Are you interested in learning how to say “picky eater” in Japanese? Whether you want to navigate Japanese cuisine or have a conversation about food preferences, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express this term. Additionally, we will explore some regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Picky Eater” in Japanese
When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to use polite language in Japanese. Here are some formal ways to express “picky eater”:
1. 好みが偏る人 (ごにんみがかたよるひと, Goninmigakatayoru hito)
This phrase can be translated as “a person with biased preferences.” By using this expression, you can convey that someone has specific tastes and preferences when it comes to food. It is considered a formal way to refer to a picky eater in Japanese.
Example:
「彼は料理の好みが偏る人で、食べるものに厳しいです。」
(Kare wa ryōri no goninmi ga katayoru hito de, taberu mono ni kibishii desu.)
“He is a person with biased food preferences and is quite strict about what he eats.”
2. 選り好みする人 (えりごのみするひと, Erigonomi suru hito)
This phrase literally means “a person who is very selective.” It is a polite way to describe someone who has particular preferences when it comes to food. This expression can be used in formal settings to discuss picky eaters.
Example:
「彼女は選り好みする人で、新しい食べ物に挑戦することが苦手です。」
(Kanojo wa erigonomi suru hito de, atarashii tabemono ni chōsen suru koto ga nigate desu.)
“She is someone who is very selective and finds it challenging to try new foods.”
Informal Ways to Say “Picky Eater” in Japanese
In informal settings, you can use more casual expressions to convey the concept of a picky eater. Here are a few examples:
1. 好き嫌いが多い (すききらいがおおい, Sukikirai ga ōi)
This phrase directly translates to “having many likes and dislikes.” It is a straightforward and commonly used way to describe someone who is picky about what they eat in a casual manner.
Example:
「彼は好き嫌いが多くて料理を選ぶのに時間がかかるんだよね。」
(Kare wa sukikirai ga ōkute ryōri o erabu noni jikan ga kakarun da yo ne.)
“He has many likes and dislikes, so it takes time for him to choose his meals, you know.”
2. 食べ物にうるさい (たべものにうるさい, Tabemono ni urusai)
This expression means “picky about food” or “having strong opinions about what one eats.” It is often used to describe individuals who are particular about the foods they consume and can be used among friends or in casual conversations.
Example:
「彼は食べ物にうるさいから、一緒にレストランに行くときにいつも気を使います。」
(Kare wa tabemono ni urusai kara, issho ni resutoran ni iku toki ni itsumo ki o tsukaimasu.)
“He is picky about food, so I always have to be considerate when we go to restaurants together.”
Regional Variations
While the above expressions cover the general ways of saying “picky eater,” there might be certain regional variations within Japan. However, it’s important to note that these regional variations are not commonly used in everyday speech. Nevertheless, let’s explore a couple of examples:
- 関西弁 (かんさいべん, Kansaiben) – In the Kansai region, people may use the term “きまぐれ食い” (きまぐれぐい, Kimaguregui), which loosely translates to “whimsical eater.” It refers to someone who has unpredictable food preferences.
- 九州弁 (きゅうしゅうべん, Kyūshūben) – In Kyushu, some people might use the phrase “がっつり選ぶ人” (がっつりえらぶひと, Gattsuri erabu hito), which means “a person who chooses things firmly.” This term implies being very selective in choosing one’s food.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “picky eater” in Japanese. In formal settings, phrases like “好みが偏る人” (ごにんみがかたよるひと, Goninmigakatayoru hito) and “選り好みする人” (えりごのみするひと, Erigonomi suru hito) can be used. In informal conversations, “好き嫌いが多い” (すききらいがおおい, Sukikirai ga ōi) and “食べ物にうるさい” (たべものにうるさい, Tabemono ni urusai) are commonly employed. Remember that regional variations like “きまぐれ食い” (Kimaguregui) in Kansai or “がっつり選ぶ人” (Gattsuri erabu hito) in Kyushu might also exist but are not widely used. Enjoy exploring the diverse culinary offerings of Japan!
