If you’re a food enthusiast or planning to visit Japan, learning how to say “delicious” in Japanese is essential. It allows you to appreciate and communicate your enjoyment of the incredible culinary experiences Japan has to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore various formal and informal ways to express the word “delicious” in Japanese, share regional variations, and provide helpful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say Delicious in Japanese
When dining in upscale restaurants, formal occasions, or showing respect, it’s important to use polite language. Here are some formal expressions for saying “delicious” in Japanese:
1. おいしい (Oishii)
“Oishii” is the most common and versatile way to say “delicious” in Japanese. It’s suitable for all occasions and is widely understood. Pronounce it as “oy-shee” with the stress on the first syllable.
Example: このお寿司はとてもおいしいですね。(Kono sushi wa totemo oishii desu ne.) – This sushi is very delicious, isn’t it?
2. 美味しい (Bimiashii)
“Bimiashii” is another formal way to express “delicious” in Japanese. While less commonly used than “oishii,” it conveys a similar meaning and is appropriate in formal settings or when emphasizing the quality of the dish. Pronounce it as “bee-mee-ah-shee” with equal stress on all syllables.
Example: この料理は本当に美味しいですね。(Kono ryori wa hontoni bimiashii desu ne.) – This dish is truly delicious, isn’t it?
Informal Ways to Say Delicious in Japanese
When in casual settings or among friends, you can use more informal expressions to convey the deliciousness of food. Here are some examples:
1. うまい (Umai)
“Umai” is a casual and widely-used word to describe something as delicious in Japanese. It’s suitable for informal situations, and you’ll often hear locals use it when enjoying meals with close friends. Pronounce it as “oo-mai” with a long “oo” sound.
Example: このラーメン、めちゃくちゃうまい！(Kono ramen, mechakucha umai!) – This ramen is incredibly delicious!
2. おいちい (Oichii)
“Oichii” is a cute variation of the formal “oishii” commonly used in casual conversations. It adds a touch of playfulness and is often used among friends or family members. Pronounce it as “oy-chee” with a soft “oy” sound.
Example: これはママの作ったケーキ、すごくおいちい！(Kore wa mama no tsukutta keeki, sugoku oichii!) – This cake made by mom is incredibly yummy!
Regional Variations
Japan is known for its diverse local cuisines, and each region has its own unique expressions for “delicious.” Here are a few regional variations you may encounter:
1. うまいじゃん (Umai jan) – Osaka Dialect
In Osaka, the locals use a distinct dialect and often say “umai jan” instead of “umai.” The addition of “jan” adds a playful and friendly tone, emphasizing the deliciousness. Pronounce it as “oo-mai jan” with a long “oo” sound.
Example: このたこ焼き、うまいじゃん！(Kono takoyaki, umai jan!) – This takoyaki is delicious, isn’t it?
2. まいう～ (Maiu~) – Hokkaido Dialect
In the Hokkaido region, locals often use the expression “maiu~” to describe something as delicious. This variation adds a unique charm and friendliness to their language. Pronounce it as “my-oo” with a long “oo” sound and a soft “~” sound at the end.
Example: このジンギスカン、まいう～！(Kono jingisukan, maiu~!) – This Jingisukan (grilled lamb) is incredibly delicious!
Tips for Using Delicious in Japanese
Here are some tips and additional information to enhance your understanding and usage of the word “delicious” in Japanese:
1. Exaggerate with とても (Totemo)
If you want to emphasize how delicious something is, you can add the word “totemo” before the adjective. It means “very” or “extremely” and adds extra emphasis. For example, “totemo oishii” means “very delicious.”
2. Combine with すごく (Sugoku)
Similar to “totemo,” “sugoku” can be combined with adjectives to emphasize their intensity. Using “sugoku” before “oishii” makes it “sugoku oishii,” which means “incredibly delicious.” This elevates the level of deliciousness.
3. Explore Local Dialects
If you’re traveling across Japan, don’t be afraid to try out regional dialects. Locals appreciate when visitors show an interest in their local cultures and languages. It can lead to unique and enriching experiences during your culinary adventures.
4. Express Gratitude
When someone prepares a delicious meal or serves you, expressing gratitude is customary. You can say “Gochisousama deshita” after the meal, which means “Thank you for the delicious meal.” It shows respect and appreciation.
Conclusion
In Japan, expressing the deliciousness of food is an integral part of the dining culture. Whether you opt for a formal or informal expression, knowing how to say “delicious” in Japanese allows you to connect with locals, appreciate their culinary traditions, and enhance your overall dining experience. Remember, food brings people together, and expressing your enjoyment in the local language adds warmth and enjoyment to the dining table.
