Giving compliments about the food you are enjoying is an essential part of Japanese culture. Expressing your appreciation for the delicious flavors shows respect and gratitude towards the chef and their efforts. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “the food is delicious” in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions. While regional variations exist, we will focus on universally understood phrases. So, get ready to discover how to praise the delightful cuisine you encounter in Japan!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you’re dining in a formal setting or want to show respect, these phrases are perfect for complimenting the food:
“この料理はおいしいです。”
(“Kono ryōri wa oishii desu.”)
In this phrase, “kono” means “this,” “ryōri” means “dish” or “cuisine,” and “oishii” means “delicious.” The “desu” at the end is a polite copula, which is used to form a complete sentence.
Another formal way to express your appreciation is:
“ごちそうさまでした。料理は絶品です。”
(“Gochisōsama deshita. Ryōri wa zeppein desu.”)
Here, “gochisōsama deshita” is used to say “thank you for the meal” or “it was a feast.” “Ryōri wa zeppein desu” means “the food is excellent.”
Informal Expressions
When you are in a casual environment, among friends, or with someone of a younger age, you can use less formal language to compliment the taste of the food:
“この料理はめちゃめちゃおいしい！”
(“Kono ryōri wa mechamecha oishii!”)
The word “mechamecha” is a colloquial expression used here to emphasize “very” delicious. It adds an extra level of enthusiasm to your compliment.
Alternatively, you could say:
“この料理、うまい！”
(“Kono ryōri, umai!”)
“Umai” is a more casual way of saying “delicious” in Japanese. This term is commonly used among friends or in everyday conversations.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your ability to compliment the food in Japanese:
1. Adding “oishii” to specific foods
Instead of using a full sentence to praise the overall taste, you can simply use the word “oishii” before the name of the specific dish you want to compliment. For example:
“お寿司がおいしい！”
(“Osushi ga oishii!”)“カレーライスがおいしい！”
(“Karēraisu ga oishii!”)
2. Non-verbal expressions
In Japanese culture, non-verbal expressions play a significant role in complimenting food. Be sure to use appropriate facial expressions, such as smiling and nodding, to convey your enjoyment. And when your mouth is full due to the deliciousness, a simple “umai!” can be used.
3. Adding “domo” for politeness
In casual settings, you can add the word “domo” to further express your appreciation and politeness:
“ご馳走さまでした、めちゃくちゃおいしかったですね、どうも！”
(“Gochisōsama deshita, mechakucha oishikatta desu ne, domo!”)
“Domo” adds a friendly and courteous tone to your compliment.
4. Practice pronunciation
Pay attention to the pronunciation of the words, especially the elongated vowel sounds. Correct pronunciation enhances your compliment and ensures clarity in expressing your appreciation. Practice saying the words aloud or listen carefully to native speakers.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned different ways to say “the food is delicious” in Japanese, you are well-equipped to express your appreciation for the delightful cuisine you encounter in Japan. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation and the relationship you have with the people around you. Enjoy your culinary adventures in Japan and savor the flavors with warmth and appreciation!
