Translation guide
The most common Japanese word for beer is ビール. In casual settings, you can also use 生 for draft beer. Ordering beer is straightforward, but knowing a few related terms will help you sound natural.
ビール
beer
Referring to beer in general, ordering beer, or talking about beer as a beverage.
The standard word for beer. Used in all contexts, from casual to formal.
ビールをください。
A beer, please.
冷たいビールが飲みたい。
I want to drink a cold beer.
Draft beer. Often shortened to 生 in casual settings.
生ビールはありますか？
Do you have draft beer?
Short for 生ビール. Very common in izakaya and casual restaurants.
とりあえず生！
I'll start with a draft beer!
Specifying a type of beer, such as lager, ale, or craft beer.
Local or craft beer. Often used for microbrews from a specific region.
この地ビールはとても美味しい。
This local beer is very delicious.
Dark beer or stout. Literally 'black beer'.
Phrases for ordering beer, specifying size, or asking about availability.
Standard way to order a beer. Can be made more polite by adding お願いします.
ビールをお願いします。
A beer, please.
A common phrase meaning 'I'll start with a beer.' Often used when sitting down at an izakaya.
とりあえずビールで。
I'll have a beer for now.
Large bottle of beer (usually 633ml). Sometimes used when ordering bottled beer.
In casual settings, you can simply say 生 (nama) for draft beer. It's very common and sounds natural.
生ください。
Draft beer, please.
Craft beer. A more modern term, often used for artisanal or imported craft beers.
最近クラフトビールにハマっています。
I've been into craft beer lately.
黒ビールは苦味が強い。
Dark beer has a strong bitterness.
大瓶でお願いします。
A large bottle, please.