小鉢(こばち)

こばち
noun
small bowl; side dish (served in a small bowl)
foodutensil
1. small bowl; small dish
A small-sized bowl used in Japanese cuisine, typically for individual portions of side dishes.
小鉢(こばち)に盛(も)り付(つ)ける。
To serve in a small bowl.
陶器(とうき)の小鉢(こばち)を五(いつ)つ買(か)った。
I bought five small ceramic bowls.
和食(わしょく)の店(みせ)では色(いろ)とりどりの小鉢(こばち)が並(なら)んでいた。
At the Japanese restaurant, colorful small bowls of side dishes were lined up.
2. side dish (served in a small bowl)
By extension, the food served in such a bowl — a small side dish that accompanies a meal, common in set meals (定食) and traditional Japanese cuisine.
和食(わしょく)の店(みせ)では色(いろ)とりどりの小鉢(こばち)が並(なら)んでいた。
At the Japanese restaurant, colorful small bowls of side dishes were lined up.
定食(ていしょく)に小鉢(こばち)が二(ふた)つ付(つ)く。
The set meal comes with two side dishes.
今日(きょう)の小鉢(こばち)はひじきの煮物(にもの)だ。
Today's side dish is simmered hijiki seaweed.
おばあちゃんの作(つく)る小鉢(こばち)はどれも手(て)が込(こ)んでいて美味(おい)しい。
Every side dish grandma makes is carefully prepared and delicious.

Composed of 小(こ) (small) + 鉢(ばち) (bowl, pot). In Japanese cuisine, 小鉢(こばち) are essential elements of a meal presentation. They add variety and visual appeal to a table setting.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 大鉢(おおばち): large bowl (for serving shared dishes)
  • 中鉢(ちゅうばち): medium-sized bowl
  • 副菜(ふくさい): side dish (formal/nutritional term, not vessel-specific)
  • お通(とお)し: appetizer served before ordering at an izakaya (also in a small dish, but a different concept)

Related Words

Compare: 副菜(ふくさい) (side dish)
Compare: お通(とお)し (appetizer served before ordering…)
general
Added 2026.3.27 16:22 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
19500/19968_kobachi