削り節

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 削り節, read けずりぶし, and it combines 削り, meaning shavings, with 節, here referring to dried, firm fish.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 削り節 is thin shavings of dried fish used to make broth or as a topping.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Broth ingredient and topping
  • Both examples use the form 削り節. The flakes can be steeped to extract flavor or placed directly on a finished dish.
• Hot-pot and tofu uses
  • 鍋のだしを取るため削り節を入れた。 — I added dried fish flakes to make broth for the hot pot.
  • 温かい豆腐に削り節をたっぷり載せた。 — I topped the warm tofu with plenty of dried fish flakes.