食用(しょくよう)

Indicates that something is suitable or intended for consumption as food. Composed of 食(しょく) (eat, food) and 用(よう) (use, purpose). Often used to distinguish edible items from non-edible or decorative versions of the same thing.

Common collocations

• 食用(しょくよう)油(あぶら)/油(ゆ): cooking oil
• 食用(しょくよう)キノコ: edible mushroom
• 食用(しょくよう)花(ばな): edible flower
• 食用(しょくよう)色素(しきそ): food coloring
• 食用(しょくよう)に適(てき)する: suitable for consumption

Similar words

• 飲食用(いんしょくよう): for food and drink — includes beverages
• 観賞用(かんしょうよう): for viewing/decorative use — contrasts with 食用(しょくよう)
• 薬用(やくよう): for medicinal use — another common -用(よう) compound