Entry
しゃぶしゃぶ
shabushabu
A Japanese hot pot dish where thin slices of meat are quickly swished in hot broth, or the sound and action of doing so.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is most famous for the Japanese hot pot dish called shabu-shabu. However, it originally serves as an onomatopoeia describing the sound and light action of swishing something back and forth in liquid, like meat in broth or a small cloth in water.
- Hot pot dish
- Swishing action
Sense Map
Food
Refers to the Japanese hot pot dish where meat and vegetables are lightly boiled.
夕食にしゃぶしゃぶを食べる。
Action
The action of lightly swishing or dipping something in water or broth.
お湯の中でしゃぶしゃぶする。
Usage Note
How to Use
しゃぶしゃぶ
Used as a noun to refer to the dish itself.
しゃぶしゃぶする
Used as a verb for the action of swishing something in liquid.
しゃぶしゃぶと
Used as an adverb to describe how something is lightly rinsed or dipped.
How to Use
Common Phrases
しゃぶしゃぶを食べる
eat shabu-shabu
肉をしゃぶしゃぶする
swish the meat
豚しゃぶしゃぶ
pork shabu-shabu
お湯でしゃぶしゃぶする
swish in hot water
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary context | neutral | A very common name for the dish and the eating method in Japan. |
| Washing objects | neutral | Indicates a light rinsing or washing action without much force. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
じゃぶじゃぶ じゃぶじゃぶ / similar | Used when there is a loud splashing sound or washing with plenty of water. | Not suitable for the gentle swishing action of dipping delicate food. | 水でじゃぶじゃぶ洗う |
ごとごと ごとごと / similar | Used for the sound of a pot boiling with heavy ingredients bumping inside. | Focuses on the boiling state of the pot, not the human action of swishing. | 鍋がゴトゴト鳴る |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for the process of boiling meat for a long time.
It refers to the quick swishing motion, not long boiling.
Describing someone swimming with loud splashes.
For loud water splashing, use じゃぶじゃぶ (jabujabu).
Examples
Examples
今夜はしゃぶしゃぶにしよう。
こんやはしゃぶしゃぶにしよう。
Let's have shabu-shabu tonight.
LiteralAs a noun for the name of the dish.
薄い肉をお湯でしゃぶしゃぶする。
うすいにくをおゆでしゃぶしゃぶする。
Swish the thin meat in the hot water.
VisualAs a verb showing the action.
しゃぶしゃぶ用の牛肉を買ってきた。
しゃぶしゃぶようのぎゅうにくをかってきた。
I bought beef for shabu-shabu.
LiteralOften combined with 用 (yō) meaning 'for the purpose of'.
布巾を水でしゃぶしゃぶとすすぐ。
ふきんをみずでしゃぶしゃぶとすすぐ。
Lightly rinse the cloth by swishing it in water.
VisualShows non-food usage, for light washing.
野菜もしゃぶしゃぶして食べると美味しい。
やさいもしゃぶしゃぶしてたべるとおいしい。
It's also delicious if you lightly swish the vegetables before eating.
LiteralCan be applied to foods other than meat.
Similar Words
じゃぶじゃぶ
jabujabu
Represents the loud sound of splashing water vigorously, or the reckless and generous use of liquids or money. Loud splashing
ゴトゴト
gotogoto
ゴトゴト describes a heavy rumbling or rattling sound from heavy objects moving, or the sound of a thick liquid boiling. Boiling rumble
Questions
Is shabu-shabu only for beef?
No, pork (buta-shabu) is also very common, as well as variations with fish or other seafood.
Can I use this word for rinsing clothes?
Yes, the gentle rinsing of a small cloth in water can also be described with this word.
What is the difference between shabu-shabu and sukiyaki?
Shabu-shabu is lightly swished in clear broth and eaten with dipping sauces, while sukiyaki is simmered slowly in a rich, sweet-savory sauce.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1005660
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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