Translation guide
In British English, 'pub' refers to a public house, a social drinking establishment. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through various terms depending on the style, atmosphere, and whether food is served. The most common equivalent is 'izakaya', a casual Japanese-style pub that serves alcohol and a variety of small dishes. Other terms like 'pabu' (a Western-style pub), 'sakaba', and 'nomiya' cover different nuances.
A relaxed, often lively place to drink alcohol and eat a variety of small shared dishes, similar to a British pub but with Japanese food and atmosphere.
The most common and direct equivalent. An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub where you order drinks and a variety of small dishes to share. It's a social spot for after-work gatherings or casual nights out.
今夜、居酒屋に行かない？
Want to go to a pub tonight?
あの居酒屋は料理が美味しい。
That pub has great food.
A loanword from English, used for Western-style pubs, especially those serving British or Irish beer and pub food. Often implies a more international or themed atmosphere.
駅前に新しいパブができた。
A new pub opened in front of the station.
A general term for a drinking establishment, often with a slightly old-fashioned or rustic feel. Can be used for small, local bars as well.
彼はよく酒場で時間を過ごす。
He often spends time at the pub.
A casual, sometimes slightly rough term for a drinking place. Often implies a small, local bar rather than a full-service pub.
この辺りには飲み屋が多い。
There are a lot of pubs around here.
A pub that serves British or Irish beer, often with a traditional atmosphere, possibly in Japan or abroad.
The standard term for a British or Irish pub. When Japanese people say 'pabu', they often picture a place with Guinness, fish and chips, and a cozy, wooden interior.
ロンドンで本格的なパブに行った。
I went to an authentic pub in London.
Specifically an Irish pub. Often used for themed pubs in Japan that serve Irish beer and food.
渋谷のアイリッシュパブでギネスを飲んだ。
I drank Guinness at an Irish pub in Shibuya.
Emphasizing the social function of a pub as a place to meet friends, relax, and chat over drinks.
In Japanese, the social aspect is often implied by the place name. You can add phrases like '友達と' (with friends) or '飲みに行く' (go for a drink) to emphasize the social element.
友達と居酒屋で楽しく飲んだ。
I had a good time drinking with friends at the pub.
居酒屋 (izakaya) is a Japanese-style pub with a wide range of Japanese food and drinks, often with a lively atmosphere. パブ (pabu) refers to a Western-style pub, typically serving beer, cocktails, and pub food like fish and chips. If you want a British pub experience, use パブ. For a local Japanese drinking and dining experience, use 居酒屋.
居酒屋で焼き鳥を食べた。
I ate yakitori at a Japanese pub.
パブでフィッシュアンドチップスを注文した。
I ordered fish and chips at the pub.
In Japanese, a 'bar' (バー) is usually a smaller, more intimate place focusing on cocktails or whiskey, often with a counter. A 'pub' implies a more casual, social atmosphere with food. Don't use パブ for a high-end cocktail bar.
あそこはバーで、パブじゃない。
That's a bar, not a pub.