Guide: How to Say “That Was Delicious” in Japanese

Learning how to express appreciation for a delightful meal is a wonderful way to show respect and gratitude in Japanese culture. Saying “That was delicious” in Japanese varies depending on the context, formality, and regional differences. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express your enjoyment of a meal using formal and informal expressions while also providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “That Was Delicious”

When you want to express your appreciation for a delicious meal in a formal or polite setting, these phrases will come in handy:

1. Oishikatta desu (おいしかったです): Literally translating to “It was delicious,” this is a versatile and commonly used phrase to express your satisfaction with a meal.
2. Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした): This expression conveys gratitude for the entire dining experience and translates roughly to “Thank you for the feast.” It is a formal way to show appreciation and respect towards the chef or host.
3. Oishii gohan deshita (おいしいご飯でした): This phrase specifically refers to a delicious rice meal (gohan) and is a polite way to compliment the quality of the rice prepared.

Informal Ways to Say “That Was Delicious”

In casual or informal situations, you might want to use these expressions to say “That was delicious” in Japanese:

1. Oishikatta (おいしかった): This is the casual form of “oishikatta desu.” It is a simple and widely used phrase among friends and family members to express enjoyment of a meal.
2. Umee (うめえ): This informal expression is often used among peers and implies a stronger emphasis on how delicious the food was. It exudes a sense of excitement and can be seen as a more energetic way to compliment a tasty meal.
3. Gochisousama (ごちそうさま): Similar to the formal version, this shorter form is commonly used among close friends and family members. It shows gratitude and acknowledges the effort put into the meal.

Regional Variations

While the previously mentioned phrases are widely understood throughout Japan, each region has its own unique expressions or variations to indicate enjoyment of a meal. Here are a few examples:

Kansai Region (including Osaka and Kyoto)

Umee kini (うめえきに):

This phrase is frequently used in the Kansai region and carries the same meaning as the informal “umee.” It showcases the distinct dialect spoken in this area and adds a touch of local flavor to the conversation.

Hiroshima Region

Mesen (めっせん):

In Hiroshima, “mesen” is a popular word used to indicate how delicious something is. If you find yourself in this region, give it a try and impress the locals with your knowledge of their unique expression!

Tips for Expressing Appreciation for a Delicious Meal

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when expressing your enjoyment of a meal in Japanese:

1. Show sincerity: Ensure your tone and body language match your words to convey genuine appreciation.
2. Use appropriate honorifics: When talking to someone older or in a higher position, it’s important to include respectful language and honorifics in your expressions.
3. Try regional specialties: When traveling to different parts of Japan, be open to trying local dishes and learning the corresponding phrases specific to those regional delicacies.
4. Observe table etiquette: Familiarize yourself with Japanese dining customs, such as not sticking chopsticks upright in rice or saying “itadakimasu” before starting a meal, to show respect for the food and those who prepared it.

Now that you have learned various formal and informal ways to say “That was delicious” in Japanese, along with some regional variations and essential tips, you can confidently express your appreciation for a delightful meal while immersing yourself in the rich culture of Japan.