettes with baron potatoes.
男爵はほくほくしているので、ポテトサラダに向いている。
Baron potatoes are floury, so they're well-suited for potato salad.
北海道産の男爵いもは全国的に有名で、特に秋の収穫期には多くの人がいも掘りを楽しむ。
Baron potatoes from Hokkaido are famous nationwide, and especially during the autumn harvest many people enjoy potato digging.
PEERAGE RANKS:
The five ranks of Japanese peerage (華族), from highest to lowest:
- 公爵: duke/prince
- 侯爵: marquis
- 伯爵: count/earl
- 子爵: viscount
- 男爵: baron
POTATO USAGE:
In everyday conversation, 男爵 often refers to the potato variety rather than the noble title. The contrast pair in Japanese cooking is 男爵 (floury, good for mashing) vs. メークイン (waxy, good for simmering).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 男爵夫人: baroness
- 男爵いも: baron potato (Irish Cobbler)
- 男爵家: baronial family