おまかせ
omakase
The English phrase "chef's choice" is translated into Japanese as おまかせ (omakase).
The term おまかせ is used to describe a meal or selection of dishes chosen by the chef instead of by the customer. It is most commonly used in high-end sushi restaurants to indicate a multi-course meal where the chef selects the seasonal ingredients.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the verb makaseru (to entrust), with the polite prefix o added, literally meaning "to leave it to [the chef]".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form おまかせ is polite and is suitable for use in a restaurant setting when ordering from a menu or speaking to staff.
How do you pronounce it?
omakase
Did you know?
- While おまかせ is famous in sushi dens, it can apply to any professional service where you trust the expert's judgment, such as a hairdresser or a tailor.
- In a business setting, saying おまかせします is a strategic social tool. It allows a person to defer a decision to a colleague to maintain group harmony and avoid direct conflict.
- Asking for substitutions during an おまかせ meal can be seen as an insult. It suggests the diner does not actually trust the chef's expertise or their selection of seasonal ingredients.
Examples in context
- 今日のメニューは、おまかせでお願いします。Kyō no menyū wa, omakase de onegaishimasu.For today's menu, I will leave it to the chef's choice, please.
- おまかせコースは、いくらですか？Omakase kōsu wa, ikura desu ka?How much is the chef's choice course?
- おまかせなら、旬の魚が出てきます。Omakase nara, shun no sakana ga detekimasu.If you choose the chef's choice, seasonal fish will be served.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to order at a high-end sushi restaurant.
- 蓮 Ren今日は、おまかせにしようか。Kyō wa, omakase ni shiyō ka.Shall we go with the chef's choice today?
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね。楽しみ！Ii desu ne. Tanoshimi!That sounds good. I'm excited!
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんは、苦手な食材はある？Yui-san wa, nigate na shokuzai wa aru?Yui, are there any ingredients you don't like?
- 結衣 Yui特にないですよ。Tokuni nai desu yo.None in particular.
