寿司

Etymology 1


From, the archaic し (shi) terminal-form conjugation of modern.

Originally, sushi was a form of fish that had been salted and fermented for preservation without refrigeration. The fish was sometimes packed with rice or rice mixed with vinegar in order to speed the fermentation process. In the Edo period, this was also known as hayazushi when packed in layers, pressed, and fermented for just one night. Something similar is still prepared today as narezushi that relies on fermentation with no added vinegar.

The kanji are an example of.

Noun

 * 1) sushi: vinegared rice served with fish or vegetables, etc.

Usage notes
Sushi may be counted a number of ways: Historically, or  is a relatively recent innovation, appearing in the 1970s. In the Edo period when modern sushi first starts to appear, and all the way through the Meiji or Taishō periods, records only show the use of the generic and  counters.
 * Using the generic : ,
 * Using the generic : ,
 * Using the counter or : ,

Derived terms

 * : sushi, hand-shaped sushi
 * : rolls, sushi rolls, maki
 * : soft-pressed sushi topped with ingredients
 * : decorated sushi topped with ingredients
 * : conveyor belt sushi
 * : a sushi shop, a sushi restaurant

Etymology 2
From classical adjective.