What alternative English spelling does Wikipedia list for tempura?

The story behind the answer

Wikipedia lists “tenpura” as an alternative English spelling for tempura. Both forms represent the Japanese word for the battered and deep-fried dish, although “tempura” is overwhelmingly more familiar in English.

The spelling reflects romanization: Japanese writes the word as てんぷら, commonly rendered “tenpura.” In ordinary Japanese pronunciation, the nasal sound before the p can sound somewhat like an m to English speakers, which helps explain why “tempura” became the established English form. “Tenpura” preserves the spelling used in a straightforward romanization of the Japanese pronunciation.

Tempura usually consists of seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter and fried quickly in oil. It is often associated with Japanese cuisine, but its historical development includes influence from Portuguese-style frying techniques introduced to Japan in the sixteenth century. The alternate spelling is therefore a language and transliteration detail, not a different dish.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

Add question to a list

Choose a list to keep this question in: