ベジタリアン

Loanword from English "vegetarian." Refers to someone who abstains from eating meat, though in Japan the exact scope (whether fish, eggs, or dairy are included) is often less strictly defined than in English-speaking countries. People may need to clarify what they do or do not eat.

Common collocations

• ベジタリアンになる: to become a vegetarian
• ベジタリアン料理(りょうり): vegetarian food/cuisine
• ベジタリアンメニュー: vegetarian menu
• ベジタリアン向(む)け: for vegetarians
• ベジタリアン対応(たいおう): vegetarian-friendly (e.g., of a restaurant)

Similar words

• ビーガン: vegan — stricter; excludes all animal products including eggs and dairy
• 菜食主義者(さいしょくしゅぎしゃ): vegetarian (formal/technical) — literally "person of the vegetable-eating doctrine"
• 精進(しょうじん)料理(りょうり): Buddhist vegetarian cuisine — traditional Japanese religious vegetarian food

Cultural note

Vegetarianism is relatively uncommon in Japan, and many traditional dishes contain fish stock (だし) even when they appear to be vegetable-based. Vegetarians visiting Japan often have to ask specifically about hidden animal ingredients.