Translation guide
In Japanese, 'draught beer' is most commonly referred to as 生ビール (nama biiru), literally 'raw beer'. However, the term can also refer to beer served from a cask or keg, and there are specific terms for different serving styles.
生ビール
draught beer
The most common way to refer to draught beer in everyday conversation, especially in bars and restaurants.
This is the standard term for draught beer. It literally means 'raw beer' and is used to distinguish unpasteurized, keg beer from bottled or canned beer.
生ビールをください。
I'll have a draught beer, please.
この店は生ビールが美味しい。
The draught beer at this place is delicious.
A shortened, casual form of 生ビール, commonly used in izakayas and casual settings.
とりあえず生！
I'll start with a draught beer!
Specifically referring to traditional cask ale served without added gas pressure, often associated with British-style pubs.
A loanword from English 'real ale', used to describe cask-conditioned beer served by hand pump.
あのパブではリアルエールが飲める。
You can drink real ale at that pub.
Literally 'cask draught beer', this term emphasizes that the beer is served from a wooden cask.
樽生ビールは風味が豊かだ。
Cask-conditioned beer has a rich flavor.
Describing the serving method or temperature, such as 'half and half' or 'black and tan'.
A loan phrase for a half-and-half beer, typically a mix of pale ale and stout.
ハーフ＆ハーフを一つください。
One half-and-half, please.
In English, 'draught' and 'draft' are sometimes used interchangeably, but in Japanese, the standard term is always 生ビール (nama biiru). There is no separate term for 'draft beer'.
When you sit down at an izakaya, it's common to say 'とりあえず生！' (toriaezu nama!) meaning 'I'll start with a draught beer!' This is a very natural phrase.