Learning how to say “leftovers” in Japanese can be quite handy, especially when you want to talk about food or ask for a doggy bag at a restaurant. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of expressing this concept in Japanese. We’ll also touch upon any regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Expressions for Leftovers
When it comes to formal situations or polite conversations, there are a few phrases you can use to refer to leftovers:
1. 残り物 (Nokorimono)
The most common and widely understood term for leftovers is “残り物” (Nokorimono). You can use this phrase in various settings, such as at home or in a restaurant. It denotes the remaining food that you couldn’t finish during a meal.
Example: 昨日の夜の残り物は冷蔵庫に入れました。(Kinou no yoru no nokorimono wa reizouko ni iremashita.)
(I put last night’s leftovers in the refrigerator.)
2. 食べ残し (Tabenokori)
Another way to describe leftovers, specifically in terms of unfinished food, is “食べ残し” (Tabenokori). This expression is often used in restaurants when you want to take your unfinished meal home.
Example: この料理、食べきれなかったので、食べ残しをお願いします。(Kono ryouri, tabe kirenakatta node, tabenokori o onegaishimasu.)
(I couldn’t finish this dish, so may I have the leftovers, please?)
Informal Ways to Refer to Leftovers
In casual conversations or when talking with close friends, you can use less formal phrases to express the idea of leftovers:
1. のこし (Nokoshi)
The word “のこし” (Nokoshi) is a colloquial term for leftovers. It’s simple and commonly used in everyday situations.
Example: 昼ごはんののこし、冷蔵庫に入れっぱなしにしちゃった。(Hirugohan no nokoshi, reizouko ni ireppanashi ni shichatta.)
(I left the leftovers from lunch in the refrigerator without putting them away.)
2. 残り (Nokori)
“残り” (Nokori) is a more casual way of referring to leftovers, often used in informal conversations between friends or family members. It is a shorter form of “残り物” (Nokorimono).
Example: ピザの残り、夕飯に食べよう。(Piza no nokori, yuuhan ni tabeyou.)
(Let’s eat the pizza leftovers for dinner.)
Regional Variations
Although the terms mentioned above should be understood throughout Japan, there might be some regional variations in certain areas:
1. Kansai Dialect
In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, the word “あと物” (Atomono) is commonly used instead of “残り物” (Nokorimono). The pronunciation and meaning are the same, so it’s just a regional difference.
2. Kyushu Dialect
In some parts of Kyushu, a dialect spoken in southwestern Japan, you may come across the term “のこのこ” (Nokonoko) to refer to leftovers. However, note that this expression might not be widely recognized outside the region.
Tips for Using Leftovers in Japanese
Here are a few additional tips to help you better understand and use the concept of leftovers in Japanese:
- Storage: After saying the phrase for leftovers, it’s common to mention where you put them, such as saying “冷蔵庫に入れる” (reizouko ni ireru) meaning “put in the refrigerator.”
- Packaging: In a restaurant, if you want to take the leftovers home, you can say “残り物を持ち帰りたい” (Nokorimono o mochikaeri tai) which means “I want to take the leftovers home.”
- Reheating: If you plan to reheat your leftovers, you can mention it by saying “残り物を温める” (Nokorimono o atatameru) which means “reheat the leftovers.”
Now that you have a good understanding of how to say leftovers in Japanese, you can confidently talk about your uneaten meals or ask for takeout at restaurants. Remember to use the appropriate expression according to the formality of the situation. Enjoy your Japanese language journey, and happy conversing!
