弁当
bentō[bẽ̞nto̞ː]
The Japanese phrase bento refers to a Japanese takeaway lunch served in a box. The default form is 弁当 (bentō). Wiktionary also lists お弁当 (o-bentō).
Meaning: Japanese takeaway lunch served in a box (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 弁当 | bentō | [bẽ̞nto̞ː] (narrow) [bẽ̞nto̞] (narrow) |
| お弁当 | o-bentō | [o̞bẽ̞nto̞ː] (narrow) |
You may also encounter the term ekiben, which refers to boxed meals sold at train stations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 弁当 is considered dialectal.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the honorific prefix お to 弁当 makes the word more polite.
How do you pronounce it?
bentō
When do people say it?
A 幕の内弁当 (makunouchi bentō) is a specific, traditional type of bento consisting of several small portions of food. Historically, these were served during intermission in Kabuki theater.
Did you know?
- The character used in 弁当 for 'ben' is actually a phonetic substitute. The original character had a secondary meaning of 'human excrement', so it was replaced to avoid any unpleasant associations with food.
- In Japanese culture, the visual arrangement of a bento is considered as important as the taste, often following the principle of 'five colors' for nutritional balance and beauty.
- Many Japanese households use specialized 'bento' dividers or silicone cups to keep different flavors and textures from touching, as mixing foods is often avoided.
Examples in context
- この弁当は量が少ないよ。There is a small quantity of food in this bento.The first sentence uses 弁当 to discuss the quantity of food.Tatoeba #10990280 by small_snow, translation #13706634 by terrywallwork
- お弁当にピーマンは入れないでね。Don't put bell peppers in the bento.The second sentence uses 弁当 to mention an ingredient.Tatoeba #890115 by bunbuku, translation #890171 by Scott
- ５１番、幕の内弁当お待たせしました。Number 51, your makunouchi bento is ready. Sorry for causing you to wait.The third sentence uses 弁当 in the context of a meal being ready.Tatoeba #9408527 by small_snow, translation #10253248 by terrywallwork
- 彼女は毎日自分で弁当を作ります。She makes her own bento every day.
- 弁当を食べることが日本の文化です。Eating bento is part of Japanese culture.
- 昼ごはんは何を食べる？ – 弁当を買ってくるよ。What are you having for lunch? – I'll buy a bento.
- 京都で美味しいお弁当を食べた。I had a delicious bento in Kyoto.
- 駅弁は旅行の楽しみの一つだ。Ekiben is one of the delights of traveling.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a park during a picnic.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、その弁当、すごく美味しそうだね。Himari, sono bento, sugoku oishisou da ne.Himari, that bento looks really delicious.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。大翔も食べる？Arigatou. Hiroto mo taberu?Thank you. Do you want some too, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、半分分けてもらえると嬉しいな。Un, hanbun wakete moraeru to ureshii na.Yeah, I'd be happy if you shared half with me.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、一緒に食べよう！Ii yo, issho ni tabeyou!Sure, let's eat together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bento” translations and entries 弁当, お弁当, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries お弁当, 弁当, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
