菓子

菓子

Confectionery; sweets; snacks.

Here, '菓子' refers to 'sweets' or 'confectionery,' typically snacks enjoyed with tea or as a light dessert.

私はお茶の時間に菓子を食べました。

I ate sweets during tea time.

In this sentence, '和菓子' specifies 'Japanese sweets,' where '菓子' is used within a compound word.

この和菓子はとても甘いです。

This traditional Japanese confection is very sweet.

'菓子' is used within '洋菓子,' meaning 'Western-style confectionery,' contrasting with traditional Japanese sweets.

ケーキやクッキーなどの洋菓子も好きです。

I also like Western-style sweets like cakes and cookies.