Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exquisite flavors and presentation. It’s no wonder that you’d want to express your appreciation for the delicious food you encounter while visiting or living in Japan. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “this food is good” in both formal and informal situations. Whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or enjoying street food, these phrases will help you convey your satisfaction and appreciation.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you’re in a formal setting, such as a fancy restaurant or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position, you’ll want to use more polite language. Here are some ways to express your approval of the food formally:
1. おいしいです (Oishii desu)
This is the most common phrase used to say “it’s delicious” in a formal context. “Oishii” on its own means “delicious,” and when you add “desu,” it becomes more polite and respectful. You can use this phrase to express your satisfaction with any type of food.
Example: この寿司はとてもおいしいです。(Kono sushi wa totemo oishii desu.)
Translation: This sushi is very delicious.
2. 美味しいですね (Oishii desu ne)
This phrase has a similar meaning to the first one but adds the particle “ne” at the end. It creates a softer tone and also invites agreement from the listener. It’s a great way to engage in a conversation about food and generate a positive atmosphere.
Example: このラーメンはとても美味しいですね。(Kono ramen wa totemo oishii desu ne.)
Translation: This ramen is very delicious, don’t you think?
Informal Expressions
When talking to friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use less formal language to express your enjoyment of the food. Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. おいしい (Oishii)
In informal contexts, dropping the “desu” from the formal expression becomes more common. Simply saying “oishii” conveys the same meaning of “it’s delicious” but in a less formal manner.
Example: このケーキはめちゃくちゃおいしい！(Kono keeki wa mechakucha oishii!)
Translation: This cake is incredibly delicious!
2. うまい！(Umai!)
This phrase holds a similar meaning to “oishii” but is even more informal and is frequently used in casual conversations. It’s a versatile expression suitable for various food types.
Example: この焼肉、めっちゃうまいよ！(Kono yakiniku, meccha umai yo!)
Translation: This grilled meat is extremely tasty!
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when expressing appreciation for food in Japanese:
- Smile and show enthusiasm: A warm smile and showing genuine enthusiasm while complimenting the food will enhance your expression.
- Use hand gestures: To emphasize your delight, you can use hand gestures like raising your thumb or giving a thumbs up.
- Add specific adjectives: Besides saying “oishii” or “umai,” you can further enhance your praises by using specific adjectives like “totemo” (very), “subarashii” (wonderful), or “nikuraka” (juicy).
- Combine phrases with “arigatou gozaimasu”: To express additional gratitude, you can say “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) after complimenting the food.
- Ask for recommendations: Showing interest by asking for recommendations or using phrases like “osusume wa nan desu ka?” (What do you recommend?) can also show your appreciation.
Remember that the key is to enjoy the food and share positive energy. Japanese people truly appreciate when visitors or foreigners show their admiration for their culinary culture.
Now armed with various ways to say “this food is good” in Japanese, go ahead and explore the rich and diverse flavors of Japan while enjoying warm conversations with locals!
