1Ginger — the pungent, aromatic rhizome (Zingiber officinale) used as a spice and condiment in cooking. Grated into sauces and dressings, sliced and pickled in sweet vinegar to make 「ガリ」 (the pink ginger served with sushi), or brewed into hot ginger drinks. Written either as 「生姜」 (kanji) or 「しょうが」 (kana) in modern Japanese. Note: the same kanji 生姜 read 「しょうきょう」 instead refers to dried ginger used in Kampo medicine.
豚の生姜焼きを作るので、生姜をすりおろしてくれる？
I'm making shogayaki (ginger pork) — could you grate the ginger for me?
風邪気味のときは、はちみつとしょうがを入れた温かい飲み物がよく効く。
When you're coming down with a cold, a warm drink with honey and ginger works wonders.
寿司に添えられているガリは、薄切りの生姜を甘酢に漬けたものだ。
The 「gari」 served with sushi is thin slices of ginger pickled in sweet vinegar.
冷え性に悩んでいる友人に、毎朝しょうが湯を飲むことを勧めた。
I recommended that my friend who suffers from poor circulation drink ginger tea every morning.