おかわり
okawari
The English phrase "refill" can be translated into Japanese as おかわり (okawari).
おかわり is used when asking for more of a specific food item (like rice) or a drink that is served in bowls or cups.
Meaning: to fill up again (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word おかわり literally refers to a second helping or an additional serving of food or drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use おかわり as a request, you typically add をください to make it おかわりをください, which means "Please give me a refill/second helping".
How do you pronounce it?
okawari
When do people say it?
In informal situations, it is common to hold your glass or cup up and slightly shake it to indicate that you would like a refill.
Did you know?
- When using おかわり for drinks in a group, the social etiquette often dictates that you should not refill your own glass, but rather wait for others to refill it for you.
- In some traditional Japanese homes, it is considered polite for the host to offer おかわり before the guest's bowl is completely empty.
- If you want a refill of a drink that comes in a bottle, such as beer, you would generally not use おかわり but instead order another bottle.
Examples in context
- 飲み物のおかわりをお願いします (nomimono no okawari o onegaishimasu)Can I have a refill of my drink, please?
- お水のおかわりをください。Omizu no okawari o kudasai.A refill of water, please.
- ご飯のおかわりはありますか？Gohan no okawari wa arimasu ka?Is there a refill for the rice?
Example conversation
At a casual Japanese restaurant.
- 結衣 Yuiすみません、ご飯のおかわりをお願いします。Sumimasen, gohan no okawari o onegai shimasu.Excuse me, a refill of rice please.
- 健太 Kentaはい、喜んで！Hai, yorokonde!Yes, with pleasure!
- 結衣 Yui健太君も、お茶のおかわりはいかがですか？Kenta-kun mo, ocha no okawari wa ikaga desu ka?Kenta, would you like a refill of tea too?
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。いただきます。Arigatou gozaimasu. Itadakimasu.Thank you. I'll have some.
