Translation guide
The English phrase 'dish out' has two main uses: literally serving food, and figuratively distributing something (often criticism, punishment, or money). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
To put food onto plates or into bowls for people to eat.
The most direct equivalent for dishing out food onto plates or bowls, focusing on the action of arranging and serving.
My mother dished out dinner onto plates.
Commonly used for serving rice or soup into bowls. More specific than '盛り付ける'.
To divide and serve food from a shared dish into individual portions. Emphasizes the distribution aspect.
To give out something, often liberally or in large amounts, especially things like criticism, punishment, advice, or money.
General verb for distributing physical items or abstract things like criticism. Works in many contexts.
Do not translate 'dish out' literally as '皿を出す' (to take out a plate). This does not convey the meaning of serving food or distributing something.
Please dish out the rice.
Let's dish out the salad.
He's always dishing out advice.
To shower someone with something, often criticism, abuse, or questions. Stronger and more aggressive than '配る'.
The boss dished out criticism to him.
To scatter or distribute widely, often used for money or promises in a somewhat negative sense (e.g., vote-buying).
The politician dished out money.
To treat someone to something, like food or drink, or to behave in a certain way. Can be used for 'dishing out' hospitality or generosity.
He dished out sake to his friends.