バーベキュー
bābekyū[ba̠ːbe̞kʲɨː]
The English phrase "bbq" is translated into Japanese as バーベキュー (bābekyū).
バーベキュー refers to a social gathering where food is cooked and eaten outdoors over a grill. To express the action of having or hosting a BBQ, you should use the verb suru (to do) after the noun, resulting in the phrase バーベキューをする.
Which one should you use?
In casual text messaging or written notes, Japanese speakers often use the English abbreviation BBQ instead of the full katakana version. Additionally, the shortened version バーベ is used as a more casual way to say バーベキュー.
How do you pronounce it?
bābekyū
Did you know?
- Many Japanese BBQ venues provide a 'plan' where a set amount of meat and vegetables is provided per person, rather than guests bringing their own food.
- If you are looking for a traditional Japanese version of a cookout, you might encounter the word ro or shichirin, which refers to a small, portable clay stove used for grilling.
- While the English word refers to the cooking method, the Japanese loanword バーベキュー is almost always used to describe the entire social event itself.
Examples in context
- 文化交流イベントで、グループごとに焼肉を楽しむ予定です。We have plans to enjoy BBQ with each group during the cultural exchange event.
- 明日のパーティーでバーベキューをしよう！Let's have a BBQ at tomorrow's party!
- 来週末、バーベキューをしませんか？Raishuumatsu, baabekyuu o shimasen ka?Would you like to have a BBQ next weekend?
- バーベキューの準備はできましたか？Baabekyuu no junbi wa dekimashita ka?Is the preparation for the BBQ ready?
- 公園でバーベキューを楽しみました。Kouen de baabekyuu o tanoshimimashita.I enjoyed a BBQ at the park.
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a weekend activity.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、日曜日にバーベキューに行こう！Ren-kun, nichiyōbi ni bābekyū ni ikō!Ren, let's go for a BBQ on Sunday!
- 蓮 Renいいですね。どこでやりますか。Ii desu ne. Doko de yarimasu ka.That sounds great. Where will we do it?
- 陽葵 Himari近くの公園でバーベキューをしましょう。Chikaku no kōen de bābekyū o shimashō.Let's have a BBQ at the nearby park.
- 蓮 Renわかりました。お肉を買っていきますね。Wakarimashita. Oniku o katte ikimasu ne.Got it. I'll buy some meat and bring it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry バーベキュー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
