Sushi vs Sashimi: What's the Difference?

They get confused constantly. Here's the simple, definitive answer — plus nigiri vs maki.

By the Yes Ichiban editors · Updated September 2026

It is the most common Japanese-food question, and the answer is refreshingly simple.

The one-line answer

Sushi is about the rice; sashimi is just the fish. "Sushi" refers to any dish built on seasoned sushi rice — that includes nigiri and rolls. "Sashimi" is thin slices of raw fish (or occasionally meat) served with no rice at all.

So then what is nigiri vs maki?

• Nigiri — a slice of fish pressed onto a small mound of rice. It is sushi.
• Maki — a rolled cylinder of rice, seaweed and fillings, sliced into rounds. Also sushi.
• Sashimi — fish only, no rice. Technically not sushi at all.

Which should you order?

Want to taste the fish at its purest? Sashimi. Want a little vinegared rice to balance it? Nigiri. Want variety and fun fillings? Maki rolls. A great order has some of each.

Put it to use at a top-rated sushi bar, or read how to order sushi.