how to say yummy in japanese

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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17-01-2025

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The Japanese language, rich in nuance and expression, offers several ways to convey the delightful sensation of tasting something yummy. This isn't just a simple translation; it depends on the context and the level of enthusiasm you want to express. Let's explore the best options for saying "yummy" in Japanese, from casual to more formal settings.

Common Ways to Say "Yummy" in Japanese

The most straightforward way to express "yummy" in Japanese is using the word 美味しい (oishii). This is a versatile and widely understood term, suitable for most situations.

• 美味しい (oishii): This is the standard and most common way to say "delicious" or "yummy" in Japanese. It's appropriate for almost any situation and is generally understood by all Japanese speakers.

• 美味しい〜 (oishii~): Adding a tilde (~) at the end lengthens the sound and adds a slightly more expressive, almost childlike, tone, conveying a stronger sense of enjoyment. It's still perfectly acceptable in casual conversation.

However, "oishii" can be quite understated for some situations. Let's explore other options to convey a more enthusiastic "yummy!"

Expressing More Enthusiasm: Beyond "Oishii"

For a more emphatic expression of delight, several other words and phrases are available:

• 旨い (umai): This word is a more masculine and informal way of saying "delicious" or "yummy." It's generally used among close friends or family. It's often used to describe savory dishes.

• すごく美味しい (sugoku oishii): Adding "sugoku" (すごく), meaning "very" or "extremely," intensifies the meaning of "oishii," expressing a stronger feeling of "yummy."

• めっちゃ美味しい (meccha oishii): "Meccha" (めっちゃ) is a more emphatic version of "sugoku," making this phrase even more expressive of enthusiastic enjoyment. This is informal and mainly used among close friends.

• 最高 (saikou): This word means "the best" or "number one" and can be used to express that a dish is incredibly delicious. You can say "saikou da!" (最高だ！) to emphasize your feeling of "yummy."

Context Matters: Choosing the Right Word

The best way to say "yummy" in Japanese depends heavily on the context:

• Formal settings: Stick to "oishii" (美味しい).

• Casual conversations with friends: Feel free to use "umai" (旨い), "sugoku oishii" (すごく美味しい), or even "meccha oishii" (めっちゃ美味しい).

• Expressing extreme delight: "Saikou!" (最高！) is a great way to convey utter deliciousness.

Putting it All Together: Examples in Sentences

Here are a few examples to illustrate how to use these words in sentences:

• このラーメンは美味しい！(Kono ramen wa oishii!) This ramen is delicious!
• このケーキ、めっちゃ美味しい！(Kono keeki, meccha oishii!) This cake is so yummy!
• この寿司、最高！(Kono sushi, saikou!) This sushi is the best!

Learning to say "yummy" in Japanese goes beyond simple translation. It's about understanding the nuances of the language and choosing the word that best conveys your level of enjoyment and the context of the situation. Now go forth and enjoy your delicious Japanese food! Itadakimasu! (いただきます！- Let's eat!)