Welcome to our guide on how to express the phrase “looks delicious” in Japanese. Food plays a significant role in Japanese culture, and appreciating the appearance of a dish is just as important as enjoying its taste. In this guide, we’ll provide you with both formal and informal ways to convey this sentiment, as well as some additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dig in!
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases
When you want to express that something “looks delicious” politely or in a formal setting, you can use these phrases:
1. 美味しそう (Oishisou)
This phrase is widely used and conveys the meaning of “looks delicious” in a neutral manner. Oishisou is a versatile term suitable for most situations, and it is commonly used across Japan. Remember to pronounce each syllable distinctly: oi-shi-sou.
Example:
あのケーキはとても美味しそうですね。
(Ano keeki wa totemo oishisou desu ne.)
That cake looks delicious.
2. おいしそうですね (Oishisou desu ne)
This phrase adds a polite element to the previous one. By using the honorific prefix “o” and including “desu” (the polite copula), you show respect when referring to the appealing appearance of the food to someone you are not familiar with.
Example:
お昼のメニューを見ていますが、おいしそうですね。
(Ohiru no menyu wo mite imasu ga, oishisou desu ne.)
I’m looking at the lunch menu, and it looks delicious.
3. ごちそうさまそうです (Gochisousama sou desu)
While this phrase translates to “looks like a feast,” it can also be used to express that something looks incredibly appetizing. It is commonly said to express gratitude before eating a meal; however, it can also be used to appreciate the visual appeal of dishes.
Example:
このお寿司はごちそうさまそうです。
(Konoosushi wa gochisousama sou desu.)
This sushi looks incredible.
Informal Phrases
On more casual occasions or with close friends, you can use the following phrases to say “looks delicious” in a less formal way:
1. おいしそう (Oishisou)
You can drop the “desu ne” from the formal expression to make it sound less polite and more casual. This is a common way of expressing excitement over the appearance of a dish among friends or family.
Example:
これはおいしそうなピザだね！
(Kore wa oishisou na piza da ne!)
This pizza looks so delicious!
2. ヤバい (Yabai)
Though it has a slang feel to it, “Yabai” is often used among Japanese youth to express an extreme level of deliciousness. It has become more mainstream and is now widely understood, even if it’s not commonly used in formal situations.
Example:
このラーメン、ヤバいくらい美味しそう！
(Kono ramen, yabai kurai oishisou!)
This ramen looks incredibly delicious!
Tips to Enhance Expression
1. Add Intensifiers
You can enhance your phrase by adding intensifiers like “totemo” (very), “subarashii” (wonderful), or “sugoi” (amazing) before the term for “looks delicious.” This adds color to your expression:
- これ、とても美味しそう！(Kore, totemo oishisou!) – This looks very delicious!
- あのケーキ、すごく美味しそう！(Ano keeki, sugoku oishisou!) – That cake looks amazingly delicious!
2. Use Descriptive Words
Utilize appropriate descriptive words to convey specific aspects of the food:
- このステーキ、ジューシーで美味しそう！(Kono suteeki, juushii de oishisou!) – This steak looks juicy and delicious!
- あのクッキー、香りが良くて美味しそう！(Ano kukkii, kaori ga yokute oishisou!) – Those cookies look delicious with a great aroma!
Conclusion
In Japanese culture, appreciating the visual aspect of food is a crucial part of the dining experience. Now you have learned several ways to express “looks delicious” in both formal and informal situations. Remember to adapt your level of formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. By utilizing phrases like 美味しそう (oishisou) or adding intensifiers and descriptive words, you can thoroughly express your admiration for the appearance of delicious dishes. Enjoy exploring the wonderful world of Japanese cuisine!
