temaki: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialist/Casual Dining
Quick answer
What does “temaki” mean?
A hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi.
A specific style of sushi where ingredients like fish, vegetables, and rice are rolled by hand in a sheet of nori (seaweed) to form a cone shape, designed to be eaten with the hands. It is a staple of casual sushi dining.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in contexts where Japanese food is discussed.
Connotations
Connotes authenticity and a specific type of casual, interactive sushi experience in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both regions, limited to culinary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “temaki” in a Sentence
[to eat/have/make/order] a temakia temaki [with salmon/tuna/avocado]a temaki [from the menu/bar]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temaki” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to temaki our own sushi for the party.
American English
- Let's temaki some spicy crab rolls for the game.
adjective
British English
- The temaki station was the highlight of the buffet.
American English
- We ordered the temaki combo platter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the restaurant/food service industry (e.g., 'adding temaki to the menu').
Academic
Very rare, potentially in culinary or cultural studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing or ordering food at Japanese restaurants.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, specifically sushi preparation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temaki”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈtiːmɑːki/ (tee-mah-ki). The first syllable is /tɛ/ as in 'tempo'.
- Using 'temaki' to refer to all types of sushi rolls.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While all temaki are a type of sushi roll, they are specifically cone-shaped and hand-rolled, not cut into pieces like a maki roll.
Typically, no. Temaki is designed to be eaten with your hands, similar to a sandwich or taco.
In informal culinary contexts, especially in the US, it can be used as a verb meaning 'to make temaki' (e.g., 'Let's temaki!'), though this is not standard in formal English.
Temaki is a large, cone-shaped, hand-held roll. Maki (or makizushi) is a cylindrical roll that is sliced into bite-sized pieces, usually eaten with chopsticks.
A hand-rolled cone-shaped sushi.
Temaki is usually specialist/casual dining in register.
Temaki: in British English it is pronounced /tɛˈmɑːki/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɛˈmɑki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Temaki party" refers to a social gathering where guests assemble their own hand rolls.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TEA-MA-KI' → 'TEAr MAKI (roll) with your hands' → you tear the nori and make a hand roll.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS AN EXPERIENCE (emphasising the interactive, hand-held nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a temaki?