Walking into a sushi bar for the first time can be an exciting yet intimidating experience—especially when you’re greeted with a menu full of unfamiliar Japanese terms. From nigiri to omakase, understanding the language of sushi can help you order with confidence and enjoy a more authentic dining experience.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down the most common sushi terms you’re likely to encounter, so you can feel informed, confident, and ready to explore the delicious world of sushi.

1. Nigiri (にぎり)

Translation: “To grasp” or “to hold”

🍣 What it is: A hand-pressed mound of sushi rice topped with a slice of raw or cooked fish, sometimes with a dab of wasabi between the rice and fish.

💡 Pro tip: Nigiri is often served in pairs and is best eaten in one bite. Dip it fish-side downinto soy sauce to avoid soaking the rice.

2. Maki (巻き)

Translation: “Roll”

🌿 What it is: Sushi rolls made by wrapping rice and fillings in nori (seaweed) and slicing into bite-sized pieces. There are several types of maki:

• Hosomaki: Thin rolls with one filling (like cucumber or tuna)
• Futomaki: Thick rolls with multiple fillings
• Uramaki: Inside-out rolls (rice on the outside, seaweed inside)—popular in Western countries

💡 Popular examples: California roll, spicy tuna roll, and avocado roll.

3. Sashimi (刺身)

Translation: “Pierced body”

🥢 What it is: Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice. Sashimi is a pure expression of the fish’s flavor and freshness.

💡 Common choices: Salmon (sake), tuna (maguro), yellowtail (hamachi), and octopus (tako).

4. Temaki (手巻き)

Translation: “Hand roll”

🌯 What it is: A cone-shaped piece of seaweed filled with rice, fish, and vegetables, eaten with hands rather than chopsticks.

💡 Best for: Casual dining or sharing sushi in a fun, hands-on way.

5. Omakase (お任せ)

Translation: “I leave it up to you”

🎌 What it is: A chef’s choice tasting menu where the sushi chef selects and serves seasonal or specialty dishes. Ideal for adventurous diners who want to try a variety of expertly crafted sushi.

💡 Pro tip: Trust the chef—it’s part of the experience!

6. Gunkan (軍艦)

Translation: “Battleship”

⛵ What it is: A type of sushi where a strip of nori wraps around a base of rice to form a boat shape, typically filled with soft or loose toppings like ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin), or chopped scallops.

7. Chirashi (ちらし寿司)

Translation: “Scattered sushi”

🥗 What it is: A bowl of sushi rice topped with an assortment of sashimi and garnishes. It’s colorful, filling, and easy to customize.

💡 Great for: Sushi lovers who want variety in every bite.

8. Wasabi (わさび)

Translation: Japanese horseradish

🌱 What it is: A green paste served with sushi that adds a sharp, quick heat. Traditional sushi uses a small amount of wasabi between the rice and fish.

💡 Etiquette tip: Avoid mixing too much wasabi into your soy sauce. Instead, apply a small amount directly if needed.

9. Shoyu (醤油)

Translation: Soy sauce

🧂 What it is: A fermented soy-based dipping sauce that enhances umami flavor. Use it lightly to avoid overpowering the delicate taste of the fish.

💡 Best practice: Dip nigiri fish-side down; never soak the rice.

10. Gari (がり)

Translation: Pickled ginger

🍬 What it is: Thinly sliced ginger pickled in sweet vinegar, served as a palate cleanser between different types of sushi.

💡 Don’t do this: Gari is not meant to be placed on top of sushi.

11. Uni (うに)

Translation: Sea urchin

🌊 What it is: A prized delicacy with a creamy texture and briny, ocean-like flavor. Often served as gunkan-style sushior sashimi.

💡 Uni is best enjoyed fresh—it’s a love-it-or-hate-it sushi item!

12. Ikura (いくら)

Translation: Salmon roe

🔴 What it is: Large, orange fish eggs that burst with salty flavor, often served as gunkan-maki or over chirashi bowls.

Learn the Lingo, Love the Sushi

Understanding these key sushi terms not only helps you order with confidence, but it also deepens your appreciation of Japanese culinary culture. Whether you’re new to sushi or expanding your palate, knowing the difference between nigiri and maki, or omakase and temaki, can turn a good sushi night into a great one.

🍣 Ready to try sushi like a pro? Save this guide for your next visit to the sushi bar!