Translation guide
In Japanese dining, the concept of an appetizer can be expressed through specific dishes, small plates, or the general idea of a pre-meal snack. The best choice depends on the context: a Western-style starter, a traditional Japanese small dish, or something to accompany drinks.
A small dish served before the main course in a Western meal.
The standard term for an appetizer in a Western-style course meal. Used in restaurants and formal settings.
I chose soup as an appetizer.
Loanword from French 'hors d'oeuvre'. Often refers to a platter of assorted bite-sized appetizers, especially at parties.
Direct loanword from English. Less common than 前菜 or オードブル, but understood in some contexts.
A small dish served at the beginning of a traditional Japanese meal, often part of a set.
The first small dish in a traditional Japanese multi-course meal (kaiseki). Lighter than an appetizer, meant to set the tone.
Light food eaten while drinking alcohol, similar to 'appetizer' in a bar setting.
General term for snacks eaten with alcohol. Not a formal appetizer, but functions similarly in casual settings.
A general term for a small dish served at the start of any meal, not necessarily tied to a course.
A small bowl or dish, often used for side dishes or appetizers in a Japanese meal set.
前菜 is for Western courses; 先付け is for traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. Don't use 前菜 at a high-end Japanese restaurant unless they serve Western-style food.
The appetizer for the course is salad.
パーティーでオードブルをつまむ。
I nibble on hors d'oeuvres at the party.
What would you like for an appetizer?
The appetizer uses seasonal vegetables.
A small dish served at the very beginning of a meal in an izakaya or casual Japanese restaurant, often automatically and charged as a table fee (お通し).
The appetizer at this restaurant is always delicious.
Similar to 突き出し, but emphasizes the custom of serving a small dish with the first drink. Often a small fee is added to the bill.
The appetizer was edamame.
I ordered cheese as an appetizer with my beer.
Literally 'side dish for alcohol'. More traditional and slightly formal than おつまみ.
It's perfect as an appetizer with sake.
It comes with three small appetizer dishes.
Yuba was served as the appetizer.
In casual settings, Japanese people often just name the specific dish (e.g., 枝豆, 刺身) rather than using a generic word for appetizer. Saying 'アペタイザー' may sound unnatural.