tempura: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal/informal
Quick answer
What does “tempura” mean?
A Japanese dish consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Japanese dish consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.
The specific batter (a light, airy mixture of flour, egg, and ice water) and cooking technique used for this dish, characterized by a crisp, delicate coating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties to refer specifically to the Japanese dish. There is no significant regional variation in usage, only in the pronunciation.
Connotations
Associated with Japanese cuisine, light and crisp texture, and restaurant dining.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within contexts discussing Japanese or international cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “tempura” in a Sentence
[verb] tempura: eat, order, make, serve, dipVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tempura” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [not used as a verb]
American English
- [not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [not used as an adverb]
American English
- [not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- A tempura dish
- Tempura prawns
American English
- A tempura platter
- Tempura shrimp
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in restaurant or food industry contexts (e.g., 'Our new menu features shrimp tempura.').
Academic
Used in culinary studies, food history, or cultural studies of Japan.
Everyday
Common when discussing Japanese restaurants or ordering food.
Technical
Used in professional culinary contexts regarding batter composition and frying technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tempura”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tempura”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tempura”
- Using 'tempura' as a verb (e.g., 'I'll tempura the vegetables').
- Capitalizing the word (it is not a proper noun).
- Using it as a generic term for any fried food.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it refers specifically to the Japanese dish and its unique, light batter made with cold water, resulting in a characteristic crisp and lacy coating.
No, 'tempura' is a noun. In English, you would say 'make tempura' or 'fry something tempura-style'.
Tempura batter is much lighter, airier, and crisper than typical fritter batter. It uses no breadcrumbs or raising agents and is mixed minimally to avoid gluten development.
While quintessentially Japanese, the cooking technique was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries and traders in the 16th century.
A Japanese dish consisting of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.
Tempura is usually formal/informal in register.
Tempura: in British English it is pronounced /tɛmˈpʊə.rə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɛmˈpʊr.ə/ or /tɛmˈpu.rə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TEMPura is made in a hot oil TEMPerature.
Conceptual Metaphor
Food as cultural artifact (e.g., 'tempura represents the Portuguese influence on Japanese cuisine').
Practice
Quiz
What is tempura?