チキンナゲット
chikin nagetto[t͡ɕi̥kʲin na̠ɡe̞t̚to̞]
The English phrase "chicken nugget" is チキンナゲット (chikin nagetto) in Japanese.
チキンナゲット refers to a piece of chicken in batter.
Meaning: piece of chicken in batter (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Japanese does not distinguish between singular and plural forms for this noun, so the same word is used for one or many nuggets.
How do you pronounce it?
chikin nagetto
Did you know?
- Japanese consumers may describe the texture of a チキンナゲット as サクサク (sakusaku), an onomatopoeia specifically for a crisp, light crunch.
- Because it is a loanword, チキンナゲット is written in Katakana, which acts as a visual cue to Japanese readers that the item is a 'Western' style food rather than a traditional Japanese dish.
- Japanese convenience stores often sell 'nugget' style chicken as ナゲット but distinguish them from から揚げ 'karaage', which is marinated and deep-fried without batter.
Examples in context
- チキンナゲットを食べたいです。chikin nagetto o tabetai desu.I want to eat chicken nuggets.
- チキンナゲットは子供に人気があります。chikin nagetto wa kodomo ni ninki ga arimasu.Chicken nuggets are popular with children.
- このチキンナゲットはとても美味しいです。kono chikin nagetto wa totemo oishii desu.This chicken nugget is very delicious.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to order at a fast food restaurant.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、何にする？Misaki, nani ni suru?Misaki, what are you going to have?
- 美咲 Misaki私はチキンナゲットにする。Watashi wa chikin nagetto ni suru.I will have the chicken nuggets.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、僕もチキンナゲットを頼もう。Jaa, boku mo chikin nagetto o tanomou.Then, I'll order chicken nuggets too.
- 美咲 Misakiやった、楽しみ！Yatta, tanoshimi!Yay, I'm looking forward to it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chicken nugget” translations and entries チキンナゲット, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
