Gaining familiarity with basic Japanese phrases can greatly enhance your experience when traveling to Japan or interacting with Japanese-speaking individuals. If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine, knowing how to express your food preferences becomes even more important. In this guide, we will provide you with multiple ways to say “I want teriyaki” in Japanese, both formally and informally. We will also offer tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When visiting formal settings or speaking with strangers, it is best to use polite language. Here are a few ways to express your preference for teriyaki in a formal context:
a) “Watashi wa teriyaki ga hoshii desu.”
This sentence translates to “I want teriyaki.” The word “watashi” means “I” and is a gender-neutral pronoun. “Ga” is used to indicate the subject of the sentence, while “hoshii” means “want” or “desire.” Adding “desu” at the end makes the sentence polite. Remember to use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of respect or formality.
Example: A formal conversation in a restaurant.
Customer: すみません、私は照り焼きが欲しいです。 (Sumimasen, watashi wa teriyaki ga hoshii desu.)
Translation: Excuse me, I would like teriyaki, please.Waiter: かしこまりました！すぐにご用意いたします。(Kashikomarimashita! Sugu ni goyoyoi itashimasu.)
Translation: Certainly, we will prepare it right away.
2. Informal Expressions:
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use less formal language. Here are a few ways to express your desire for teriyaki informally:
a) “Teriyaki ga hoshii!”
This phrase simply translates to “I want teriyaki!” Unlike the formal expression, we omit the subject pronoun “watashi” to make it less formal. Remember to use informal expressions only when the situation allows or when talking to individuals of equal or lower status.
Example: A conversation with friends at a local eatery.
Friend 1: 焼き鳥も良さそうだけど、どうかな？ (Yakitori mo yosasou dakedo, dou kana?)
Translation: Yakitori seems great, but what do you think?You: うん、でも私は今日はテリヤキが欲しい！ (Un, demo watashi wa kyou wa teriyaki ga hoshii!)
Translation: Yeah, but I want teriyaki today!Friend 2: それなら、ここがオススメだよ！(Sore nara, koko ga osusume da yo!)
Translation: In that case, I recommend this place!
3. Additional Tips:
Here are a few tips to enhance your ability to effectively communicate your desire for teriyaki:
a) Politeness Matters:
In Japan, politeness is highly valued. Adding polite phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me), “kudasai” (please), or “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) while making your request goes a long way.
b) Non-Verbal Communication:
Accompanying your sentence with appropriate non-verbal communication, such as pointing to the menu, using hand gestures, or nodding, can help convey your desire more effectively.
c) Pronunciation:
Ensure you pronounce the Japanese phrase correctly to be understood clearly. You can either listen carefully to native speakers or use language learning resources to practice pronunciation.
d) Familiarize Yourself with Restaurant Terminology:
Building some basic knowledge of Japanese food terms can be helpful. You can learn terms like “menu” (メニュー – menyuu), “teriyaki” (テリヤキ), or “chicken” (チキン – chikin) to navigate restaurants with ease.
e) Regional Variations:
While the phrase “I want teriyaki” remains largely consistent across Japan, certain regional variations might exist. The same dish may be called “negima-yaki” in Osaka or “yakitori” in Nagoya. However, for teriyaki specifically, the term remains widely understood throughout Japan.
With these tips and phrases in mind, you can confidently order teriyaki in Japanese, whether in a formal or informal setting. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Japan without any language barriers!
