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.
前菜にスープを選びました。
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.
パーティーでオードブルをつまむ。
I nibble on hors d'oeuvres at the party.
Direct loanword from English. Less common than 前菜 or オードブル, but understood in some contexts.
アペタイザーは何にしますか？
What would you like for an appetizer?
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.
先付けは季節の野菜を使っています。
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).
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.
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.
ビールのおつまみにチーズを頼んだ。
I ordered cheese as an appetizer with my beer.
Literally 'side dish for alcohol'. More traditional and slightly formal than おつまみ.
酒の肴にぴったりだ。
It's perfect as an appetizer with sake.
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.
小鉢が三つ付いています。
It comes with three small appetizer dishes.
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.
コースの前菜はサラダです。
The appetizer for the course is salad.
先付けに湯葉が出た。
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.
この店の突き出しはいつも美味しい。
The appetizer at this restaurant is always delicious.
お通しは枝豆でした。
The appetizer was edamame.