1.
inari sushi; sushi rice stuffed in sweetened fried tofu pouches
A type of sushi consisting of vinegared rice packed inside pouches of deep-fried tofu (abura-age) that have been simmered in a sweet soy sauce mixture. A popular, affordable everyday sushi often found at convenience stores and bento shops.
お弁当に稲荷寿司を入れた。
I put inari sushi in the lunch box.
祖母の作る稲荷寿司は甘くて美味しい。
The inari sushi my grandmother makes is sweet and delicious.
お花見のとき、手作りの稲荷寿司を持って行くのが我が家の習慣だ。
It's our family tradition to bring homemade inari sushi when we go cherry blossom viewing.
USAGE:
Named after the Shinto deity 稲荷, whose fox messengers are said to be fond of fried tofu. Often shortened to おいなりさん in casual speech, with the honorific さん reflecting affection for the food. It is one of the most common types of sushi eaten at home and is a staple of bento culture.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- おいなりさん (casual/affectionate name for inari sushi)
- 稲荷寿司を作る (to make inari sushi)
- 油揚げ (fried tofu pouch — the main wrapping ingredient)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 手巻き寿司: hand-rolled sushi — another casual, home-style sushi
- 巻き寿司: rolled sushi — nori-wrapped cylindrical sushi