1.
seven-spice chili powder; shichimi togarashi
A Japanese spice blend containing seven ingredients, typically including red chili pepper, sansho pepper, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, dried citrus peel, nori, and ginger. Used as a condiment on noodles, rice dishes, and soups.
うどんに七味をかける。
I sprinkle shichimi on udon.
七味を少し多めに入れてください。
Please put in a little extra shichimi.
京都の老舗で買った七味は香りがとてもいい。
The shichimi I bought at a long-established shop in Kyoto has a wonderful aroma.
Short for 七味唐辛子 (seven-flavor chili pepper). The seven ingredients vary by brand and region, but the base is always 唐辛子 (red chili pepper).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 七味唐辛子: seven-spice chili pepper (full name)
- 七味をかける: to sprinkle shichimi
- 七味を振る: to shake on shichimi
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 一味: ichimi; pure chili pepper powder — contains only red chili pepper, without the other six spices
- 山椒: sansho pepper — one of the ingredients in 七味; used on its own for dishes like grilled eel
- 唐辛子: chili pepper — the main ingredient; also used as a general term for chili
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
七味 is an essential table condiment in Japan, found at most noodle shops and restaurants. Famous producers include Yagenbori in Tokyo (since 1625) and Shichimiya in Kyoto (since 1655). Each shop's blend is slightly different, and buying 七味 is a popular souvenir activity.