What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hibachi
Example
We brought our hibachi to the beach and grilled some burgers. [hibachi: noun]
Example
The restaurant served us delicious hibachi-grilled shrimp. [hibachi-grilled: adjective]
barbecue
Example
We had a barbecue in the backyard and grilled some chicken. [barbecue: noun]
Example
The restaurant served us delicious barbecue ribs with a side of coleslaw. [barbecue: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barbecue is more commonly used than hibachi in everyday language, especially in the United States where it is a popular method of outdoor cooking and social gathering. Hibachi is less common and often associated with Japanese cuisine or specialty grilling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hibachi and barbecue?
Both hibachi and barbecue are casual and informal terms used in everyday language and social settings. However, barbecue can also be used in more formal contexts, such as business meetings or catering events, where it may refer to a specific style of cuisine or cooking method.
