食事
shokuji[ɕo̞kɯ̟ʑi]
In Japanese, the English phrase "eating" is translated as 食事 (shokuji).
食事 is a noun that refers to the act of consuming food or a meal itself. It is often used in more formal or polite contexts, such as describing the act of dining or having a meal.
Meaning: the act of consuming food (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 食 (eat) and 事 (matter, thing or act).
Which one should you use?
While 食事 refers to the formal act or the meal itself, the verb 食べる is used more commonly to describe the physical action of eating.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the suffix 中 to the noun 食事, you create the term 食事中, which describes a state of being currently in the middle of a meal or eating.
How do you pronounce it?
shokuji
Did you know?
- If you are in a formal setting, you would use the honorific verb 召し上がる (meshiagaru) instead of the standard 食べる (taberu) to describe a superior's act of eating.
- In Japan, you might see a sign saying 食事中 (eating) on a door to indicate a restaurant is closed for a break. In this context, it means the staff is currently having their meal, not necessarily that the customers are.
- While 食事 refers to the meal, a common way to show gratitude before eating is the phrase いただきます (I humbly receive). It is a ritualistic way of acknowledging the food and the effort taken to prepare it.
Examples in context
- 彼は食事中だ。He is eating.This sentence demonstrates the use of 食事 to indicate someone is currently eating.Tatoeba #103904 by bunbuku, translation #299788 by CK
- 彼は今食事中です。He's eating lunch now.This sentence shows how to specify that someone is eating lunch using 食事.Tatoeba #107127 by bunbuku, translation #1268815 by jared1981
- トムは食事中ですか？Is Tom eating?This sentence uses 食事 to ask if someone is in the middle of a meal.Tatoeba #8694879 by bunbuku, translation #2244598 by CK
- 彼は毎日、健康的な食事をする。He has a healthy meal every day.
- お昼ごはんはもう召し上がりましたか？Have you already had your lunch?
- 何を食べますか？What are you going to eat?
- もう何か食ってるの？Are you already eating something?
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple discusses their dinner plans at home.
- 美咲 Misakiそろそろ食事にしますか？Sorosoro shokuji ni shimasu ka?Shall we have a meal soon?
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、お腹が空きました。Hai, onaka ga sukimashita.Yes, I am hungry.
- 美咲 Misaki今日は何を食べる？Kyou wa nani o taberu?What shall we eat today?
- 大翔 Hirotoパスタにしましょう。Pasuta ni shimashou.Let's have pasta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 食事, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
