A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Dashi
A foundational Japanese broth, essential for many dishes. Learn to pronounce it correctly.
dashi
DAH-shee
/ˈdɑː.ʃi/ · DAH · shee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also mentioned in cooking shows and articles about Japanese cuisine.
Where the word comes from
From Japanese 出汁 (dashi), meaning 'broth' or 'gravy', from 出す (dasu, 'to let out') and 汁 (shiru, 'juice' or 'broth').
Common ways people get it wrong
- DAY-shee The 'a' is long like in 'father', not like in 'day'. Focus on the 'ah' sound.
- DAH-sh The final 'i' sound is short and clear, like the 'ee' in 'see', not dropped.
Frequently asked
What is dashi made of?
Traditional dashi is made from kombu (kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). Other variations exist using shiitake mushrooms or niboshi (dried sardines).
How do you pronounce the 'sh' sound in dashi?
The 'sh' sound is pronounced like the 'sh' in 'shoe' or 'ship'. It's a straightforward 'sh' sound followed by a short 'ee'.
Is dashi vegetarian?
Traditional dashi made with bonito flakes is not vegetarian. However, vegetarian or vegan versions are common, often made with kombu and shiitake mushrooms.
