バジル

From English "basil." One of the most popular herbs in Japanese home cooking, especially since the spread of Italian cuisine in Japan. Easy to grow at home, making it a common choice for kitchen gardens and balcony herb pots.

The Japanese name 目箒(めぼうき) exists but is rarely used in modern Japanese. バジル is the standard term in supermarkets, recipes, and restaurants.

Common collocations

• フレッシュバジル: fresh basil
• バジルソース: basil sauce (pesto)
• バジルの葉(は): basil leaves
• バジルを育(そだ)てる: to grow basil
• バジルペースト: basil paste

Similar words

• パセリ: parsley — another common herb, used more as a garnish
• シソ: shiso; perilla — a related herb native to East Asia, sometimes called "Japanese basil"
• ハーブ: herb — the general category