Translation guide
The fast-food chain McDonald's is well-known in Japan. The name is used directly, but pronunciation and common abbreviations differ from English.
McDonald's (standard)
McDonald's (casual, east Japan)
Used in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
McDonald's (casual, west Japan)
Used in Osaka, Kyoto, and surrounding areas.
Referring to McDonald's as a place or brand
The standard Japanese name for McDonald's. Used in official contexts and nationwide.
I bought a hamburger at McDonald's.
Common abbreviation used in eastern Japan (including Tokyo). Very casual and widely understood.
Wanna go to McDonald's?
Common abbreviation used in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, etc.). Same casual feel as マック.
Let's have coffee at McDonald's.
マック is standard in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama), while マクド is standard in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto). Both are casual and used among friends. In formal situations or writing, use マクドナルド.