Hello there! If you’ve just had a delicious meal in Japan and want to express your appreciation, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “it was tasty” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. So let’s dive in and learn some flavorful phrases!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you’re looking to impress someone with your polite Japanese, these formal expressions will do the trick:
1. おいしかったです (Oishikatta desu)
This is the most standard and widely used phrase to express that something was tasty in a formal manner. You can use this phrase in various situations like dining at a nice restaurant or enjoying homemade food at someone’s place.
Example: お昼ごはん、とてもおいしかったです！(Ohiru gohan, totemo oishikatta desu!) – Lunch was very tasty!
2. 美味しいと思いました (Oishii to omoimashita)
If you want to add a touch of thoughtfulness to your compliment, you can use this expression. It indicates that you genuinely thought the food was delicious. It is perfect for formal settings where you want to show extra gratitude.
Example: ごちそう様でした。本当に美味しいと思いました。(Gochisousama deshita. Hontou ni oishii to omoimashita.) – Thank you for the meal. I truly thought it was delicious.
3. 非常に味わい深い (Hijou ni ajiwai fukai)
If you wish to elevate your compliment to an even higher level, this phrase will help you achieve that. It conveys that the food had deep and rich flavors. You can use it judiciously in formal gatherings where a more poetic expression is appropriate.
Example: このデザートは非常に味わい深いです。(Kono dezāto wa hijou ni ajiwai fukai desu.) – This dessert is incredibly flavorful.
Informal Expressions
When speaking with friends or family, you can use these casual expressions to share your gustatory delight:
1. おいしかった (Oishikatta)
This is the informal version of the standard formal phrase and can be used to express your feelings about delicious food with friends or peers in a casual setting.
Example: 昨日の寿司、めちゃくちゃおいしかった！(Kinou no sushi, mechakucha oishikatta!) – The sushi from yesterday was incredibly tasty!
2. マジでおいしい (Maji de oishii)
A more youthful and energetic way to say “it was tasty” is by using this expression. It adds emphasis and excitement to your statement, making it perfect for casual conversations with friends or siblings.
Example: あのカレーライス、マジでおいしい！(Ano karē raisu, maji de oishii!) – That curry rice was seriously delicious!
Tips for Expressing Deliciousness
Here are some additional tips to help you convey how tasty the food was:
1. Use Adverbs:
Add intensity to your compliment by using adverbs like “totemo” (very), “hontou ni” (truly), or “meccha” (incredibly) before the main expressions. For instance, “totemo oishikatta” means “it was very tasty,” and “hontou ni oishii” means “it was truly delicious.”
2. Blend with Gestures:
In Japanese culture, gestures can often accompany expressions. A great way to enhance your admiration for the food is by using your chopsticks to point at the dish while smiling. Such non-verbal cues can leave a lasting impression.
3. Compliment the Chef:
If appropriate, extend your compliments to the chef by saying “Shokunin no aji” (The taste of a skilled craftsman) or “Itamae no aji” (The taste of the sushi chef). This shows your appreciation for their culinary expertise.
Summing It Up
Now you have a repertoire of phrases to express how tasty something was in Japanese. Remember, “おいしかったです” (Oishikatta desu) is the most common and versatile phrase for formal situations, while “おいしかった” (Oishikatta) is suitable for informal settings. Don’t shy away from adding adverbs or incorporating gestures to make your compliments even more heartfelt. Enjoy exploring the diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine and have many delightful conversations about delicious food!
