赤飯(せきはん)

せきはん
noun
red bean rice; sekihan
foodculture
1. red bean rice; glutinous rice steamed with azuki beans
A traditional Japanese dish of glutinous rice (もち米) steamed with red azuki beans, giving it a distinctive pinkish-red color. Served at celebrations and auspicious occasions.
お祝(いわ)いに赤飯(せきはん)を炊(た)いた。
We made sekihan to celebrate.
七五三(しちごさん)のお祝(いわ)いに赤飯(せきはん)を配(くば)った。
We handed out sekihan for the Shichi-Go-San celebration.
祖母(そぼ)は孫(まご)の入学(にゅうがく)を祝(いわ)って、朝(あさ)から赤飯(せきはん)を蒸(む)してくれた。
My grandmother steamed sekihan from early morning to celebrate her grandchild's school admission.

Literally 'red rice,' composed of 赤(せき) (red) + 飯(はん) (cooked rice). The red color, from the azuki beans, symbolizes good luck and is associated with celebrations in Japanese culture. Traditionally prepared for occasions such as birthdays, weddings, 七五三(しちごさん) (children's milestone festival), school entrance ceremonies, and other happy events. Also called お赤飯(せきはん) with the polite prefix お. Available as instant packs in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Related Words

Compare: おこわ (steamed glutinous rice)
general
Added 2026.3.23 19:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
18500/18955_sekihan