bonito
A bonito is a medium-sized, predatory marine fish belonging to the Scombridae family, which also includes tuna and mackerel. In culinary contexts, it is most famous for being dried, fermented, and smoked to create flakes used in Japanese stocks and seasonings.
Examples
3 of 5I bought some fresh bonito from the market to grill for dinner tonight.
I purchased a fresh medium-sized tuna-like fish at the store to cook over a fire.
The director submitted a report on the commercial viability of bonito exports to East Asian markets.
The manager provided a document regarding the business potential of selling these fish to Asian countries.
Wait, did you catch that bonito on a lure or using live bait?
Tell me, did you hook that fish with an artificial shiny object or a real small fish?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bony-Tuna' — Bonito is like a smaller, boney version of a tuna fish.
Quick Quiz
The traditional Japanese soup stock, dashi, is made by simmering kelp and dried ___ flakes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bonito
Examples
I bought some fresh bonito from the market to grill for dinner tonight.
everydayI purchased a fresh medium-sized tuna-like fish at the store to cook over a fire.
The director submitted a report on the commercial viability of bonito exports to East Asian markets.
businessThe manager provided a document regarding the business potential of selling these fish to Asian countries.
Wait, did you catch that bonito on a lure or using live bait?
informalTell me, did you hook that fish with an artificial shiny object or a real small fish?
The Sarda sarda, or Atlantic bonito, is characterized by its streamlined body and dark longitudinal stripes.
academicThe specific species known as Atlantic bonito has a smooth shape and long dark lines on its back.
The local government has issued a formal decree regarding the seasonal quotas for bonito harvesting.
formalThe authorities released an official order about the allowed amount of this fish to be caught during the year.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
dried bonito
fish that has been preserved by removing its moisture
bonito broth
a clear soup made from the essence of the fish
skipjack bonito
a common name for a specific type of tuna often labeled as bonito
Often Confused With
In Spanish, 'bonito' means beautiful, but in English, 'bonito' only refers to the fish.
Bonito is a smaller, distinct relative of the tuna with a stronger flavor and firmer flesh.
Usage Notes
In English, this word is exclusively a noun. It is almost always used in the context of fishing, marine biology, or international cuisine (specifically Japanese).
Common Mistakes
English learners with a Romance language background often try to use 'bonito' as an adjective meaning 'pretty.' In English, you must use 'beautiful' or 'lovely' instead.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bony-Tuna' — Bonito is like a smaller, boney version of a tuna fish.
Word Origin
Derived from the Spanish and Portuguese 'bonito', meaning 'handsome' or 'good', likely named for the fish's sleek and attractive appearance.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Bonito is a cornerstone of Japanese culture; when dried and shaved into 'katsuobushi', it forms the base of dashi, the stock used in almost all Japanese savory dishes.
Quick Quiz
The traditional Japanese soup stock, dashi, is made by simmering kelp and dried ___ flakes.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bonito
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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