A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Teriyaki
A Japanese glaze and cooking method, often seen on grilled meats and vegetables.
teriyaki
ter.ee-YAH-kee
/ˌter.iˈjɑː.ki/ · ter · i · ya · ki
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common term when discussing marinades and glazes for home cooking, particularly for chicken and salmon.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from Japanese, combining 'teru' (to shine) and 'yaki' (grill or fry). It refers to the glossy sheen of the glaze on the cooked food.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ter-uh-KEY-ee This mispronunciation often comes from trying to force English pronunciation rules onto the Japanese word, especially the final vowel sound.
- ter-ee-KYE-kee The 'ya' sound in the third syllable is a short 'ah' sound, not an 'eye' sound.
Frequently asked
What does teriyaki mean?
Teriyaki refers to a Japanese cooking technique where food is broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The name itself means 'shiny grill'.
Is teriyaki sauce sweet or savory?
Teriyaki sauce is typically both sweet and savory. The sweetness comes from mirin and sugar, while the savory notes come from soy sauce.
What kind of food is teriyaki?
Teriyaki is a style of cooking and a sauce, not a specific dish. It's commonly used for meats like chicken, beef, and fish, as well as vegetables.
