If you’re a fan of dim sum and find yourself in Japan, you might be wondering how to order these delicious Chinese dishes in Japanese. Fear not, as we’ve prepared a guide to help you navigate through the language barrier. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “dim sum” in Japanese, providing you with essential tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Dim Sum in Japanese
If you’re looking for a polite way to ask for dim sum in a formal setting, these phrases will come in handy:
1. 点心 (tenshin) – This is the most common and formal term for dim sum in Japanese. You can use this word to order dim sum in restaurants or ask for it at a hotel.
2. 中華点心 (chuuka tenshin) – This phrase specifically refers to Chinese dim sum, making it a suitable choice if you want to emphasize the Chinese origin of these dishes.
Informal Ways to Say Dim Sum in Japanese
In more casual settings, such as when interacting with friends or acquaintances, you can use these phrases:
1. ディムサム (dimusamu) – This is a borrowed word from English, commonly used by younger generations and English speakers. It has become popularized and is easily understood by many Japanese people.
2. シューマイ (shuumai) – Although “shuumai” technically refers to a specific type of dim sum, it is often used as a general term for dim sum in informal conversations. Many Japanese people will understand this word and know you’re referring to dim sum.
Tips and Examples to Enhance Your Japanese Language Skills
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “dim sum” in Japanese, here are some extra tips and examples to help you navigate conversations about dim sum:
Tips:
- If you’re unsure about which term to use, “tenshin” is a safe and widely understood option in most contexts.
- When in doubt, you can always point to pictures on a menu or refer to specific dim sum dishes by their names, such as “nikuman” (steamed pork bun) or “gyoza” (dumplings).
- Practicing these phrases with a native Japanese speaker or language exchange partner can greatly improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Example Conversations:
Here are a few example conversations to illustrate how you can use the phrases we’ve covered:
Example 1:
Person A: 申し訳ありません、ディムサムはありますか？ (Sumimasen, dimusamu wa arimasu ka?) – Excuse me, do you have dim sum?
Person B: はい、点心がございます。 (Hai, tenshin ga gozaimasu.) – Yes, we have dim sum.
Example 2:
Person A: おいしい中華点心を探しています。 (Oishii chuuka tenshin o sagashite imasu.) – I’m looking for delicious Chinese dim sum.
Person B: シューマイがおすすめですよ。 (Shuumai ga osusume desu yo.) – I recommend trying the shuumai.
Wrapping Up
With this comprehensive guide, you now have the tools to confidently order dim sum in Japanese. Whether you choose to use the formal phrases like “tenshin” or prefer the more informal terms like “dimusamu,” you’ll be able to express your craving for these delectable Chinese dishes. Remember to practice your pronunciation and enjoy your culinary journey through Japan!
