ビールを1杯ください
bīru o ippai kudasai
To say "one beer, please" in Japanese, you use ビールを1杯ください (bīru o ippai kudasai).
This phrase is a polite request used to order a single serving of beer at a restaurant or bar. The term ippai specifies the quantity as one glass or one cup.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: を is a particle that marks the beer as the direct object of your request, 1杯 (ippai) means one cup or one glass and ください is the polite imperative form meaning "please give me".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal tone, you can say ビールを一杯お願いします. If you are in a more casual setting, you might say ビール1つください, which uses hitotsu (one thing) instead of the specific counter for glasses.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ビールを1杯ください, the particle を marks ビール as the direct object. The verb ください functions as a polite way to make a request.
How do you pronounce it?
bīru o ippai kudasai
Did you know?
- If you want a draft beer specifically, you should add 生 (nama), meaning 'raw', to your request to ask for 生ビール (nama bīru).
- In Japan, it is common for the server to bring a small, complimentary appetizer called otoshi when you order your first drink, which acts as a seating charge.
- In many Japanese izakayas, it is customary to order toriaezu nama which means 'first, a draft beer' for everyone at the table regardless of their actual preference.
Examples in context
- ビールを1杯ください。biiru o ippai kudasai.One beer, please.
- すみません、ビールを1杯ください。sumimasen, biiru o ippai kudasai.Excuse me, one beer, please.
- まずはビールを1杯ください。mazu wa biiru o ippai kudasai.First, one beer, please.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a casual izakaya.
- 健太 Kenta店員さん、ビールを1杯ください。Ten'in-san, bīru o ippai kudasai.Waiter, one beer, please.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、少々お待ちください。Hai, shōshō omachi kudasai.Yes, please wait a moment.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵も何か飲みますか？Himari mo nanika nomimasu ka?Himari, do you want something to drink too?
- 陽葵 Himari私はお茶にします。Watashi wa ocha ni shimasu.I will have tea.
