How to Say Lunch in Japan: Formal and Informal Ways

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “lunch” in Japan! In this article, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this important mealtime term. Whether you are a traveler looking for dining options or simply curious about Japanese culture and language, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in.

1. Formal Ways to Say Lunch

In formal situations, such as business meetings or when speaking to people you are not familiar with, it is essential to use polite language. Here are some formal expressions for “lunch” in Japan:

1. Chūshoku (昼食): This is the most common and standard word for “lunch.” It specifically refers to the midday meal, typically eaten between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. You should use this term when in formal or professional settings.
2. Gohōchū (御膳): This term carries a more formal tone. Historically, gohōchū referred to a boxed lunch served to high-ranking officials or during special occasions. Nowadays, it is occasionally used in formal contexts.
3. Hiru-gohan (昼御飯): Literally meaning “midday rice,” hiru-gohan is a polite way to refer to lunch, emphasizing the cultural importance of rice in Japanese cuisine.

2. Informal Ways to Say Lunch

In casual or informal situations, such as among friends or relatives, you can use more relaxed language to say “lunch.” Here are some commonly used expressions:

1. Chūshoku: While we mentioned chūshoku earlier as a formal term, it can also be used informally. In everyday conversations, people often drop the honorific prefix “o” and simply say “chūshoku.”
2. Ohiru: This word refers to the time period when lunch is typically eaten, namely around noon. However, it is also commonly used to casually mean “lunch” itself. This is a popular term among friends and peers.
3. Hirugohan: Similar to the formal term, hirugohan can be used more casually too.

3. Tips and Examples

Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “lunch” in Japan, let’s explore some handy tips and examples to further enhance your understanding:

3.1 Tips for Using the Terms:

• Pronunciation: Remember that in Japanese, each syllable holds equal weight, so be sure to pronounce each part of the word clearly.
• Context Matters: Pay attention to the setting and the level of formality or informality required. Adjust your choice of words accordingly.
• Timing: Keep in mind that the word “lunch” may refer to a specific meal period in your culture, but the same may not apply in Japan. Flexibility and adaptation to local customs are key.

3.2 Examples:

Let’s now explore some example sentences to provide context on how to use these phrases:

Formal:

私たちは会議後に御膳をいただきます。 (Watashitachi wa kaigi-go ni gohōchū o itadakimasu.)
(We will have lunch after the meeting.)

Informal:

みんなで昼御飯を食べに行こう！ (Minna de hirugohan o tabe ni ikō!)
(Let’s go out for lunch together!)

Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are numerous ways to use these terms depending on the context and conversation.