How to say "spice" in Japanese

• スパイスCommon
  nounThe everyday loanword for spices such as pepper, curry powder, or cinnamon, especially in cooking and shopping contexts. The natural choice when talking about spice in Western, Indian, or other foreign cuisine.
  この店みせはいろいろなスパイスを扱あつかっている。↗

  This store has a variety of spices.
• 薬味やくみCommon
  nounRefers to the grated or chopped garnishes—such as daikon, wasabi, ginger, green onion, or red pepper—added to a dish. Not the usual word for spices generally; use it only for this Japanese condiment sense.
• 香辛料こうしんりょうJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe general term for spices or condiments as a category, common in writing, product labels, and explanations. Suitable when discussing spice collectively or formally rather than a specific ingredient in a dish.
  韓国かんこく料理りょうりは、香辛料こうしんりょうのきいた味あじでよく知しられている。↗

  Korean food is noted for its spicy flavor.

Use 「スパイス」 for spice in general, 香辛料 for spices as a category, and 薬味 only when referring to the Japanese grated or chopped garnishes served with dishes.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• スパイスspice
• 薬味やくみcondiment (e.g. grated or chopped topping such as daikon, wasabi, ginger, green onion, red pepper)
• 香辛料こうしんりょうspice
• 香味料こうみりょうflavoring
• 彩りいろどり(touch of) colour