Ordering food in Japanese can feel daunting, but it’s easier than you think. FOODS.EDU.VN provides a comprehensive guide to help you confidently navigate dining experiences in Japan. Learn essential phrases and cultural nuances, and discover a delicious culinary journey. Master Japanese food ordering with our expertly crafted guide and unlock a world of culinary experiences, expanding your culinary horizons and knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
1. Entering a Restaurant: Essential Greetings
Upon entering a restaurant, café, or izakaya in Japan, you’ll likely be greeted with “Irasshaimase,” meaning “Welcome.” Following this warm greeting, the staff member will often inquire about the number of people in your party with the phrase: “Nan mei sama desu ka?” which translates to “How many people are there?”
To respond appropriately, understanding the “mei” counter is essential.
1.1. Understanding the “Mei” Counter
In Japanese, counters are used to count different items, including people. The “mei” counter is a polite way to count people. “Nan” means “what” or “how many” when combined with a counter like “mei.”
To respond, you can use the “mei” counter or the less formal “nin” counter. Using “mei” is straightforward. If you’re a group of three, you can say: “San mei desu” (We are three people).
For a solo diner, using “hitori desu” (One person) with the “nin” counter is appropriate.
Avoid using “sama” in your response, as it’s an honorific suffix used for others, not yourself. For the numbers four and seven, use “yon” and “nana” instead of “shi” or “shichi.” This information is supported by research from Waseda University’s Japanese Language and Culture Program, which emphasizes the importance of understanding counters for effective communication.
2. Ordering Food and Drinks: Basic Phrases
Ordering food or drinks in Japanese is simple. Just say the name of the item followed by “kudasai,” meaning “please.”
[Food/drink name] kudasai ([Food/drink name] please).
To order multiple items, use the particle “to” between each item, similar to “and” in English, and end with “kudasai.” For example: “Tonkotsu ramen to bīru kudasai” (A tonkotsu ramen and a beer please).
2.1. Expressing Quantity: “Tsu” and “Ko” Counters
When ordering more than one of an item, use counters to express quantity. The “tsu” and “ko” counters are versatile and applicable in various situations.
2.1.1. The “Ko” Counter: Simplicity and Usage
The “ko” counter is relatively easy to use. Simply say the number followed by “ko.” Here are the numbers one through ten with the “ko” counter:
| Number | Japanese (Ko Counter) |
|---|---|
| 1 | ikko |
| 2 | niko |
| 3 | sanko |
| 4 | yonko |
| 5 | goko |
| 6 | rokko |
| 7 | nanako |
| 8 | hakko |
| 9 | kyūko |
| 10 | jukko |
Pay attention to the numbers one, six, eight, and ten, as they are shortened with a hard double “k” sound.
2.1.2. The “Tsu” Counter: Common but Requires Memorization
The “tsu” counter is more common but requires memorizing different forms for each number:
| Number | Japanese (Tsu Counter) |
|---|---|
| 1 | hitotsu |
| 2 | futatsu |
| 3 | mittsu |
| 4 | yottsu |
| 5 | itsutsu |
| 6 | muttsu |
| 7 | nanatsu |
| 8 | yatsu |
| 9 | kokonotsu |
| 10 | tō |
Learning the “tsu” counter is beneficial due to its frequent use.
2.2. Ordering Multiple Items with Quantity
To order multiple items, including different quantities, use “to” after each counter:
[Food/drink name] + wo + [Number using “ko” or “tsu” counter] + kudasai
For example: “Mizu wo yonko kudasai” or “Mizu wo yottsu kudasai” (Four waters please).
To order multiple items with quantities, combine the items using “to” after each counter:
“Maguro wo mittsu to sāmon wo futatsu kudasai” or “Maguro wo sanko to sāmon wo niko kudasai” (3 tuna and 2 salmon please).
3. Explaining Dietary Requirements: Addressing Allergies and Preferences
Communicating dietary requirements, such as allergies or preferences, is essential. Many restaurants are becoming more accommodating, with allergen sheets and menu sections becoming more common.
If you want to omit a specific ingredient, use the phrase:
[ingredient] nashi de kudasai. (I’d like it without the [ingredient] please.)
3.1. Vegetarian and Vegan Dining
For vegetarians and vegans, these phrases can be helpful:
- Watashi wa bejitarian/began desu. (I’m a vegetarian/vegan.)
- Niku ka sakana ga haitte imasu ka? (Is there meat or fish in this?)
- Niku to sakana wa taberaremasen. (I can’t eat meat or fish.)
3.2. Specifying Allergies
Allergies are taken seriously in Japan, but it’s important to communicate them clearly. You can use allergy cards with universal symbols or these phrases:
Watashi wa [ingredient] no arerugii arimasu. Kono ryouri ni [ingredient] haitemasu ka? (I am allergic to [ingredient]. Does this food have [ingredient] in it?)
Here are some common allergens:
| Allergen | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Shellfish | kai |
| Shrimp | ebi |
| Squid | ika |
| Crab | kani |
| Peanuts | rakkasei |
| Milk | gyunyu |
| Wheat | komugi |
In case of a severe allergic reaction, use these phrases:
- Watashi wa anafirakushii desu. Tasukete kudasai (I am in anaphylactic shock. Please help me.)
- Kyuukyusha wo yonde kudasai (Please call an ambulance.)
3.3. Requesting Halal Food
Halal food options are becoming more available, but it’s still important to inquire:
- Kono tabemono wa hararu desu ka (Is this food halal?)
- Watashi wa buta-niku/osake taberaremasen. Kore wa buta-niku/osake haittemasu ka (I can’t eat pork/alcohol. Does this food have pork/alcohol in it?)
4. Japanese Dining Etiquette: Before and After the Meal
Understanding Japanese dining etiquette enhances your dining experience.
4.1. Before Drinking: “Kanpai!”
When drinking alcohol, wait until everyone has their drink before saying “Kanpai!” This is the Japanese equivalent of “cheers.”
4.2. Before Eating: “Itadakimasu”
Before eating, it’s customary to say “Itadakimasu,” which means “I gratefully receive.” It expresses gratitude for the meal.
5. Asking for and Paying the Bill: Essential Phrases
When you’re ready to pay, ask for the bill with this phrase:
Okaikei wo onegaishimasu (Please bring the bill).
“Kaikei” means “account,” and “onegaishimasu” is a polite way of asking for something.
5.1. Paying the Bill
While card payments are becoming more common, many independent restaurants still prefer cash. You can ask:
Kādo-de īdesu ka (Is card ok?)
If they accept card, they’ll likely respond with “hai, daijōbudesu” (yes, that’s fine).
6. Leaving the Restaurant: Expressing Gratitude
It’s polite to thank the restaurant staff on your way out. You can use one of these phrases:
- Arigatō gozaimashita (Thank you – past tense)
- Gochisōsama deshita (Thank you for the wonderful meal)
“Gochisōsama deshita” can also be used at home to thank the cook for preparing the meal.
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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Ordering Food in Japanese
8.1. What is the most basic phrase for ordering food in Japanese?
The most basic phrase is “[Food/drink name] kudasai,” which means “[Food/drink name] please.”
8.2. How do I say “How many people?” in Japanese?
You say “Nan mei sama desu ka?” This is a polite way to ask how many people are in the party.
8.3. What are the counters used for counting items in Japanese restaurants?
The most common counters are “tsu” and “ko.” “Tsu” is more common but has irregular forms, while “ko” is simpler.
8.4. How do I express dietary restrictions, like being vegetarian, in Japanese?
You can say “Watashi wa bejitarian desu” (I am a vegetarian) or “Watashi wa began desu” (I am a vegan).
8.5. What should I say before eating in Japanese?
Say “Itadakimasu,” which expresses gratitude for the meal.
8.6. How do I ask for the bill in Japanese?
Ask for the bill by saying “Okaikei wo onegaishimasu.”
8.7. How do I say “thank you for the meal” after eating?
Say “Gochisōsama deshita” to thank the cook for the meal.
8.8. How do I ask if they accept credit cards in Japanese?
Ask “Kādo-de īdesu ka” to inquire if they accept credit cards.
8.9. What does “Irasshaimase” mean?
“Irasshaimase” means “Welcome” and is often said by staff when you enter a restaurant.
8.10. What is the meaning of “Kanpai?”
“Kanpai” is the Japanese equivalent of “cheers” and is said before drinking alcohol.
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