Are you curious about how to say “grilled” in Japanese? Grilled food is a delicious and popular cuisine around the world, and Japan has its fair share of mouthwatering grilled dishes. Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or want to order grilled dishes at a Japanese restaurant, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “grilled” in Japanese, along with useful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say Grilled in Japanese
If you are in a formal setting or speaking to someone of higher authority, you may want to use formal language to show respect. The formal way to say “grilled” in Japanese is:
焼き (yaki)
When using this term, it’s essential to note that it is typically used as a prefix to indicate the method of cooking. For example:
- 焼き肉 (yakiniku) – Grilled meat
- 焼き魚 (yakizakana) – Grilled fish
- 焼きそば (yakisoba) – Grilled noodles
- 焼き鳥 (yakitori) – Grilled chicken skewers
- 焼き野菜 (yakiyasai) – Grilled vegetables
These are just a few examples of popular dishes, but you can use the prefix “焼き (yaki)” with various ingredients to express the concept of grilling in a formal manner.
Informal Ways to Say Grilled in Japanese
In more casual situations, such as when speaking with friends or family, you can use informal language to describe grilled food. Here are some informal ways to say “grilled” in Japanese:
- 焼きたて (yakitate) – Freshly grilled
- ジューシーな (juushii na) – Juicy (used for grilled meats)
- こんがり (kongari) – Browned, well-grilled
- グリルされた (guriru sareta) – Grilled
These phrases can add a touch of informality and convey your enthusiasm for grilled dishes when conversing with friends or peers.
Tips for Ordering Grilled Food in Japanese
When ordering grilled dishes at a Japanese restaurant, there are a few useful phrases and tips to enhance your dining experience:
1. Use the suffix “-焼き (-yaki)”
Many grilled dishes in Japanese cuisine are suffixed with “-焼き (-yaki).” For instance, 焼き魚 (yakizakana) means “grilled fish.” This suffix is widely used and easily understood by restaurant staff.
2. Specify the ingredients
If there’s a specific ingredient you want grilled, it’s helpful to mention it. For instance, you can say “焼き鳥 (yakitori)をください” to order grilled chicken skewers or “焼き野菜 (yakiyasai)をお願いします” to request grilled vegetables. Being clear about your preferences enables the staff to assist you better.
3. Include your desired level of doneness
If you have a preference for how well-done you want your grilled dish, you can use the following phrases:
- 生焼け (namayake) – Rare
- やや生 (yaya nama) – Medium-rare
- やや焼き (yaya yaki) – Medium
- よく焼き (yoku yaki) – Well-done
By mentioning your preferred doneness, you can ensure your grilled dish is cooked to your liking.
Examples of Ordering Grilled Food in Japanese
Now let’s see some examples of ordering grilled food using the phrases we’ve learned:
Example 1:
Customer: 焼き魚 (yakizakana)をお願いします。
Waiter: かしこまりました。焼き魚ですね。
Translation:
Customer: Can I have grilled fish, please?
Waiter: Certainly. Grilled fish coming right up.
Example 2:
Customer: 焼き鳥 (yakitori)を生焼けでお願いします。
Waiter: 了解しました。生焼けの焼き鳥ですね。
Translation:
Customer: I’d like rare grilled chicken skewers, please.
Waiter: Understood. Rare grilled chicken skewers it is.
Feel free to modify these examples according to your preferences and specific dishes you want to order.
With these formal and informal ways to say “grilled” in Japanese, along with useful tips and examples for ordering grilled food, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the delicious world of Japanese cuisine.
