The first thing you’ll do when you arrive in Japan is get something to eat, but there’s one problem: how do you actually order food in Japanese at a restaurant? If you want to dine at your local sushi restaurant or order a beer at an izakaya (Japanese bar), knowing how to order in Japanese will make your life much easier, rather than resorting to pointing and hand charades. 

So, how do restaurants work in Japan, and what should you be aware of? Let’s find out the best expressions to politely order your desired dish or drink at a restaurant in Japan.

What You’ll Hear When You’re in a Restaurant in Japan

When you first enter a restaurant, you will be greeted with an enthusiastic いらっしゃいませ (irrashaimase), which means “Welcome!” You don’t need to necessarily respond, but if you wish, you can say a simple Japanese greeting like こんにちは (konnichiwa) in return. Then, depending on the restaurant, you may have to order at the counter or, in many ramen shops, order the ramen from a vending machine that issues a ticket you give to the staff.

But usually, if it’s a dine-in restaurant, where you order at the table, the staff will ask you how many people are in your party. This is one of the most common expressions you might hear:

何名様ですか？
Nanmei sama desuka?
How many people?

So, this expression uses a Japanese counter for counting people, 名 (mei). With the word 何 (nan) meaning “what” or, in this case, “how many,” the phrase 何名 (nanmei) means “how many people?” The suffix 様 (sama) is added to make the phrase more formal, showing the customer greater regard.

Now, let’s break down how you can respond.

How to Say the Number of People (Japanese Person Counters)

To say how many people you are eating with, you may need to remember a few Japanese numbers. On top of that, you would need to conjugate to the correct counter. You could simply attach the counter 名 (mei). For example, this is what you could reply to staff asking how many people you are with.

Example: 

スタッフ：いらっしゃいませ！何名様ですか？
Sutaffu: Irrashaimase! Nanmei samadesuka？
Staff: Welcome! How many people are you with?

あなた：2名です。
Anata: ni mei desu.
You: There are 2 of us.

So, if you already know the Japanese numbers, you just have to attach 名 to them. However, keep in mind that for 4, you would say “yonmei” and not “shimei,” and for 7, it would be nanamei rather than shichimei. Also, this isn’t the only counter you can use for people; you can use the 〜人 (~nin) counter, which translates to “~person/people.” 

You can simply add the Japanese number plus the counter 〜人; for instance, for three, or さん (san); you would only need to say さん人 (san nin). However, note that the pronunciation differs for one and two. For one, you would say hitori, and for two, you would say futari. Here is how to use the 〜人 counter to indicate how many people you are with.

Example 2:

スタッフ：いらっしゃいませ！何名様ですか？
Sutaffu: Irrashaimase! Nanmei samadesuka？
Staff: Welcome! How many people are you with?

あなた：2人です。
Anata: futari desu.
You: 2 people.

Both counters will essentially express the same thing, so you can use either one. Take a look at our table showing the Japanese numbers from 1 to 10, along with how to say them in hiragana and romaji using the 〜名 and 〜人 counters.

Getting the Waiter’s Attention in Japan

So, after you’re seated, you will often hear the waiter say something like the following:

お決まりになりましたら、お呼びください。
Okimari ni narimashitara, oyobi kudasai.
When you’ve decided on your order, please let us know.

Some restaurants have a button you can press a button to call staff; this is especially common at yakiniku restaurants. However, you often will have to call the staff yourself. To do this (respectfully) is just to simply say すみません (sumimasen), which translates to “excuse me!” 

When it’s crowded and difficult for staff to see you, this すみません is a very polite and respectful way to get their attention, even if you have to raise your voice over the noise. Alternatively, you can also gesture to the staff that you’re ready to order by either making eye contact or raising your hand.

Basic Expressions for Ordering at a Restaurant in Japanese

Now, let’s actually get into ordering food in Japanese. Whether you have to order at the counter or at the table, the basic expression you use doesn’t change much. You just simply need to say the food you want plus お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasi), which both mean something similar to “please” in Japanese. The easiest way to order is to simply point to the item you want on the menu and say, “This, please.”

これをお願いします。
Kore o onegaishimasu.
I’ll have this, please.

これをください。
Kore o kudasai.
I’ll have this, please.

Both of these expressions are polite and respectful ways to place your order in Japanese. And if you know how to say the specific item you want, all you have to do is replace これ (kore)! For instance, if you want to order a tempura shrimp udon, you can say this.

Example:

スタッフ：ご注文どうぞ。
Sutaffu: gochumon douzu.
Staff: Feel free to let me know your order.

あなた：エビ天うどんをお願いします。

Anata: Ebi ten udon o onegaishimasu.

You: I’ll have the shrimp tempura, please.

Expressing Quantity when Ordering at a Restaurant in Japanese

However, it’s helpful to include the quantity of the item you want; just as with people, you have to conjugate numbers for food quantities. To express the number of food items, you can use the general counter 〜つ, which uses the 和語 (wago) pronunciation and is similar to ひとり (hitori) and ふたり (futari) from the 〜人 counter. The difference is that every number from 1 to 10 is conjugated differently, rather than the first two. 

Example:

お茶を1つお願いします。
Ocha o hitotsu onegaishimasu.
I’ll have 1 tea, please.

Since 〜つ is a general counter, you can use it to indicate the number of drinks as well. You usually place the quantity after the particle を (o), which is used for indicating the object of the sentence: tea or お茶 in this case.

Ordering Multiple Items at a Restaurant in Japanese

So, how do you order multiple items at once?

You can simply list them, or add と (to), which means “and” in Japanese. Rather than repeating onegaishimasu for every item, you can list each item and say お願いします at the end. Here is how you can do this, even while ordering for more than 1 person.

Example:

チーズバーガーを2つ、コーラとビールを1つずつお願いします。
Chiizu baagaa o futatsu, koora to biiru o hitotsu zutsu onegaishimasu.
We’ll have 2 cheeseburgers, a cola, and beer, please.

To order multiple types of items, like food and drinks, you can start with one type, like food, and indicate the quantity, then you can list the drinks. Since you’re ordering two different drinks, you use と to say コーラとビール or “cola and beer.” You probably noticed that ずつ (zutsu) was added after 1つ, which basically just means “each.” So, 1つずつ just means “1 each”.

Wondering how to order and customize coffee at a cafe in Japan? Check out our blog: How to Order and Customize Your Coffee in Japanese

How to Make Common Food and Drink Requests in Japanese

Now, let’s quickly go over some common things you might need to ask when eating at a restaurant in Japan, such as asking for seconds or just some more water. Here are some natural expressions you can use.

1. Asking for Water in Japanese

Water is not always served automatically at restaurants in Japan, the way it might be in other countries. Some places bring it as a matter of course, while others wait for you to ask. Either way, knowing how to ask for water naturally is a handy expression to have ready.
The most natural and widely used way to ask is:

お水を1つお願いします。
Omizu o hitotsu onegaishimasu.
Could I have some water, please?

As with the other expressions on this list, you can use お願いします to respectfully ask for some water. To sound more natural, if you are looking for cold water, you can substitute omizu (お水) with ohiya (お冷).

2. Asking for Another Round in Japanese

Whether it is another serving of rice, a refill of your drink, or an extra portion of a side dish, おかわり (okawari) is the expression you need. It is a very natural and widely understood word that works across all kinds of restaurants and situations.

ビールのおかわりをください。
Biiru no okawari o kudasai.
Another beer, please.

Note that you can also use お願いします in this expression; ください and お願いします are interchangeable in most of these examples. It is worth noting that at many teishokuya and casual restaurants in Japan, rice refills are actually free of charge, so do not be shy about asking for おかわり!

3. How to Ask for Takeout in Japanese

If you would like to take your food home or have leftover food packaged up, there are a couple of natural ways to express this depending on the situation.
Ordering takeout from the start:

テイクアウトでお願いします。
Teikuauto de onegaishimasu.
For takeout, please.

テイクアウト (teikuauto) is the widely understood loanword for takeout and is used at the vast majority of restaurants across Japan. You will often see it written on signs or menus as well. But you might need to be aware that some Japanese restaurants might not let you take out leftovers, but it never hurts to ask. In which case, you can say the following.

残りを持ち帰りにしてもらえますか？
Nokori o mochikaeri ni shite moraemasu ka?
Could you pack up the rest for me to take home?

持ち帰り (mochikaeri), which literally means “taking home,” is the more traditionally Japanese expression for taking food away and is slightly warmer and more natural sounding in a sit-down restaurant context than テイクアウト.

Expressing Dietary Restrictions & Allergies when Ordering in Japanese

Allergies and dietary restrictions are among the most important things to specify when you eat out in Japan, let alone in any country. So, in Japanese, you can directly ask the service staff if an ingredient you can’t eat is in the dish you want to order.

Example:

これにはピーナッツが入っていますか？
Kore niwa piinattsu ga haitte imasuka?
Are there any peanuts in here?

This example works well if you want to point to specific menu items. The phrase 入っています (haitte imasu) basically means “is included,” so you’re literally asking whether peanuts are included in the dish. Usually, the staff will respond with one of the following:

いいえ、ピーナッツは入っていません。
Iie, piinatsu wa haitte imasen.
No, there aren’t any peanuts.

はい、ピーナッツが入っています。
Hai, piinattsu ga haitteimasu. 
Yes, there are peanuts. 

So, if the staff says peanuts (or any ingredient you’re asking about) are in fact in the dish you want to order, you will need to make it clear that you strictly cannot consume that ingredient. So, if it’s an allergy, you can say this.

Example

ピーナッツアレルギーがあるのですが、ピーナッツが入っていないメニューはありますか？
Piinattsu arerugii ga aru no desu ga, piinattsu ga haitte inai menyuu wa arimasu ka?
I have a peanut allergy. Do you have any menu items that don’t contain peanuts?

The term アレルギー (arerugii) means “allergy,” and is actually taken directly from English, so hopefully that’ll make it easier to remember! To say you have an allergy, you can use the verb ある (aru), meaning “to have.” 

The second phrase directly asks whether there are any items on the menu that don’t contain peanuts. The phrase ピーナッツが入っていないメニュー (piinatsu ga haitte inai menyuu) is a negative version of 入っている (haitteiru) from earlier and attaches it to メニュー (menyuu) or “menu,” short for “menu items.”

If you want to know more terms for allergens and ingredients, read our blog: How To Read Japanese Nutrition & Food Labels

Asking for the Bill in Japanese

There is actually a Japanese hand gesture for requesting the bill: cross your index fingers to make a small “x.” This is a great non-verbal way to let staff know you’re ready for the bill, especially when it’s crowded and noisy. But you can also use a common phrase with the term, お会計 (okaikei), which means “bill.” Here is a polite expression you can use.

Example: 

すみません、お会計お願いします。
Sumimasen, okaikei onegaishimasu.
Excuse me, can I get the check, please?

You can use すみません to get the wait staff’s attention. Then, to ask for the bill, simply attach お願いします (onegaishimasu) to お会計 to politely ask for the bill. That’s it, pretty easy, right? If you really enjoyed your dish, you can yell out ごちそうさまでした！ (gochisousama deshita!), meaning something like “thank you for the delicious meal!” right before leaving.

Read more: How to Ask for the Bill in Japanese

Types of Restaurants in Japan and General Customs of Ordering in Japanese

As in any other country, there are a variety of restaurants in Japan, from fast-casual to formal full-course restaurants. We will just go over a general overview of typical restaurants you will run into in Japan:

1. 居酒屋 Izakaya

Izakayas are essentially the Japanese equivalent of pubs, where you order shareable food to pair with alcoholic beverages. Most izakayas are known for the large selection of drinks, including cocktails, sours, and beer. However, don’t underestimate the food; there are plenty of izakayas known for incredible dishes ranging from Japanese comfort food to international cuisines like Thai.

2. 定食屋 Teishokuya

Teishokuya are casual, no-frills restaurants that specialize in 定食 (teishoku) or “set meals”, which typically consist of a main dish, rice, miso soup, and a small side dish or pickles, all served together at a fixed price. They are the Japanese equivalent of a home-cooked meal out, simple, hearty, and affordable

3. ファミレス Famiresu

ファミレス (Famiresu) is a contraction of ファミリーレストラン (famirii resutoran), meaning “family restaurant,” and refers to casual, family-friendly chain restaurants similar to diners in the Western world. Popular chains include ガスト (Gusto), サイゼリヤ (Saizeriya), and デニーズ (Denny’s Japan). They are known for their wide-ranging menus, which cover everything from pasta and pizza to Japanese dishes and desserts, making them a reliable option for groups with varied tastes.

4. 焼肉 Yakiniku

焼肉 literally means “grilled meat” and refers to the Japanese style of barbecue, where you grill your own meat and vegetables at a gas or charcoal grill at your table. You order cuts of meat, typically beef, pork, or offal, along with vegetables and dipping sauces, and grill everything yourself to your own liking. Many offer all-you-can-eat options called 食べ放題 (tabehoudai), which are great value if you have a big appetite.

5. 鉄板焼き Teppanyaki

Teppanyaki just refers to a cooking style in which food is prepared on a large iron griddle, often right in front of you. Unlike yakiniku, where you cook the food yourself, at a 鉄板焼き restaurant, a skilled chef cooks your meal tableside, which is part of the experience itself. Dishes typically include steak, seafood, and vegetables, and the theatrics of watching a chef at work make it a popular choice for special occasions. While they can range from casual to formal, they tend to be on the pricier side.

6. 懐石 Kaiseki

Kaiseki is Japan’s most refined and prestigious style of dining — a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients prepared with extraordinary care and technique. Each course is carefully chosen to reflect the season, the region, and the chef’s artistry, and meals are typically served in a traditional setting with meticulous attention to presentation. Kaiseki restaurants are generally formal, and reservations are usually required well in advance,

So, ordering food will differ from restaurant to restaurant. Many casual dine-in and ファミレス (famiresu) restaurants will likely have you order on a tablet or via a QR code you scan on your phone. More often than not, there is an option to switch the menu to English. 

But it’s still common to order your food directly from the waiter, in which case you’ll need a few key phrases in your back pocket. Luckily, most phrases are very simple and just require remembering a few polite expressions. And you can always point at the menu if you’re not sure how to say the food you want. Many of us who have been in Japan for years will come across dishes with kanji that we are not too sure about, so even after all these years, we are not embarrassed to point at the item we want.

Conclusion: Try Ordering at a Restaurant in Japanese!

Ordering at a restaurant in Japanese might seem overwhelming, but it really only includes a few simple phrases like お願いします！ (onegaishimasu!). When it comes to allergies or dietary restrictions, just remember the ingredients you can’t eat and kindly let the staff know. Next time you’re at a restaurant in Japan, try to order your food and drinks in Japanese! It’ll help your order go more smoothly and let you express what you want more efficiently!

Practice Ordering in Japanese at Coto Academy

If you want to practice ordering at a restaurant in Japanese, as well as other essential expressions for everyday life, join Coto Academy! We have professional Japanese teachers who can coach you to fluency by helping you use more natural phrases like a native speaker. We offer a variety of courses, including conversation-focused, JLPT, and comprehensive language classes. 

Whatever your goals or needs, we have them! We have campuses in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato, Iidabashi, and Yokohama. But if you’re not in Japan, feel free to join us online from anywhere around the world! Ready to sign up, or just want to get in touch to find more? Fill out the form below!

FAQ:

How do you say Monday to Sunday in Japan? Knowing the days of the week in Japanese is one of the essential skills you need to have for everyday communication. Once you know them, along with days and months, you’ll find it much easier to make plans with your friends.

In this guide, we’ll introduce each day of the week with its Japanese name, pronunciation, and useful tips to help you remember them quickly. Let’s get started!

Basics of Days in Japanese: 曜日 (Youbi) 

Just like how each day of the week from Monday to Sunday ends with “day” in English, it is essentially the same in Japanese. Each day of the week ends with the word 曜日(youbi), which roughly means “day” but is specifically used for the weekdays. 

Note that although it’s spelled youbi, the first syllable isn’t pronounced like the English word “you.” In Japanese, it’s pronounced yo (as in “yo-yo”), followed by u (as in “oops”) and bi (like “bee”). This follows Japanese pronunciation rules and the concept of long vowels, not English phonetics.

Breaking down the characters, 曜 (you) means a celestial body, such as a planet, moon, or star, and 日 (bi) simply means “day”. The terms for the days of the week have their origins in ancient China, which associated each weekday with mythological beliefs in the celestial bodies. 

According to ancient Chinese astrology and mythology, there are five celestial bodies: fire, water, tree, gold/metal, and earth. Additionally, there is the moon and the sun. These concepts were brought to Japan, where they merged with local mythology to form the weekday names still used today. See how each day’s name relates to specific stars and planets.

Days of the Week in Japanese

The days of the week are quite simple. All you have to do is add one of the names of the weekday before 曜日 (youbi). Below is an infographic showing each day of the week along with the literal meaning of weekday to help make it easier to remember.

Here is each weekday in a table as well, showing each word in English, kanji, hiragana, and romaji for your convenience:

Breaking Down Each Japanese Weekdays

So, let’s take a look at each name of the weekday in Japanese, breaking down the literal translation as well as the actual name of the weekday. We will explore the traditional meanings of each weekday and their origins in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember each day of the week, but it will also give you a peek into Japan’s rich history with ancient China. 

Let’s look at each Japanese weekday name, breaking down both the literal meaning and the modern-day term. We’ll also explore the traditional origins of these names in Japanese astrology. This will not only help you remember the days of the week more easily but also give you a glimpse into Japan’s deep historical ties with ancient China

1. Monday: 月曜日(Getsuyoubi)

月曜日 (getsuyoubi) literally means ‘moon day’ since the character 月 (getsu) translates to moon. Somehow, like in many countries halfway across the world, ancient China, Japan, and Korea associated Monday with the moon.

2. Tuesday: 火曜日(Kayoubi) 

火曜日 (kayoubi) means ‘fire day’ as the character 火 (ka or hi) literally means fire. However, the word kayoubi actually refers to Mars, which was called the fire star in ancient China due to its red color. 

3. Wednesday: 水曜日(Suiyoubi) 

水曜日 (sui youbi) means ‘water day’ with the character 水 (sui or mizu) meaning water. But in the context of weekdays, suiyoubi refers to Mercury, or the water star in ancient Chinese.

4. Thursday: 木曜日 (Mokuyoubi) 

木曜日 (moku youbi) means ‘tree day’ with the character 木 (moku or ki) meaning tree. However, mokuyoubi refers to Jupiter, which was called the wood star in ancient Chinese since the color resembled wood. 

5. Friday: 金曜日 (Kinyoubi) 

金曜日 (kinyoubi) literally translates to ‘gold day’, referring to Venus, which was thought to resemble metal. The character 金 (kin) can translate to gold, metal, or even money.

6. Saturday: 土曜日 (Doyoubi) 

土曜日 (do youbi) just means ‘earth day’ with the character 土 (do or tsuchi) meaning earth or soil. However, in ancient Chinese, the word doyoubi is interpreted as earth star. This is associated with Saturn, which has a color resembling soil. 

7. Sunday: 日曜日 (Nichiyoubi) 

日曜日 (nichiyoubi) means the same as its English name, ‘sun day’. The character, 日 (nichi, hi, or bi), means‘sun’. In Japan, nichiyoubi actually has roots with the sun goddess, Amataresu, from the Japanese folk religion Shinto.

Key Vocabulary Related to Days of the Week in Japanese

Now that we know how to say the weekdays, how do we express week durations and sequences of events? There will be times when you will need to specify a certain time in week durations such as “this week”, “a week ago”, or “in two weeks”. What are they?

The word for week in Japanese is 週 (shuu), which is hardly used alone and often attached to other words to express week durations or sequences in different situations. 

Before we dive into some key vocabulary, let’s discuss the grammar you need to know.

1. Saying week durations in Japanese 

If you understand numbers and counting in Japanese, counting weeks will be relatively straightforward, since it works the same way. You just need to add a number to 週 (shuu) and 間 (kan) to transform the expression for counting the number of weeks, such as one week or two weeks.

The structure for counting week durations is as follows: 

Number + 週間 (shuukan)

Here is a table for counting the durations of weeks from 1 to 10:

Note that ichi (1) conjugates into isshuu kan and not ichishuu kan. You might also notice that 7 weeks is pronounced nanashuukan. This is called rendaku (sequential voicing) or consonant changes due to euphonic reasons.

2. Expressing weekdays and weekends

Most Japanese public services and businesses will have different hours depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. When asking the staff, on a bus timetable, or board with operating hours, these are the terms that are generally used:

3. Key vocabulary for day-related timeframes and frequencies

How can you express weeks in relative time sequences (past, present, and future)? There will be times when you will need to specify this week or next week when scheduling. Here is some key vocabulary to remember:

Tie everything together to schedule or make a reservation by not only specifying the week but also the time with our guide on how to tell time in Japanese.

How to Use Japanese Days Sentences

We’ve learned the basic days of the week in Japanese, from Monday to Sunday, along with related vocabulary. But in real life, you won’t just say the day names alone—you’ll need to use them in sentences, such as when asking questions, making plans, or giving answers.

Let’s take a look at some common phrases using the days of the week.

Talking about the days or week in Japanese

今日は火曜日です。
Kyou wa kayoubi desu.
Today is Tuesday.

明日は水曜日です。
Ashita wa suiyoubi desu.
Tomorrow is Wednesday. 

来週の月曜日は祝日です。
Raishuu no nichiyoubi wa shukujitsu desu.

平日は仕事がある。
Heijitsu wa shigoto ga aru.
I have work on the weekdays.

Asking about the day or week in Japanese

週末、予定がありますか。
Shuumatsu, yotei ga arimasu ka.
Do you have plans on the weekend?

明日は何曜日ですか。
Ashita wa nanyoubi desu ka.
What day is tomorrow?

昨日、何をしていましたか。
Kinou, nani o shite imashita ka.
What were you doing yesterday?

Conclusion: Wrapping Up The Week

Mastering the days of the week in Japanese is more than just memorizing vocabulary. It’s a key skill for daily communication, planning, and understanding Japanese culture. 

Of course, being able to schedule and make reservations in Japan takes practice. If you want to speak Japanese fluently, consider starting at a top language school like Coto Academy. At Coto, you’ll gradually ease into both the Japanese language and culture, learning real Japanese as it’s spoken in everyday life.

You can choose from part-time or intensive courses across our four campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, or join our interactive online lessons to learn from anywhere. Our small classes (only 8 students) ensure plenty of speaking practice and personalized attention.

Ready to start? Fill out the form below for a free level check or consultation to find the best learning path for you!

FAQ

Want to learn more basic Japanese? Read our guide on:

• 100 Basic Japanese Words to Know
• Complete Basic Japanese Phrases to Know
• Guide to Japanese Writing System: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji
• Western to Japanese Year Converter
• Guide to Dates in Japanese

Ramen is almost a ubiquitous symbol of Japan, and now that you have the chance to finally try the iconic dish in its home country, how do you actually order a bowl in Japanese? When you enter a Japanese ramen shop for the first time, you will be showered with options and customizability to match your preferences, from how firm you like your noodles to how thick you want your soup.

What should you say, and how do you want to customize your ramen toppings? Let’s find out everything you need to know to get the best bowl of noodles you may ever have!

What is Japanese Ramen? Is It The Same As Chinese Noodles?

Ramen likely needs no introduction; you can find it everywhere with famous instant brands like Maruchan, but with all the regional variations, actually defining what ramen is and how it’s distinguished from other noodle-based dishes isn’t as easy as you might think. So, ramen generally refers to a dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles in a savory broth. What really differentiates ramen from other noodle dishes is the inclusion of kansui, an alkaline solution that gives ramen noodles their characteristic bouncy, firm texture that doesn’t fall apart easily in broth.

However, this style of noodle soup originated in China, and it was one of many noodle soups brought over by Chinese immigrants. Eventually, they were collectively called 南京そば (nankin soba), based on how Chinatowns were referred to in Japanese as 南京町 (nankin machi), or “nankin towns.” Later, 中華そば (chuuka soba), meaning “Chinese noodles,” was adopted and is actually still used today. The actual name “ramen” is relatively new and wasn’t widely adopted until 1958. It’s likely the term also originates in China, but it was actually a name for another noodle dish, far removed from the one Japanese ramen actually came from. 

Since ramen is a relatively new term, even to this day, when walking the bustling food streets of Japan, you will still come across shops using the word 中華そば (chuukasoba) instead of “ramen.” They both generally refer to the same thing, but generally shops making a more “classical” style of ramen will opt to use 中華そば. 

So, over the years, ramen became the most popular term for this iconic noodle dish and has evolved into something unique to Japan, distinct from the Chinese version it originated from.

How Many Different Types of Japanese Ramen Can you Order?

As we mentioned, there is a variety of ramen, and different regions have developed their own unique takes on the iconic dish. If we dive into every variation of ramen that exists, this blog would never end! So, generally, ramen falls into broad categories based on the soup base. You’ve probably heard of 醤油ラーメン (shouyu ramen), a ramen with a soy sauce-based broth, which is one of several common types of ramen.

Most shops you will go to in Japan will specialize in one or two types of ramen rather than offering every variety you can think of. So, here are some broad categories of ramen to look for and try in Japan:

1. 醬油ラーメン (Shouyu Raamen): Shoyu Ramen

A soy sauce-based broth that brings a light, balanced savory flavor to the table, especially when paired with other ingredients such as meats like pork or chicken. The ramen is also characterized by its deep umami flavor that is known to be both comforting and nostalgic. It’s one of the oldest and most classic styles of ramen and is seen as the foundation of Japanese ramen culture.

2. 豚骨ラーメン (Tonkotsu Raamen): Pork Broth Ramen

Tonkotsu ramen is one of the most popular types of ramen, known for its bold, flavorful broth and rich, creamy texture. The deep umami and meaty flavor comes from the pork bones, which are boiled for hours, or even days, to release all the flavors that pork has to offer. 

The island of Kyushu, particularly the Fukuoka and Kumamoto regions, is famous for its Tonkotsu ramen. The famous chain 一覧 (ichi-ran) comes from Fukuoka.

3. 煮干しラーメン (Niboshi Raamen): Dried Sardine Ramen

Niboshi Ramen consists of a broth made by boiling dried baby sardines, bringing out a dominant umami flavor that can range from light to intensely rich, salty, and slightly bitter.

4. 鳥白湯 ラーメン (Toripaitan Raamen): Chicken Broth Ramen

Similar to Tonkotsu ramen, toripaitan ramen is made by boiling chicken bones to create a chicken-based broth that’s characterized by its white color, creamy texture, and chicken-derived umami. It’s both mellow and rich, but considered a lighter cousin of the Tonkotsu broth.

5. 塩ラーメン (Shio Raamen): Salt Ramen

As the name implies, shio ramen, meaning “salt ramen,” consists of salt-seasoned broth offering a light but delicate flavor. It’s a simple yet balanced ramen that pairs well with the meats and other ingredients inside. The ramen is known for its clear broth that boasts hearty flavors.

6. 味噌ラーメン (Miso Raamen): Miso Ramen

Miso ramen is one of Japan’s quintessential ramen since it employs one of Japan’s most iconic flavors: miso, a fermented bean paste. The miso gives ramen a rich texture, deep umami, and nuttiness. It’s known for its hearty taste and ingredients; it’s easily one of Japan’s most popular comfort foods. Hokkaido is particularly famous for its Miso Ramen, which often incorporates unique ingredients such as corn, butter, and pork.

7. 油そば (Abura Soba): Oil Ramen

Abura soba literally means “oil ramen,” as it’s a brothless style of ramen tossed in soy sauce and lard or oil. The noodles are usually thicker and topped with slices of pork; it’s also common to add vinegar, chili oil, and garlic.

8. つけ麺 (Tsukemen): Dipping Noodles

Tsukemen is defined by the fact that you dip the noodles in a thick broth. Unlike conventional ramen, the noodles and soup are separated. The noodles tend to be thick and chewy, while the broth is more intense, lending the noodles a rich flavor.

This is a very non-exhaustive list of ramen varieties, but these are the quintessential ones that have come to define the Japanese style of ramen. But there are many popular ramen we didn’t go over, such as tantanmen, a spicy, nutty ramen considered more Chinese-style and often served in Chinese restaurants as well as ramen shops.

But whichever ramen you get, you can usually customize it to your liking, so let’s find out what options you have and how you can describe what you like.

Common Options For Customizing Your Ramen Order in Japanese

Most ramen shops and even stalls offer a variety of options to match your preferences. Each restaurant has its own system for taking orders; most commonly, you order the ramen through a vending machine, which distributes a ticket that you give to the staff. Then you have to let staff know your preferences. Oftentimes, you might hear this phrase:

お好みはありますか？
Okonomi wa arimasu ka?
Do you have any preferences?

お好み (okonomi) translates to “preferences,” so this is when you can tell the staff how you like your noodles, soup thickness, and even how oily you want the soup, among other things that the shop can offer. It is similar to how steakhouses will ask how you like your meat cooked. Noodles are pretty similar, where the length of cooking time will give them a firmer or softer texture. 

However, some shops will actually have you fill out a paper form to specify your preferences based on specific options the shop offers. Every restaurant might offer customizations unique to its store, such as adding chili powder. So, how do you discuss your ramen preferences in Japanese, and what are some common customizations you are usually able to do when you visit a ramen shop?

1. Types of Noodles in Japanese

Some ramen shops will offer different types of noodles, from thin to thick. But note that not all shops offer a variety of noodle styles, since they may focus on serving only one type of noodle that pairs best with the broth. But here are the ramen noodle varieties you will find in many ramen shops across Japan.

太麵 (Futomen):
Literally means “fat noodles”; they are thicker (not as thick as udon) and ideal for thicker, heavier broths since they won’t get soggy as quickly. They are a popular choice for miso ramen.

ちじれめん (Chijiremen): 
Chijiremen literally translates to “wavy noodles,” which, as the name implies, are curly and bouncy. This allows the noodles to hold on to the broth and toppings. These noodles are popular with shoyu (soy sauce) ramen and tsukemen, a type of ramen where you dip the noodles in the broth.

細麵 (Hosomen):
Hosomen literally means “thin noodles,” so they are known for being very thin, light, and delicate. They provide a subtle texture that goes well with light broths like shio ramen, since they also cook and absorb flavor more easily.

Most of the time, when ramen shops offer different noodle options, they will ask you to choose between futomen (thick noodles) and hosomen (thin noodles). Often, chijiremen is just the default option for ramen shops that use them. But how do you actually let the staff know which noodles you want? Generally, you can just say the noodles you prefer, followed by お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai), a respectful way of saying “please.”

Example:

細麺お願いします。
Hosomen onegaishimasu.
Thin noodles, please.

2. 面の硬さ(Men no Katasa): Noodle Firmness

麺の硬さ refers to how firm or soft you would prefer your noodle texture. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

1. かため (Katame)
Firm or hard noodles, cooked for less time, have a firmer, less moist texture.

2. 普通 (Futsuu): 
Normal or standard noodle firmness, best for those who don’t want their noodles too firm nor too soft.

3. 軟らかめ (Yawarakame): 
Soft noodles, cooked for longer, have a softer texture that’s easy to bite and chew.

Many ramen shops will just have you fill out a paper to specify how firm you want your noodles, but it’s also really common for shops to ask you how you like your noodles directly. It might be one of the most common follow-up questions after you order the ramen and specify the size. 

Example:

スタッフ：麺の硬さはどうされますか？
Sutaffu: Men no katasa wa dousaremasuka?
Staff: How firm would you like your noodles?

あなた: めんをかためでお願いします
Anata: Men o katame de onegaishimasu.
You: I would like my noodles firm, please.

Like the previous example, you can use onegaishimasu to make a polite request. However, when specifying how firm or soft you want your noodles, you have to attach the particle で to the adjective. In this case, if you want hard noodles, you have to say かためで (katame de).

3. 味の濃さ (ji no Kosa): Soup Thickness

味の濃さ refers to how rich or light you would prefer the flavor of your soup to be. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• こってり／濃いめ (Kotteri / Koime): Thick or rich flavor, with a heavier, more concentrated taste.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard richness, a balanced choice for those who don’t want their soup too heavy nor too light.
• あっさり／薄め (Assari / Usume): Light flavor, with a more delicate, subtle taste.

Just like with noodle firmness, you can use the same sentence structure to request your preferred soup thickness, simply by replacing 麺 (men) with スープ (suupu):

Example:

スープをこってりでお願いします。
Suupu o kotteri de onegaishimasu.
I would like my soup rich, please.

4. 脂の量 (Abura no Ryou): Soup Oiliness

脂の量 refers to how much oil you would prefer in your soup. Generally, stores will give you 3 options, including the following:

• 多め (Oome): More oil, for a richer, heavier mouthfeel.
• 普通 (Futsuu): Normal or standard amount of oil.
• 少なめ (Sukuname): Less oil, for a lighter, cleaner finish.

Again, the same sentence structure applies here, simply replace 麺 (men) with 脂 (abura) to specify how oily you would like your soup:

Example:

脂を少なめでお願いします。
Abura o sukuname de onegaishimasu.
I would like less oil, please.

5. Serving Sizes

Of course, you can choose your preferred serving size based on how much you can eat and your appetite. Note that Japanese portion sizes tend to be smaller, so the regular portion might not be enough if you’re used to Western servings. However, there are ramen shops known for their monumental portions, so try to see how big the sizes actually are before you bite more than you can chew. 

Here are the general portion size categories you can expect to find at a Japanese ramen shop. 

• 並盛り(Nami Mori): Normal Size
• 中盛り(Naka Mori): Medium Size
• 大盛り(Oo Mori): Large Size
• 特大 (Toku Dai): Extra-large Size
• 特製 (Toku Sei): Special Portion

Usually, you choose the ramen size when you order it from the vending machine, but some shops may only take spoken orders. Generally, when you order the ramen you want, you may have to specify the size as well. Here is how you can do that in one sentence.

Example:

豚骨ラーメンの大盛りでお願いします。
Tonkotsu raamen no oomori de onegaishimasu.
I would like a large tonkotsu ramen, please.

You can also say 大盛りのラーメンお願いします (oomori no raamen onegaishimasu) to say the same thing. The particle の is used to connect the ramen you want, tonkotsu, with your desired size, oomori. You can use の either to say 豚骨ラーメンの大盛り (tonkotsu raamen no oomori) or 大盛りの豚骨ラーメン (oomori no tonkotsu raamen) which both mean large-sized tonkotsu ramen.

Also note that most ramen restaurants serving Yokohama-style ramen offer a free bowl of ご飯 (gohan), or rice. They are usually labeled 横浜家系 (Yokohama Kakei), meaning Yokohama-style. Also, be on the lookout for free size upgrades or extra noodles; the word for “free” is 無料 (Muryou).

6. Typical Toppings, Side Orders, & Condiments

No ramen is complete without the toppings and sides that elevate this iconic dish to one of the world’s most beloved noodle dishes. From the tender pork slices to the green onion that adds subtle flavor and texture, these toppings can really do a lot of heavy lifting to make the ramen even tastier. So, let’s find out the most common Japanese words you need to know for topping your ramen with even more deliciousness!

Here’s the table on its own so you can copy it directly:

Bring it All Together to Order Your Preferred Ramen in Japanese

Since some ramen stores will only take spoken orders and won’t have any order forms to specify your preferences, let’s see how you can actually answer the question “Do you have any preferences?” or お好みはありますか？(okomi wa arimasuka?) in a natural and confident way.

Generally, when you order a ramen, you will need to specify the ramen you want, as well as the size, first:

Example 1:

並盛りの塩ラーメンお願いします。
Nami mori no shio raamen onegaishimasu.
I would like a standard-sized shio ramen, please.

Afterward, the staff will likely ask about preferences, either asking about noodles or preferences specifically, or will ask the general question お好みはありますか？ to which you can answer with this example.

Example 2:

麺は細麺で、硬さは普通で、スープはこってりで、脂は少なめでお願いします。
Men wa hosomen de, katasa wa futsuu de, suupu wa kotteri de, abura wa sukuname de onegaishimasu.
For the noodles, I’d like thin noodles, normal firmness, a rich soup, and less oil, please.

You can simply chain your preferences together using the で particle between each one and finish the whole thing with お願いします at the end. This is a very natural and efficient way to rattle off multiple preferences in one go without pausing between items.

If you only have one or two preferences, you can of course keep it much simpler:

Example 3:

麺は太麺で、硬さはかためでお願いします。
Men wa futomen de, katasa wa katame de onegaishimasu.
I’d like thick noodles and firm, please.

But if you have no preferences, you can simply let them know you’ll use the standard for everything. Here is how you can say that in Japanese:

Example 4:

普通でお願いします。
Futsuu de onegaishimasu.
Regular is fine, thank you.

普通 (futsuu) can translate to “regular” or “standard,” so it’s a convenient go-to phrase when you don’t have preferences or just want the ramen as it normally is. 

Conclusion: Ordering The Best Ramen is About Sharing Your Preferences

Ramen is undeniably one of the best foods to try in Japan; however, ordering it there can be daunting with all the options and customizations. But don’t worry, even in the shops that don’t have any paper form to fill out, just by remembering a few phrases from this blog, you will get the best bowl of ramen tailored to your desired tastes! And if you don’t really have any particularities, just simply say 普通でお願いします (futsuu de onegaishimasu)!

Practice Ordering Ramen in Japanese with Coto Academy!

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Feel free to check out our campuses in Tokyo or Yokohama, or join us online from anywhere in the world. If you’re ready to sign up or just want to get in touch to know more, please fill out the form below for a free consultation!

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Pokémon is undoubtedly one of our favorite franchises ever; however, you may have noticed that many of the names of the Pokémon we know and love in English are completely different in Japanese. So, why is that? Turns out Pokémon names are not translated directly from Japanese to English, since the names wouldn’t make much sense if they were. 

So, let’s find out how the names for your favorite Pokémon are actually translated into English and, of course, how to actually say your favorite Pokémon in Japanese! Since there are over 1000 Pokémon, we will just go over some of the most popular pokémon!

Why are Pokémon Names Different in Japanese vs English

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While all pokémon names are written in katakana, the Japanese writing system often used for foreign words, most names do not translate directly to English, even if they borrow some English words. The Japanese language is inherently structured differently from English, so to make the names more culturally relevant to English speakers, they had to localize them extensively. Let’s explore how literal Japanese descriptions and wordplays make it essentially impossible to simply translate the names into English.

1. Pokémon Names are Literal Descriptions in Japanese

Most Japanese pokémon names are literal descriptions of their personality, characteristics, abilities, or origin, which often might not make sense or won’t roll off the tongue as well in an English context. For instance, the pokémon Snorlax’s Japanese name is actually カビゴン (kabigon) with カビ (kabi) being the Japanese word for “mold.” This is referring to the fact that Snorlax will eat just about anything, even moldy food. 

The name also comes from the Pokémon’s original nickname, “Kirby” (not a Pokémon!), after another Nintendo video game character, for the way it eats. The name English Snorlax focuses more on its sleepy characteristics and sounds much better than something to do with mold.

2. Pokémon Names are Based on Japanese Play-on-Words 

Many original Japanese pokémon names are also based on specific Japanese wordplays, which you probably can guess don’t translate to English very well. The popular pokémon, Bulbasaur, is actually called フシギダネ (fushigidane) with fushigi meaning “mysterious” or “strange” and dane or tane meaning “seed.” Together, the name literally translates to “mysterious seed.” However, it’s actually a double entendre, where “dane” is a verb ending that attaches to “fushigi” to make the phrase “strange, isn’t it?”

The name of this Pokémon plays on its unknown origin, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery. In English, the name Bulbasaur focuses on its physical characteristics, with bulb referring to the plant bulb that forms the back of Bulbasaur. In Japanese, フシギダネ makes sense given the language’s structure, but it would need to be localized to a completely different name for English speakers.

3. Direct Translation Exceptions

Some pokémon names are directly transposed from Japanese to English, which may be an exception rather than the standard. Likely the most popular example would be Pikachu, ピカチュウ, who, despite having a name that doesn’t mean anything in English, has become one of the popular icons for pokémon around the world. The name actually comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia ピカピカ (pika pika), which means “shiny” or “sparkly”, referencing Pikachu’s electric powers. It also comes from another onomatopoeia, チューチュー (chuu chuu), which is a sound that mice make. 

In Japanese, you could say Pikachu’s name means “sparkly mouse,” but really, it was just made up specifically for the character. The creators actually put a lot of thought into creating a name that would sound cute even to an American audience. They also wanted the character to be memorable and unique so it could be the mascot of pokémon. In fact, the name was actually created before the character was even designed. For these reasons, Pikachu is one of the few pokémon that have the same name all over the world.

How Are Pokémon Names Adapted into English

Rather than using literal translations of pokémon names, they are adapted into English and other languages as well. As we mentioned, Pokémon names in Japanese consist of wordplays, cultural references, and word blends that really only make sense in Japanese. As a result, most localization occurs in different regional Nintendo locations. Nintendo of America and the Pokémon Company International handle most of the English localization and often work closely with Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto. 

This allows the pokémon names, moves, powers, and dialogue to adapt to a context that makes sense to English speakers. Most Pokémon names are localized portmanteaus, a fancy word for word blends. For instance, the name Charmander comes from the word char (as in to burn), referencing its fire powers, as well as salamander, since it essentially looks like a big salamander/lizard-like creature. In Japanese, the name is quite similar: ヒトカゲ (hitokage), which literally translates to “fire lizard,” with ヒ (hi) meaning “fire” and トカゲ (tokage) meaning “lizard.” 

They aren’t direct translations, but the localized English name makes Charmander sound like an actual species unique to the Pokémon world. Much of the localization involves creating memorable, unique names that fit the in-game universe.

However, certain things like pokémon categories tend to align more closely to the original; for instance, ネズミポケモン (nezumi Pokémon) was directly translated to “mouse pokémon” in English. But the word ネズミ can mean either “mouse” or “rat,” so the localization team likely chose “mouse” because it carries more positive associations in English. 

Localization has to consider a variety of factors to ensure that Pokémon names capture the spirit of the original while drawing on culturally relevant English expressions to describe something recognizable yet unique to English speakers.

List of Pokémon Names in Japanese

Below is a list of some of the most popular pokémon’s official English and Japanese names, so you can find out how to say your favorite pokémon in Japanese! We also wrote each Japanese name in Romaji.

The full list of all the Pokémon names in English and Japanese can be found on Bulbapedia here!

Conclusion: Pokémon Names were Adapted for an English Context

The localization teams adapted the Pokémon names to be more culturally relevant and capture the spirit of the original Japanese names for English speakers. Translating the names directly into English actually wouldn’t communicate the same intended purpose of their originals, and wouldn’t even make the Pokémon feel the same as we know it. This is why there was so much effort into localizing the pokémon names into English. Even when the names weren’t changed from the originals, as in the case of Pikachu, they were created to be palatable to a global audience. Try to remember some of these pokémon’s Japanese names, and see what it’s like to play the video games in Japanese!

Learn Japanese at Coto Academy to Play Pokémon in Japanese!

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