しゃり
しゃり
noun
sushi rice; vinegared rice
1.
sushi rice; vinegared rice
Cooked rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, used as the base for sushi. This is sushi chef jargon that has become widely known.
しゃりの味がいい。
The sushi rice tastes good.
この店はしゃりが小さめだ。
This restaurant serves smaller portions of sushi rice.
職人はしゃりの温度にもこだわる。
Sushi chefs are particular about even the temperature of the rice.
USAGE:
しゃり is sushi terminology originally used by sushi chefs. It has become widely understood by the general public through food media and sushi culture. The word contrasts with ネタ (the topping or fish placed on the rice).
ETYMOLOGY:
Derived from 舎利 (Buddhist relics / bones of the Buddha), because the white grains of rice were likened to bone fragments.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- しゃりが大きい / 小さい (large/small rice portion)
- 酢めし (everyday term for vinegared rice — synonym)