Translation guide
In Japanese, the English word 'cake' is most commonly used as a loanword (ケーキ) and refers to Western-style cakes. Traditional Japanese confections are called 和菓子 (wagashi) and are not referred to as ケーキ. This guide covers how to talk about cake in Japanese, including types, ordering, and related expressions.
Referring to a Western-style cake, such as a birthday cake, sponge cake, or decorated cake.
The most common and natural way to say 'cake' in Japanese. It refers specifically to Western-style cakes.
I ate cake on my birthday.
This cake is very delicious.
Specifying a particular kind of cake, such as chocolate cake, cheesecake, or shortcake.
Attach the flavor or type before のケーキ to specify the kind of cake.
I like chocolate cake.
Referring to a single serving of cake, such as a slice or piece.
Means 'a slice/piece of cake'. 一切れ (ひときれ) is a common counter for slices.
Referring to traditional Japanese sweets, which are not called ケーキ.
Traditional Japanese confections, such as mochi, manju, and yokan. Never called ケーキ.
Expressions like 'a piece of cake' (easy) or 'have your cake and eat it too'.
In Japanese, ケーキ refers only to Western-style cakes. Traditional Japanese sweets like mochi, manju, and yokan are called 和菓子 (wagashi). Calling them ケーキ would be incorrect and confusing.
ケーキ is used for Western cakes (sponge cake, cheesecake, etc.), while 和菓子 covers traditional Japanese confections. If you're not sure, you can ask: これは和菓子ですか、ケーキですか？ (Is this a Japanese sweet or a Western cake?)
Is this a Japanese sweet or a Western cake?
I want to eat cake.
Please give me strawberry cake.
Japanese-style strawberry shortcake, a sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Very popular in Japan.
We eat strawberry shortcake at Christmas.
Cheesecake. Can refer to both baked and rare types.
That shop's cheesecake is exquisite.
Please give me a slice of cake.
Means 'one cake' (a whole cake). Use this when referring to an entire cake, not a slice.
Do not use 一個 for a slice; use 一切れ instead.
I bought a whole cake.
Japanese sweets are also beautiful to look at.
Means 'a piece of cake' or 'very easy'. Literally 'before breakfast'.
That's a piece of cake.
Means 'having your cake and eating it too' or taking only the good parts. Literally 'taking the good parts'.
That's having your cake and eating it too.
Let's buy a cake for the party.
This cake is too sweet.