大食漢
taishokukan
The Japanese word for "eater" is 大食漢 (taishokukan).
Meaning: one who eats (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of three parts: 大 (big), 食 (eat) and 漢 (man/fellow), literally meaning "big eater man".
How do you pronounce it?
taishokukan
When do people say it?
When finishing a meal, it is common to express gratitude and acknowledge the effort put into the food preparation by saying Gochisousama deshita.
Did you know?
- Japan has a professional subculture of 大食い (oo-gui) competitive eaters who appear on variety shows to eat enormous portions of food for entertainment.
- In Japanese culture, being a 大食漢 is often framed as a positive trait of health and vitality rather than just a lack of self-control.
- The character 漢 in 大食漢 usually refers to a Chinese man or a person of Chinese descent, but in this specific context, it is used as a suffix to describe a person with a certain intense quality or habit.
Examples in context
- 彼は本当の大食漢だ。Kare wa hontō no daikokkan da.He is a real big eater.
- 弟は大食漢で、いつもたくさん食べる。Otōto wa daikokkan de, itsumo takusan taberu.My younger brother is a big eater and always eats a lot.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are at a buffet restaurant.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くんは、本当に大食漢だね。Kenta-kun wa, hontō ni daikokkan da ne.Kenta, you are a real big eater, aren't you?
- 健太 Kenta美味しいものは、いくらでも食べられるよ。Oishii mono wa, ikura demo taberareru yo.I can eat as much as I want if it's delicious.
- 美咲 Misakiすごい胃袋を持っているんだね。Sugoi ibukuro o motte iru n da ne.You have an amazing stomach.
- 健太 Kenta美咲も、もっと食べていいよ。Misaki mo, motto tabete ii yo.Misaki, you should eat more too.
