男爵(だんしゃく)

だんしゃく
noun
baron
personfood
1. baron
The lowest rank in the Japanese peerage system (華族(かぞく)) established in 1884 and abolished in 1947. Also used as the general translation for the European title of baron.
He held the title of baron.
The peerage system was created in the Meiji era, with baron being the lowest rank.
The novel's protagonist is set up as a descendant of a German baronial family.
2. Irish Cobbler (potato variety)
Short for 男爵(だんしゃく)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(だんしゃく)いもでコロッケを作(つく)った。
I made croquettes with baron potatoes.
男爵(だんしゃく)はほくほくしているので、ポテトサラダに向(む)いている。
Baron potatoes are floury, so they're well-suited for potato salad.
Baron potatoes from Hokkaido are famous nationwide, and especially during the autumn harvest many people enjoy potato digging.

Related words

The five ranks of Japanese peerage (華族(かぞく)), from highest to lowest:

Usage

In everyday conversation, 男爵(だんしゃく) often refers to the potato variety rather than the noble title. The contrast pair in Japanese cooking is 男爵(だんしゃく) (floury, good for mashing) vs. メークイン (waxy, good for simmering).

Common collocations

  • 男爵(だんしゃく)夫人(ふじん): baroness
  • 男爵(だんしゃく)いも: baron potato (Irish Cobbler)
  • 男爵(だんしゃく)家(け): baronial family