1Eggplant (aubergine), a nightshade-family vegetable bearing glossy purple fruit, in season from summer to autumn. Widely used in cooking (grilled, simmered, mapo-style, etc.). Usually written in kana (なす or ナス).
夏になると、なすやきゅうりが安くなる。
When summer comes, eggplants and cucumbers get cheaper.
母はなすを油で炒めるのが得意だ。
My mother is good at stir-frying eggplant in oil.
焼きなすに生姜醤油をかけて食べた。
I ate grilled eggplant with ginger soy sauce on top.
畑で採れたなすは、皮までやわらかい。
Eggplants picked fresh from the field are tender right down to the skin.