ビール一杯
bīru ippai
To say "one beer" in Japanese, use ビール一杯 (bīru ippai).
The phrase ビール一杯 refers to a single serving of beer, typically in a glass or bottle.
What does it mean word for word?
The counter 一杯 (ippai) literally means 'one cup' or 'one glass'.
How do you pronounce it?
bīru ippai
Did you know?
- When ordering 'one beer', you might see the phrase written as 生ビール ('nama bīru'). The 生 ('nama') means 'raw' or 'fresh', which is the standard way to specify a draft beer over a bottle.
- In Japanese izakayas, it is common to order とりあえずビール ('toriaezu bīru'), which means 'beer for now'. This is a social convention where the whole group starts with beer before deciding on other drinks.
- In Japan, it is polite to pour beer for others rather than yourself. If you order ビール一杯 for a companion, you should hold the glass with both hands while pouring.
Examples in context
- ビール一杯ください。biiru ippai kudasai.One beer, please.
- ビール一杯だけ飲みます。biiru ippai dake nomimasu.I will only drink one beer.
- ビール一杯の値段はいくらですか？biiru ippai no nedan wa ikura desu ka?How much is one beer?
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are at an izakaya.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、何を飲みますか？Ren-kun, nani o nomimasu ka?Ren, what would you like to drink?
- 蓮 Ren僕はビール一杯でいいよ。Boku wa bīru ippai de ii yo.One beer is fine for me.
- 結衣 Yuiわかりました。注文しますね。Wakarimashita. Chūmon shimasu ne.Got it. I'll order them.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、結衣。Arigatō, Yui.Thanks, Yui.
