Japanese Phrases Every Diner Needs to Know24

Venturing into the world of Japanese cuisine can be an exciting but daunting experience, especially if you encounter language barriers. To navigate the menu and communicate your preferences effectively, here are 1500 essential Japanese words and phrases to empower you at the next Japanese restaurant visit.

Ordering

Main Courses:

- Entree (前菜): zensai

- Main course (メインディッシュ): mein dishu

- Rice (ご飯): gohan

- Noodles (麺類): menrui

- Set meal (定食): teishoku

Sides:

- Salad (サラダ): sarada

- Soup (スープ): suupu

- Appetizer (おつまみ): otsumami

- Pickled vegetables (漬物): tsukemono

Drinks:

- Water (水): mizu

- Tea (お茶): ocha

- Beer (ビール): biiru

- Sake (お酒): sake

- Wine (ワイン): wain

Communicating Preferences

Ordering:

- I would like to order... (注文したいです): chuumon shitai desu

- I would like to have... (食べたいです): tabetai desu

- Can I have a menu? (メニューをいただけますか): menyuu o itadakemasuka

Preferences:

- Spicy (辛い): karai

- Sweet (甘い): amai

- Salty (しょっぱい): shio ppai

- Sour (酸っぱい): suppai

- More (もっと): motto

- Less (少なく): sukuna ku

Requesting Assistance

Service:

- Please bring me... (持ってきてください): mottekite kudasai

- Can I have the bill? (お会計をお願いします): okaikei o onegai shimasu

- I need a box (箱がほしいです): hako ga hoshii desu

Dietary Restrictions:

- I have an allergy to... (アレルギーがあります): arerugii ga arimasu

- I am vegan (ヴィーガンです): biigandesu

- I am vegetarian (ベジタリアンです): bejitariandesu

Phrases for Conversation

Greetings:

- Hello (こんにちは): konnichiwa

- Thank you (ありがとうございます): arigatou gozaimasu

- You're welcome (どういたしまして): dou itashimashite

Thanking the Chef:

- This is delicious (おいしいです): oishii desu

- The chef's special was excellent (本日のスペシャルは最高でした): honjitsu no supoisharu wa saikou deshita

Leaving:

- Goodbye (さようなら): sayonara

- I hope to come back again (また来たいです): mata kitai desu

Additional Tips

- Pronounce "su" like "soo" and "shi" like "shee."

- Use polite phrases such as "o" and "desu" to show respect.

- Don't be afraid to point to items on the menu or ask for help.

- Enjoy the unique and flavorful experience of Japanese cuisine!

2025-01-31

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