素(もと)

もと
noun
base; mix; starting material
1. base; mix; starting material
An ingredient, mix, or concentrate that serves as the base for making something else. Especially common in food product names like だしの素(もと) (dashi base) or ラーメンの素(もと) (ramen base).
だしの素(もと)を使(つか)う。
I use dashi base.
お好(この)み焼(や)きの素(もと)を買(か)ってきた。
I bought okonomiyaki mix.
鍋(なべ)の素(もと)を使(つか)えば、家(いえ)でも簡単(かんたん)に本格的(ほんかくてき)な味(あじ)が楽(たの)しめる。
If you use a hot-pot base, you can easily enjoy an authentic taste at home.

素(もと) as a base/mix is almost always written with the kanji 素(もと) and attaches with の to the name of the dish: dish}の{素(もと) = "{dish} base." Often sold as a powder, paste, or concentrate.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • だしの素(もと): dashi base
  • お好(この)み焼(や)きの素(もと): okonomiyaki mix
  • カレーの素(もと): curry base/mix
  • 鍋(なべ)の素(もと): hot-pot base
  • 唐揚(からあ)げの素(もと): karaage seasoning mix

HOMOPHONES:

  • 元(もと): origin; former — different kanji, different meaning
  • 基(もと): basis, foundation — abstract grounding (に基(もと)づく)

Related Words

Related: 元(もと) (origin; former (homophone))
general
Added 2026.6.4 13:07
28500/28734_moto