Translation guide
This guide covers how to talk about eating and drinking in Japanese, from general consumption to specific meals and social contexts.
To talk about eating and drinking in general, or the act of consuming food and beverages.
A noun meaning 'eating and drinking'. Often used in formal contexts, signs, or compound words.
ここでの飲食は禁止されています。
Eating and drinking is prohibited here.
A natural verb phrase meaning 'to eat and drink (and do other things)'. Uses the -tari form to list activities.
パーティーで食べたり飲んだりして楽しみました。
We enjoyed eating and drinking at the party.
A more casual noun for 'eating and drinking', often implying indulgence or a social activity.
週末は家で飲み食いして過ごした。
I spent the weekend eating and drinking at home.
To refer to going out for a meal or drinks, often in a social context.
Noun meaning 'eating out' or 'dining out'. Focuses on the act of eating outside the home.
最近、外食が増えた。
Lately, I've been eating out more.
Literally 'go to drink', but commonly used for going out for drinks (alcohol) with friends or colleagues.
今夜、飲みに行かない？
Want to go out for drinks tonight?
Refers to 'eating around' or trying food at various places, like a food tour.
To talk about having meals or the basic need to eat and drink.
Noun for 'meal' or 'eating'. Can be used as a verb with する to mean 'to have a meal'.
食事の時間ですよ。
It's time to eat.
Literally 'food and drink'. A straightforward way to refer to edibles and beverages.
食べ物と飲み物を買ってきた。
I bought food and drinks.
To indicate that eating and drinking is not allowed, or to ask if it is permitted.
A common sign meaning 'No eating or drinking'. Often seen in trains, libraries, etc.
この電車内は飲食禁止です。
Eating and drinking is prohibited on this train.
Means 'eating and drinking allowed'. Used on signs or in descriptions.
このエリアは飲食可能です。
Eating and drinking is allowed in this area.
The direct translation '食べることと飲むこと' is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and overly explanatory. Use the phrases above instead.
In casual conversation, Japanese often separates eating and drinking into distinct activities. Use 食べたり飲んだりする to imply a mix of both without sounding stiff.
大阪で食べ歩きを楽しんだ。
I enjoyed eating my way through Osaka.