スナックバー
sunakkubā[sɨ̥na̠k̚kɯ̟ ba̠ː]
The English phrase "snack bar" is translated into Japanese as スナックバー (sunakkubā).
The term refers to a small restaurant that serves light meals.
Meaning: small restaurant serving light meals (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
sunakkubā
When do people say it?
Be aware of the cultural distinction when using shortened forms: if you use the informal term スナック, it often refers to a specific type of small, hostess-style bar rather than a food establishment.
Did you know?
- In a traditional スナック, it is common for patrons to sing karaoke together, and the 'mama-san' may join in to facilitate conversation between strangers.
- Many スナック bars have a 'charge' fee just for entering, which is separate from the cost of drinks and food.
- A Japanese person looking for a quick light meal is much more likely to use the word 軽食 (keishoku) or ファストフード (fasuto fūdo) than to use the loanword スナックバー.
Examples in context
- スナックバーで軽食を食べました。Sunakkubā de keishoku o tabemashita.I ate a light meal at a snack bar.
Example conversation
Misaki and Daito are looking for a place to eat a quick lunch.
- 美咲 Misakiお腹が空いたね。どこかいい店ある？onaka ga suita ne. dokoka ii mise aru?I'm hungry. Is there any good place?
- 大翔 Hirotoあそこにスナックバーがあるよ。asoko ni sunakkubā ga aru yo.There is a snack bar over there.
- 美咲 Misakiいいね。何が食べられるかな？ii ne. nani ga taberareru kana?Sounds good. I wonder what we can eat.
- 大翔 Hiroto軽い食事なら十分だと思うよ。karui shokuji nara jūbun da to omou yo.I think it's enough for a light meal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snack bar” translations and entries スナックバー, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
