Translation guide
The act of eating food outside of main meal times, often as a snack or light bite.
To eat a small amount of food between main meals, often casually.
The most common and neutral verb for eating between meals, implying a light snack.
間食しすぎると太るよ。
If you snack too much, you'll gain weight.
彼はいつも間食している。
He is always eating between meals.
Specifically refers to eating a snack, often in the afternoon (like the traditional 3pm snack). Very common in daily conversation.
子供たちはおやつを食べている。
The kids are eating a snack.
3時のおやつにクッキーを食べた。
I ate cookies for my 3 o'clock snack.
To nibble or pick at food casually, often with fingers. Implies light, informal eating.
テレビを見ながらポテトチップスをつまんだ。
I nibbled on potato chips while watching TV.
To eat lightly, often used when you want a small bite without a full meal.
お昼まで待てないから、軽く食べよう。
I can't wait until lunch, so let's eat something light.
To eat between meals in a stealthy or guilty manner, often when one shouldn't.
To eat on the sly, sneak a bite. Carries a nuance of guilt or doing something forbidden.
冷蔵庫からケーキを盗み食いした。
I sneaked some cake from the fridge.
To eat secretly or quietly, without the nuance of theft but still hidden.
会議中にこっそりお菓子を食べた。
I secretly ate a snack during the meeting.
To eat small amounts repeatedly throughout the day, often without structured meals.
To eat continuously in a lazy, unending manner. Often used negatively for mindless snacking.
休日はだらだら食べてしまう。
On my days off, I end up eating nonstop.
To eat in small bits frequently. Less negative than だらだら, more about frequent small snacks.
彼女は一日中ちょこちょこ食べている。
She snacks on and off all day long.
間食 (かんしょく) is the general act of eating between meals, while おやつ refers specifically to a snack, especially the traditional afternoon snack. おやつ is more casual and often used with children.
The English phrase 'eating between meals' can sound unnatural if translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the verbs and phrases above depending on the nuance you want to convey.