点心
tenshin
The English phrase "dim sum" is translated into Japanese as 点心 (tenshin).
点心 refers to dim sum. For example, the specific item nikuman refers to a steamed pork bun.
Meaning: dim sum (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
tenshin
Did you know?
- The kanji for 点心 literally mean 'touching the heart', referring to a light meal that satisfies the appetite without filling the stomach completely.
- Unlike the tradition in Hong Kong where dishes are shared from a cart, in Japan, most dim sum items are ordered individually from a menu in a more modern-Western service style.
- Japanese 点心 menus often feature 'fusion' items like mayonnaise-filled dumplings or corn-based fillings that are rarely found in traditional Cantonese dim sum.
Examples in context
- 申し訳ありません、ディムサムはありますか？Excuse me, do you have dim sum?
- はい、点心がございます。Yes, we have dim sum.
- おいしい中華点心を探しています。I'm looking for delicious Chinese dim sum.
- シューマイがおすすめですよ。I recommend trying the shuumai.
- 点心を注文しましょう。tenshin o chuumon shimashou.Let's order some dim sum.
- この店は点心が美味しいです。kono mise wa tenshin ga oishii desu.The dim sum at this shop is delicious.
- 朝食に点心を食べました。choushoku ni tenshin o tabemashita.I ate dim sum for breakfast.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さん、お昼に点心はどうですか。Yota-san, ohiru ni tenshin wa dou desu ka.Yota, how about dim sum for lunch?
- 陽太 Yotaいいですね。行きましょう。Ii desu ne. Ikimashou.That sounds good. Let's go.
- 陽葵 Himari近くに有名な店がありますよ。Chikaku ni yuumei na mise ga arimasu yo.There is a famous shop nearby.
- 陽太 Yota楽しみです！Tanoshimi desu!I'm looking forward to it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dim sum” translations and entries 点心, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
