Tasting delicious food is always a delightful experience, and expressing your appreciation for it adds to the enjoyment. In Japanese culture, expressing satisfaction and gratitude towards delicious food is not only polite, but it also shows respect to the chef or the person who prepared the meal. In this guide, you will learn how to say “This is delicious” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When dining in a formal setting or when conveying respect, using proper honorific language is essential. Here are some formal ways to express that a dish is delicious in Japanese:
1. おいしいです (Oishii desu) – This is the standard way to say “this is delicious” in Japanese. It is polite, gentle, and suitable for any situation. Remember, when using this expression, it’s important to maintain a respectful tone, especially when addressing someone of higher social status or in a formal setting.
Examples:
– Restaurant Situation: When dining at a formal restaurant, you can say, “この料理はおいしいです” (Kono ryouri wa oishii desu) – “This dish is delicious.”
– Invitation: If you visit someone’s house and are served a delicious meal, you can express your gratitude by saying, “ごちそうさまでした。おいしいです” (Gochisousama deshita. Oishii desu) – “Thank you for the delicious meal.”
Informal Expressions:
In casual and informal settings, such as among friends or family, you can use less formal expressions to convey the deliciousness of a dish. These expressions showcase a sense of familiarity and can be used in everyday conversations.
2. うまい (Umai) – This word is commonly used among friends to express that something tastes good or is delicious. It’s a versatile and widely-used expression in informal situations. However, it is important to avoid using this expression in formal or professional settings as it may be seen as rude.
3. おいしい (Oishii) – Similar to its formal counterpart, this word expresses deliciousness in a more casual way. It is suitable for informal conversations, especially among peers or close acquaintances.
Examples:
– Enjoying a meal with friends: When eating with your friends and enjoying their cooking, you can say, “うまい！” (Umai!) or “おいしい！” (Oishii!) – “Delicious!”
– Tasting a homemade dish: If a family member or friend prepares a meal for you, you can express your appreciation by saying, “おいしいね!” (Oishii ne!) – “It’s delicious!” or “うまいね！” (Umai ne!) – “It tastes great!”
Regional Variations:
Japan is a country with rich cultural diversity, and each region has its own unique expressions. While the standard expressions mentioned above are widely understood throughout Japan, it can be interesting to explore some regional variations.
4. うまえぇ (Umeee) – This expression is specific to the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto. “うまえぇ” (Umeee) is an elongated version of “うまい” (Umai), emphasizing the high deliciousness of the food.
5. うまっちぇ (Umatche) – Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has its own variation of “うまい” (Umai). People from Hokkaido commonly say “うまっちぇ” (Umatche) to express deliciousness. It carries a warm, regional charm that is specific to Hokkaido.
Examples:
– Visiting Osaka: When savoring the local delicacies of Osaka, you can say, “このお好み焼きはうまえぇ！” (Kono okonomiyaki wa umeee!) – “This okonomiyaki is incredibly delicious!”
– Exploring Hokkaido: In Hokkaido, after tasting the renowned seafood, you might exclaim, “この寿司、うまっちぇ！” (Kono sushi, umatche!) – “This sushi is incredibly tasty!”
Now that you have learned various ways to express that something is delicious in Japanese, feel free to use the appropriate expression in different situations. Remember to consider the formality of the setting and adjust your language accordingly.
Enjoy your culinary adventures in Japan and savor every delicious moment! おいしい旅を！(Oishii tabi wo!) – “Bon appétit!”
