noun
wasabi
wuh-SAH-bee
noun
1
A Japanese plant grown for its sharp, spicy root, related to horseradish and mustard.
"Wasabi is traditionally grated fresh just before serving."
"The farmer grows wasabi in shallow, cold mountain streams."
2
The bright green, intensely spicy paste made from that root, served with sushi and other Japanese dishes.
"She dabbed a tiny bit of wasabi onto the sushi."
"Too much wasabi will make your eyes water instantly."
3
A cheaper imitation made from horseradish, mustard powder, and green colouring, used in place of the real root.
"Most restaurants outside Japan actually serve imitation wasabi."
How to Use Wasabi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA very spicy green Japanese condiment made from a root plant, usually served alongside sushi.
Common mistake
Real wasabi root is rare and expensive; almost everything labelled "wasabi" outside Japan is horseradish dyed green.
Common pairings
a dab of wasabi
wasabi paste
fresh wasabi
Word Forms
wasabis plural
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Etymology
Borrowed directly from the Japanese word 山葵 (wasabi).