芋煮を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・概要・10の質問を通して、芋煮に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 芋煮とは
- 芋煮は、山形県が特に有名で、県内外で広く親しまれている
- 主な具材は里芋で、肉(牛肉または豚肉)、こんにゃく、ねぎ、きのこなどを一緒に煮込む
- 芋煮の地域ごとの違い
- 内陸地方 : 醤油ベース+牛肉 →、甘じょっぱく、こってりした味
- 庄内地方(海沿い) : 味噌ベース+豚肉 、コクがあり、まろやかな味わい
- 宮城県 : 味噌+豚肉 の組み合わせが一般的
- 福島県 : 醤油ベースが主流 だが、鶏肉を使うこともある
- 芋煮会とは
- 芋煮会とは、屋外でみんなで芋煮を作って食べるイベント
- 特に河原で行われることが多く、会社や学校の行事としても人気
- 芋煮のシメ(最後のアレンジ)
- 醤油ベースの芋煮 : うどんを入れて「芋煮うどん」 にすることが多い
- 味噌ベースの芋煮 : ご飯を入れて雑炊に するのが一般的
- 日本一の芋煮会フェスティバル(山形市)
- 毎年秋に山形市で世界最大の芋煮イベントが開催される
- 直径6メートルの巨大鍋 で約30,000食分 の芋煮を作る
2人が芋煮について話しています。
山形県の伝統的な郷土料理「芋煮」の特徴、具材や作り方、地域ごとの違い、芋煮会などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue

Hey Key, I heard about something called imoni recently. It seems like a big thing in Yamagata. Do you know much about it?

Oh, definitely! Imoni is a hot pot dish that we eat in autumn, especially in Yamagata Prefecture. It’s not just food—it’s also a seasonal event.

A seasonal event? What do you mean?

Well, people don’t just eat imoni at home. They gather outdoors near a river, cook it in a big pot, and enjoy it together. This is called an imoni-kai (imoni party).

That sounds fun! So, what goes into imoni?

The main ingredient is satoimo (taro root), which gives it a smooth, slightly sticky texture. Then, people add meat, green onions, konjac, mushrooms, and seasonings.

Sounds good! But is there only one way to make it?

Actually, there are two main styles, even within Yamagata. Inland areas use soy sauce and beef, so it has a sweet and savory taste. But in the Shonai region, some people use miso and pork, which makes it richer.

So even in the same prefecture, the flavors are different?

Yeah, and it gets even more interesting when you go outside Yamagata. For example, Miyagi Prefecture is known for miso-based imoni with pork.

I see! So, different places have their own version. But what happens at an imoni party?

People set up a fire, prepare the ingredients, cook together, and eat while enjoying the autumn scenery. It’s really a great way to spend time with friends or coworkers.

That sounds like a perfect autumn experience! But what if I don’t finish my imoni?

That’s the best part! After finishing the main dish, people often add rice to miso imoni to make porridge. In some areas, they just add udon noodles to soy sauce imoni for a second dish.

That’s great! One meal, two flavors. But I also heard something about a huge imoni event?

Oh, you mean Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival in Yamagata City! They make 30,000 servings of imoni in a 6-meter-wide pot using a crane to mix everything!

No way! That’s crazy! So many people must come to see it.

Yeah, it’s a huge event, and it shows how much people in Yamagata love imoni. But even if you don’t go to the festival, you can still join a local imoni-kai.

I’d love to! But honestly, is it easy to make?

It’s not too hard, but it does take some effort. You need to prepare the taro properly, cut the ingredients well, and balance the seasoning. And if you’re cooking outside, starting the fire can be tricky.

Got it. So, I should probably cook with experienced people first.

That’s a good idea! Join an imoni-kai this autumn, and you’ll see why it’s such a special part of Japanese culture!
概要 / Overview
「芋煮」について、理解を深めるための「英語での概要」です。
芋煮

What is Imoni?
Imoni is a Japanese hot pot dish that is especially popular in Yamagata Prefecture and the Tohoku region. It is made with taro (satoimo), meat, green onions, konjac, mushrooms, and seasonings. Imoni is a seasonal dish, usually enjoyed in autumn, when people gather outdoors to cook and eat it together.
Different Styles of Imoni
Imoni has different styles depending on the region. In inland Yamagata, the dish is made with soy sauce and beef, giving it a sweet and savory taste. In the Shonai region (coastal Yamagata), people use miso and pork, making it rich and hearty. Outside Yamagata, Miyagi Prefecture is also famous for miso-based imoni with pork. These regional variations make imoni an interesting dish to try in different places.
What is an Imoni Party?
An imoni party (imoni-kai) is a special outdoor event where people cook imoni together. It usually takes place near a river or in a park, where friends, family, or coworkers gather, prepare ingredients, start a fire, and cook a big pot of imoni. It is a great way to enjoy nature and socialize in the cool autumn weather.
How Do People Eat Imoni?
After eating the main dish, many people like to add something extra to make a second meal. In soy sauce-based imoni, they sometimes add udon noodles to make a simple noodle soup. In miso-based imoni, people often add rice to make a warm and flavorful porridge. This way, one pot of imoni can be enjoyed in two different ways!
Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival
In Yamagata City, there is a famous event called the Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival. Every year, people cook 30,000 servings of imoni in a giant 6-meter-wide pot. A crane is used to stir the ingredients, and many visitors come to see this amazing sight. It is a great event to experience Yamagata’s imoni culture.
Why is Imoni Special?
Imoni is more than just food—it is a cultural experience. It brings people together, celebrates the autumn season, and has unique regional flavors. If you visit Japan in autumn, joining an imoni party or trying regional imoni dishes is a great way to enjoy Japanese food culture!
10の質問 / 10 questions
「芋煮」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is imoni?
Imoni is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish from Yamagata Prefecture. It is made with taro (satoimo), meat, and vegetables.
2: When is imoni typically eaten?
Imoni is usually enjoyed in autumn, especially during outdoor gatherings called “imoni-kai.”
3: What are the main ingredients in imoni?
The main ingredients are taro (satoimo), meat (like beef or pork), konjac, green onions, and sometimes mushrooms.
4: How does the recipe differ in various regions?
In inland areas of Yamagata, imoni is made with soy sauce and beef. In the Shonai region, people use miso and pork.
5: What is an “imoni-kai”?
An imoni-kai is an outdoor event where people gather near rivers or parks to cook and eat imoni together.
6: How do people prepare imoni during an imoni-kai?
Participants set up a fire, prepare the ingredients, cook imoni in a large pot, and enjoy it together.
7: Are there any special customs after eating imoni?
Yes, after eating imoni, people often add udon noodles to the remaining soup to make a second dish.
8: Is there a famous imoni event in Japan?
Yes, the “Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival” is held in Yamagata City every year, where a giant pot is used to cook imoni for many people.
9: Why is imoni important in Yamagata culture?
Imoni is a significant part of Yamagata’s culture because it brings people together to celebrate the autumn season and local traditions.
10: Can imoni be found outside of Yamagata Prefecture?
Yes, while it is most popular in Yamagata, similar dishes are enjoyed in other regions of Japan, each with their own variations.

和訳付
会話 / dialogue

Hey Key, I heard about something called imoni recently. It seems like a big thing in Yamagata. Do you know much about it?
なあキー、最近芋煮っていうのを聞いたんだけど、山形ではすごく有名らしいね。どんなものか知ってる?

Oh, definitely! Imoni is a hot pot dish that we eat in autumn, especially in Yamagata Prefecture. It’s not just food—it’s also a seasonal event.
もちろん!芋煮は秋になると食べる鍋料理で、特に山形県で有名なんだ。ただの食べ物じゃなくて、季節のイベントでもあるんだよ。

A seasonal event? What do you mean?
季節のイベント?どういうこと?

Well, people don’t just eat imoni at home. They gather outdoors near a river, cook it in a big pot, and enjoy it together. This is called an imoni-kai (imoni party).
家で食べるだけじゃなくて、外で、特に川の近くに集まって、大きな鍋で作ってみんなで楽しむんだよ。これを芋煮会っていうんだ。

That sounds fun! So, what goes into imoni?
それ、楽しそうだね!芋煮には何が入ってるの?

The main ingredient is satoimo (taro root), which gives it a smooth, slightly sticky texture. Then, people add meat, green onions, konjac, mushrooms, and seasonings.
里芋が主な具材で、なめらかでちょっとねばり気のある食感が特徴だよ。それに肉、ネギ、こんにゃく、きのこ、調味料を入れるんだ。

Sounds good! But is there only one way to make it?
美味しそう!でも、作り方は一種類だけなの?

Actually, there are two main styles, even within Yamagata. Inland areas use soy sauce and beef, so it has a sweet and savory taste. But in the Shonai region, some people use miso and pork, which makes it richer.
実は、山形県内でも大きく2つのスタイルがあるんだ。内陸部では醤油と牛肉を使うから、甘じょっぱい味になる。でも、庄内地方では味噌と豚肉を使うことがあって、こっちはよりコクがあるんだよ。

So even in the same prefecture, the flavors are different?
えっ、同じ県内でも味が違うんだ?

Yeah, and it gets even more interesting when you go outside Yamagata. For example, Miyagi Prefecture is known for miso-based imoni with pork.
そうなんだ。それに山形を出るともっと面白いよ。例えば、宮城県は味噌と豚肉を使う芋煮で有名なんだ。

I see! So, different places have their own version. But what happens at an imoni party?
なるほど!地域ごとに違うんだね。でも、芋煮会って具体的に何をするの?

People set up a fire, prepare the ingredients, cook together, and eat while enjoying the autumn scenery. It’s really a great way to spend time with friends or coworkers.
みんなで火をおこして、材料を準備して、一緒に料理しながら秋の景色を楽しむんだ。友達や職場の仲間と過ごすには最高のイベントだよ!

That sounds like a perfect autumn experience! But what if I don’t finish my imoni?
それ、秋にぴったりのイベントだね!でも、もし芋煮が食べきれなかったらどうするの?

That’s the best part! After finishing the main dish, people often add rice to miso imoni to make porridge. In some areas, they just add udon noodles to soy sauce imoni for a second dish.
それがまた楽しいんだよ!味噌ベースの芋煮にはご飯を入れて雑炊にすることが多いし、醤油味の芋煮にはそのままうどんを入れて、もう一品楽しむことができるんだ。

That’s great! One meal, two flavors. But I also heard something about a huge imoni event?
それ、いいね!一度で二つの味が楽しめるんだ。でも、すごく大きな芋煮のイベントがあるって聞いたけど?

Oh, you mean Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival in Yamagata City! They make 30,000 servings of imoni in a 6-meter-wide pot using a crane to mix everything!
ああ、それは山形市で開かれる日本一の芋煮会フェスティバルのことだね!6メートルの巨大鍋で3万食分の芋煮を作って、クレーンでかき混ぜるんだよ!

No way! That’s crazy! So many people must come to see it.
ええっ!?すごすぎる!それを見に来る人もめちゃくちゃ多そうだね。

Yeah, it’s a huge event, and it shows how much people in Yamagata love imoni. But even if you don’t go to the festival, you can still join a local imoni-kai.
うん、めちゃくちゃ大きなイベントだし、山形の人たちがどれだけ芋煮を愛しているかがよく分かるよ。でも、フェスに行かなくても、普通の芋煮会に参加することもできるよ。

I’d love to! But honestly, is it easy to make?
それ、ぜひやってみたい!でも正直、芋煮って作るの簡単なの?

It’s not too hard, but it does take some effort. You need to prepare the taro properly, cut the ingredients well, and balance the seasoning. And if you’re cooking outside, starting the fire can be tricky.
そんなに難しくはないけど、それなりに手間はかかるよ。里芋の下ごしらえ、具材の切り方、味付けのバランスが大事なんだ。それに、外で作るなら火をおこすのがちょっと大変かな。

Got it. So, I should probably cook with experienced people first.
なるほどね。じゃあ、まずは経験者と一緒に作ったほうがいいかな。

That’s a good idea! Join an imoni-kai this autumn, and you’ll see why it’s such a special part of Japanese culture!
それがいいね!この秋に芋煮会に参加してみたら、日本の文化としてどれだけ特別なものか分かるはずだよ!
概要 / Overview
芋煮

What is Imoni?
Imoni is a Japanese hot pot dish that is especially popular in Yamagata Prefecture and the Tohoku region. It is made with taro (satoimo), meat, green onions, konjac, mushrooms, and seasonings. Imoni is a seasonal dish, usually enjoyed in autumn, when people gather outdoors to cook and eat it together.
芋煮とは?
芋煮は、日本の鍋料理の一種で、特に山形県や東北地方で人気があります。 主な材料は里芋(さといも)、肉、長ネギ、こんにゃく、きのこ、調味料です。芋煮は季節の料理で、秋になると屋外でみんなで集まり、調理して食べることが一般的です。
Different Styles of Imoni
Imoni has different styles depending on the region. In inland Yamagata, the dish is made with soy sauce and beef, giving it a sweet and savory taste. In the Shonai region (coastal Yamagata), people use miso and pork, making it rich and hearty. Outside Yamagata, Miyagi Prefecture is also famous for miso-based imoni with pork. These regional variations make imoni an interesting dish to try in different places.
芋煮の種類
芋煮には、地域によって異なるスタイルがあります。 山形県の内陸部では、醤油と牛肉を使い、甘じょっぱい味が特徴です。一方、庄内地方(山形県の沿岸部)では、味噌と豚肉を使い、コクがあって濃厚な味になります。山形県以外では、宮城県の味噌ベースの豚肉入り芋煮も有名です。こうした地域ごとの違いがあるため、芋煮はさまざまな場所で楽しめる料理なのです。
What is an Imoni Party?
An imoni party (imoni-kai) is a special outdoor event where people cook imoni together. It usually takes place near a river or in a park, where friends, family, or coworkers gather, prepare ingredients, start a fire, and cook a big pot of imoni. It is a great way to enjoy nature and socialize in the cool autumn weather.
芋煮会とは?
芋煮会とは、みんなで芋煮を作る特別な屋外イベントです。 川の近くや公園で行われることが多く、友人や家族、職場の仲間と集まり、食材を準備し、火を起こし、大鍋で芋煮を作るのが特徴です。秋の涼しい気候の中で、自然を楽しみながら交流できる素晴らしいイベントです。
How Do People Eat Imoni?
After eating the main dish, many people like to add something extra to make a second meal. In soy sauce-based imoni, they sometimes add udon noodles to make a simple noodle soup. In miso-based imoni, people often add rice to make a warm and flavorful porridge. This way, one pot of imoni can be enjoyed in two different ways!
芋煮の食べ方
芋煮を食べ終えた後、さらに別の料理として楽しむ人が多いです。 醤油ベースの芋煮には、うどんを加えてシンプルな麺料理にすることがあります。一方、味噌ベースの芋煮では、ご飯を入れて温かく風味豊かな雑炊にすることが一般的です。このように、1つの鍋で2種類の料理を楽しめるのが芋煮の魅力です!
Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival
In Yamagata City, there is a famous event called Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival. Every year, people cook 30,000 servings of imoni in a giant 6-meter-wide pot. A crane is used to stir the ingredients, and many visitors come to see this amazing sight. It is a great event to experience Yamagata’s imoni culture.
日本一の芋煮フェスティバル
山形市では、日本一の芋煮フェスティバルという有名なイベントがあります。 毎年、直径6メートルの巨大鍋で3万食分の芋煮を作ります。 クレーンを使って具材をかき混ぜる光景は圧巻で、多くの観光客が訪れます。山形の芋煮文化を体験するには最高のイベントです。
Why is Imoni Special?
Imoni is more than just food—it is a cultural experience. It brings people together, celebrates the autumn season, and has unique regional flavors. If you visit Japan in autumn, joining an imoni party or trying regional imoni dishes is a great way to enjoy Japanese food culture!
芋煮が特別な理由
芋煮は単なる料理ではなく、文化的な体験でもあります。 人々をつなぎ、秋の季節を楽しみ、地域ごとのユニークな味を味わうことができます。もし秋に日本を訪れるなら、芋煮会に参加したり、地域ごとの芋煮を食べたりすることで、日本の食文化を満喫できるでしょう!
Amazonで「まるい食品 山形の芋煮 2袋セット 内陸版しょうゆ味・庄内版みそ味 各1袋」
山形の本格的な芋煮を手軽に楽しめる醤油味&味噌味のセットです。内陸風の醤油×牛肉、庄内風の味噌×豚肉の2種類を味わえます。1~2人前のレトルトパックなので、調理も簡単!
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is imoni?
芋煮とは何ですか?
Imoni is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish from Yamagata Prefecture. It is made with taro (satoimo), meat, and vegetables.
芋煮は山形県発祥の伝統的な日本の鍋料理です。主な材料は里芋(さといも)、肉、野菜です。
2: When is imoni typically eaten?
芋煮はいつ食べられますか?
Imoni is usually enjoyed in autumn, especially during outdoor gatherings called “imoni-kai.”
芋煮は通常、秋に食べられます。特に「芋煮会」と呼ばれる屋外での集まりで楽しまれます。
3: What are the main ingredients in imoni?
芋煮の主な材料は何ですか?
The main ingredients are taro (satoimo), meat (like beef or pork), konjac, green onions, and sometimes mushrooms.
主な材料は、里芋、肉(牛肉または豚肉)、こんにゃく、長ネギ、そして時にはきのこも使われます。
4: How does the recipe differ in various regions?
地域によってレシピはどのように異なりますか?
In inland areas of Yamagata, imoni is made with soy sauce and beef. In the Shonai region, people use miso and pork.
山形県の内陸部では、醤油と牛肉を使って作られます。一方、庄内地方では、味噌と豚肉を使うのが一般的です。
5: What is an “imoni-kai”?
芋煮会とは何ですか?
An imoni-kai is an outdoor event where people gather near rivers or parks to cook and eat imoni together.
芋煮会とは、川や公園の近くで人々が集まり、芋煮を作って一緒に食べる屋外イベントです。
6: How do people prepare imoni during an imoni-kai?
芋煮会ではどのように芋煮を作りますか?
Participants set up a fire, prepare the ingredients, cook imoni in a large pot, and enjoy it together.
参加者は火を起こし、材料を準備し、大きな鍋で芋煮を作り、一緒に楽しみます。
7: Are there any special customs after eating imoni?
芋煮を食べた後の特別な習慣はありますか?
Yes, after eating imoni, people often add udon noodles to the remaining soup to make a second dish.
はい、芋煮を食べた後、残ったスープにうどんを加えて、もう一品楽しむことがよくあります。
8: Is there a famous imoni event in Japan?
日本で有名な芋煮のイベントはありますか?
Yes, the “Japan’s Biggest Imoni Festival” is held in Yamagata City every year, where a giant pot is used to cook imoni for many people.
はい、毎年山形市で「日本一の芋煮会フェスティバル」が開催され、巨大な鍋で多くの人のために芋煮が作られます。
9: Why is imoni important in Yamagata culture?
芋煮はなぜ山形の文化にとって重要なのですか?
Imoni is a significant part of Yamagata’s culture because it brings people together to celebrate the autumn season and local traditions.
芋煮は、秋の季節や地域の伝統を祝うために人々を結びつける重要な文化の一部だからです。
10: Can imoni be found outside of Yamagata Prefecture?
芋煮は山形県以外でも食べられますか?
Yes, while it is most popular in Yamagata, similar dishes are enjoyed in other regions of Japan, each with their own variations.
はい、山形県が最も有名ですが、他の地域でも似た料理が楽しまれており、それぞれ独自のバリエーションがあります。

words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです(例文は各3つ)。

sticky : 形容詞
意味: べたつく、粘着性のある。Covered with or producing a substance that sticks.
(芋煮の里芋は、煮込むと少しねばり気が出る。その食感を表すために sticky という単語を使用)
例文:
- My hands are sticky after eating honey.
「はちみつを食べた後で手がべたつく。」 - The weather was hot and sticky in the summer.
「夏は蒸し暑くてじめじめしていた。」 - The taro in imoni has a slightly sticky texture.
「芋煮の里芋は少しねばり気のある食感をしている。」
texture : 名詞
意味: 触ったときの感触や質感。The way something feels when touched or eaten.
(芋煮の里芋の滑らかで少しねばり気のある食感を表現するときに texture という単語を使用)
例文:
- I love the soft texture of fresh bread.
「私は焼きたてのパンの柔らかい食感が好きです。」 - The soup has a creamy texture because of the potatoes.
「ジャガイモのおかげでスープがクリーミーな食感になっている。」 - The taro in imoni has a smooth and slightly sticky texture.
「芋煮の里芋は滑らかで少しねばり気のある食感をしている。」
seasoning : 名詞
意味: 料理の味を引き立てるために加える調味料やスパイス。A substance added to food to enhance its flavor.
(芋煮の醤油や味噌などの調味料を指す際に seasoning という単語を使用)
例文:
- This soup needs more seasoning to taste better.
「このスープはもっと調味料を加えたほうが美味しくなる。」 - Salt and pepper are common seasonings in cooking.
「塩とコショウは料理でよく使われる調味料だ。」 - The seasoning in imoni depends on the region, using soy sauce or miso.
「芋煮の調味料は地域によって異なり、醤油や味噌が使われる。」
savory : 形容詞
意味: 塩味があり、旨味のある。Pleasantly salty or spicy, not sweet.
(芋煮の醤油ベースや味噌ベースのスープが甘くなく、しょっぱくて旨味があることを表すのに savory という単語を使用)
例文:
- I prefer savory snacks over sweet ones.
「私は甘いお菓子よりもしょっぱいお菓子のほうが好きだ。」 - This stew has a rich and savory flavor.
「このシチューはコクがあって旨味のある味がする。」 - Imoni has a deep, savory taste that is perfect for autumn.
「芋煮は秋にぴったりの、コクのある旨味のある味がする。」
porridge : 名詞
意味: 穀物や米を煮て作る柔らかい食べ物。A soft food made by boiling grains or rice in water or milk.
(味噌ベースの芋煮の残りにご飯を加えて雑炊のようにする食べ方を説明する際に porridge という単語を使用)
例文:
- I eat porridge for breakfast every morning.
「私は毎朝、朝食にお粥を食べる。」 - Rice porridge is often eaten when people are sick.
「お粥は体調が悪いときによく食べられる。」 - After finishing imoni, some people add rice to make porridge.
「芋煮を食べ終えた後、ご飯を加えて雑炊にする人もいる。」