Technically no. Sushi means vinegared rice is involved, and sashimi has none. In practice, every sushi restaurant serves both.

How do you dip nigiri in soy sauce?

Fish side down, lightly. Dunking the rice side soaks it up and can make it fall apart. Many pieces come already seasoned, so taste first.

Sashimi vs nigiri: what's the difference?

Sashimi is sliced raw fish served on its own, while nigiri is a slice of fish draped over a small hand-pressed mound of seasoned sushi rice.

Sashimi

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Just the fish: clean, silky slices.

Nigiri

Very light

Indulgent

Subtle

Big punch

Mellow

Zingy

Fish on a bite of warm, gently vinegared rice.

The real difference

Sashimi skips the rice entirely, so it's all about the fish's texture and taste. Nigiri is a type of sushi: the chef presses a little vinegared rice by hand and lays a slice on top, sometimes with a dab of wasabi or a brush of sauce. Nigiri is one bite; sashimi comes in slices.

Side by side

SashimiNigiri

RiceNoneA small mound of sushi rice

Is it sushi?Technically noYes

EatenWith chopsticks, a little soyIn one bite, by hand or chopsticks

Which to order

Order sashimi if you want the most fish and no rice.
Order nigiri if you want the classic sushi bite, fish and rice together.

Quick questions

Is sashimi sushi?: Technically no. Sushi means vinegared rice is involved, and sashimi has none. In practice, every sushi restaurant serves both.
How do you dip nigiri in soy sauce?: Fish side down, lightly. Dunking the rice side soaks it up and can make it fall apart. Many pieces come already seasoned, so taste first.