Translation guide
Describes food that looks, smells, or sounds appealing and stimulates the desire to eat. Japanese has several common adjectives and expressions, with nuances ranging from visual appeal to mouthwatering deliciousness.
To say that food looks delicious or tempting in a general, everyday sense.
The most common and versatile way to say something looks appetizing. Literally 'seems delicious'. Used for any food that looks good.
そのケーキ、おいしそうですね。
That cake looks appetizing.
A more casual, masculine-leaning version of おいしそう. Common in informal speech.
このラーメン、うまそう！
This ramen looks appetizing!
Literally 'stimulates appetite'. A slightly more formal or descriptive phrase, often used in food writing or advertising.
食欲をそそる香りがキッチンから漂ってきた。
An appetizing aroma wafted from the kitchen.
To emphasize that food looks so good it makes your mouth water.
Literally 'seems like drool will come out'. A vivid, colloquial expression for mouthwatering food.
この写真を見てたら、よだれが出そうだ。
Looking at this photo, it's mouthwatering.
The dictionary form of 'mouthwatering'. Can be used in more descriptive contexts.
涎が出るほどおいしそうな料理だ。
It's a dish so appetizing it makes your mouth water.
To describe a smell that stimulates appetite.
The most common way to say something smells good (and appetizing). Context usually implies food.
いい匂いがしてきた。何を作ってるの？
Something smells appetizing. What are you cooking?
Specifically refers to a fragrant, roasted or toasted aroma that is appetizing, like grilled meat or coffee.
香ばしい匂いに誘われて店に入った。
Drawn in by the appetizing aroma, I entered the shop.
To focus on the visual presentation that makes food look tempting.
Explicitly states that the appearance is appetizing. Often used when the actual taste is unknown.
見た目がおいしそうだけど、味はどうかな。
It looks appetizing, but I wonder how it tastes.
Describes food with an appetizing color and luster, often used for fresh produce or well-prepared dishes.
色つやがよくて、とてもおいしそうな野菜だ。
The vegetables have an appetizing color and shine.
There is no single Japanese adjective that directly corresponds to 'appetizing' in all contexts. Using a dictionary translation like 食欲をそそる in casual conversation can sound overly formal or unnatural. Stick to おいしそう for most situations.
おいしそう is neutral and can be used by anyone. うまそう is more casual and often used by men, though women may use it in very informal settings. In polite conversation, always use おいしそうです.