What does it mean word for word?
The word これ (kore) literally means "this" when referring to an object near the speaker.
Which one should you use?
While これは美味しいです is a standard way to express this, you may encounter うまい, which is a more masculine and colloquial alternative used when expressing enthusiastic enjoyment of food.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be polite and suitable for use with strangers or superiors, use これは美味しいです or the polite form おいしいです. For casual conversation with friends, you can make the phrase more informal and natural by dropping the particle は and the verb です, resulting in これ、美味しい！ The word うまい is also an informal option used among friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 美味しい (oishii) is an i-adjective, which means it can be used to end a sentence or be used directly to modify nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
kore wa oishii desu
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term 旨味 (umami) to describe a fifth basic taste, which is the essence of 'deliciousness' found in savory foods like seaweed and mushrooms.
- Using the word 美味しい (oishii) to describe a person's appearance is generally avoided as it can sound overly sexual or predatory.
- The word うまい (umai) can also mean 'skillful' or 'good at something'. While it is a common way to say food is tasty, it can also be used to compliment a person's talent or proficiency.
Examples in context
- この料理はおいしいですThis dish is delicious.
- うまい！Delicious!
- おいしいね!It's delicious!
- このお好み焼きはうまえぇ！This okonomiyaki is incredibly delicious!
- これは美味しいです。Kore wa oishii desu.This is delicious.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are eating lunch at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さん、このケーキはどうですか？Yui-san, kono keeki wa dou desu ka?Yui, how is this cake?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、これは美味しいです！Hai, kore wa oishii desu!Yes, this is delicious!
- 陽太 Yotaそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.I'm glad to hear that.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんも食べてみてください。Youta-san mo tabete mite kudasai.Please try some too, Youta.
