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ponzu

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈpɒn.zuː//

KK: /pɒnzu/

noun
Definition

A tangy sauce made from citrus juice, often combined with soy sauce and used in Japanese cuisine, especially with seafood.


Example

I love to dip my sushi in ponzu for an extra burst of flavor.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried ponzu sauce with your sushi?
Sloth B
Yeah, I love how tangy it is!
Sloth A
I think it really enhances the flavor of the fish.
Sloth B
Absolutely, it’s one of my favorite dipping sauces.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sauce
dressing
condiment
Antonyms
dry
bland
plain
Root Explanation

Ponzu originates from Japanese (ポン酢), where 'pon' (ポン) is derived from the Dutch word 'pons', meaning punch or a drink, and 'zu' (酢) means vinegar. The word refers to a citrus-based sauce that combines these elements, typically used in Japanese cuisine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pon' as a drink and 'zu' as vinegar, which helps you remember that ponzu is a tangy sauce made from citrus and vinegar.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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