When it comes to expressing your love for food in Japanese, knowing how to convey that something sounds delicious can be quite handy. Whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, understanding the various ways to express this sentiment will surely impress your Japanese friends or colleagues. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to say “sounds delicious” in Japanese, while providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you find yourself in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a restaurant with esteemed guests, it’s important to use more polite language. Here are a few formal phrases to express how delicious something sounds:
- おいしそうです (oishisou desu) – This is the most common and standard way to say “sounds delicious” in formal Japanese. The phrase consists of the adjective “oishii” (delicious) followed by the suffix “sou” (seems like) and the polite copula “desu” (is).
- ごちそうそうです (gochisousou desu) – This phrase is used to express not only that something sounds delicious, but also that it seems like a grand feast or a special treat. It combines the respectful honorific “go” with the word “gochisou” (luxurious feast) and the polite copula “sou” and “desu”.
- めっちゃ美味しそうです (meccha oishisou desu) – This colloquial expression adds emphasis by using the word “meccha” (very) before “oishisou desu.” It conveys a sense of excitement and eagerness, making it a great choice for conveying your enthusiasm in a polite manner.
Informal Expressions
When talking with friends and family or in casual situations, you can use more informal language to express how delicious something sounds. Here are some examples:
- おいしそう (oishisou) – Dropping the “desu” at the end of the formal expression makes it informal. This shorter form is widely used among friends and acquaintances.
- めっちゃおいしそう (meccha oishisou) – Similar to the formal version, this colloquial expression adds emphasis by using the word “meccha” (very) before “oishisou.” It conveys a more relaxed and enthusiastic tone.
- ヤバイ (yabai) – This slang expression has gained popularity among the younger generation. While it’s not a direct translation of “sounds delicious,” it conveys a similar sense of excitement and can be used to express that something looks irresistibly tasty.
Tips for Usage
Now that you know different ways to express how delicious something sounds in Japanese, here are a few tips to help you use these phrases effectively:
1. Context Matters: Consider the setting and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing between formal and informal expressions.
2. Tone and Emphasis: Adding words like “meccha” or “yabai” can help convey enthusiasm or excitement about the deliciousness of the food.
3. Non-Verbal Communication: Coupling these phrases with gestures like rubbing your stomach or using exaggerated facial expressions can enhance your message.
4. Regional Variations: While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, there might be slight regional variations in local dialects or expressions, so keep that in mind when traveling or engaging with different communities.
Examples
Let’s see these phrases in action with some examples:
Formal: デザートがおいしそうです。
Dessert ga oishisou desu.
(The dessert looks delicious.)
Informal: これ食べたらめっちゃおいしそう！
Kore tabetara meccha oishisou!
(This looks so delicious when you eat it!)
Informal & Slang: やばい！食べたい！
Yabai! Tabetai!
(This looks amazing! I want to eat it!)
Remember to adapt your expressions based on the food you are referring to and the situation you are in. Whether you choose formal or informal language, expressing how delicious something sounds in Japanese is a surefire way to connect with others and show your appreciation for their cuisine.
