おまかせ
omakase
The Japanese phrase omakase refers to a meal where the customer leaves the choice of dishes up to the chef.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb makaseru, meaning to entrust or leave something to someone, with the honorific prefix o- attached.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term is polite and suitable for professional dining settings because of the honorific prefix o-. You can use the full phrase おまかせメニューをお願いします for a formal way to request an omakase menu. In more relaxed, informal situations, you can simply say おまかせ without adding ください at the end.
How do you pronounce it?
omakase
Did you know?
- In high-end omakase sushi settings, it is often considered a breach of etiquette to ask for a specific fish, as it undermines the chef's curated selection.
- Although many English speakers associate 'omakase' exclusively with sushi, it is also applied to cocktail bars and traditional tea ceremonies. It can even be used to describe a curated tea course where the guest defers to the practitioner.
- The word omakase is used beyond dining in business or daily life to tell someone 'I trust your judgment' regarding a project or a route.
Examples in context
- 今日のおまかせをお願いします。Kyō no omakase o onegaishimasu.I'll leave it up to the chef today.
- おまかせコースはいくらですか？Omakase kōsu wa ikura desu ka?How much is the omakase course?
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a high-end sushi restaurant.
- 健太 Kenta今日は、おまかせでお願いします。Kyō wa, omakase de onegaishimasu.Today, I'll leave it to the chef.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。私もおまかせにします。Ii desu ne. Watashi mo omakase ni shimasu.That sounds good. I'll go with omakase too.
- 健太 Kenta旬の魚が楽しみです。Shun no sakana ga tanoshimi desu.I'm looking forward to the seasonal fish.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんの言う通り、楽しみですね。Kenta-san no iu tōri, tanoshimi desu ne.Just as you say, Kenta, I'm excited.
