Translation guide
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish. The word is used in English as a loanword, so it often refers to the same thing. This guide covers how to talk about ramen naturally in Japanese.
ラーメン
ramen
Referring to ramen as a food, ordering it, or discussing types.
The standard Japanese word for ramen. Used in all contexts.
ラーメンが食べたい。
I want to eat ramen.
この店のラーメンは美味しい。
This shop's ramen is delicious.
Literally 'Chinese noodles', an older term for ramen still used in some shop names or traditional contexts.
昔ながらの中華そばが好きです。
I like old-fashioned Chinese noodles.
Specifying the broth or style of ramen.
Attach the flavor or style before ラーメン. Common flavors: 醤油 (soy sauce), 味噌 (miso), 塩 (salt), 豚骨 (tonkotsu/pork bone).
醤油ラーメンをください。
I'll have soy sauce ramen.
味噌ラーメンが一番好きです。
I like miso ramen the best.
Dipping noodles, where cold noodles are dipped into a separate hot broth. A popular ramen variant.
夏はつけ麺が食べたい。
In summer, I want to eat dipping noodles.
Phrases for ordering ramen and specifying preferences.
Standard way to order ramen. Add specifics before ラーメン.
醤油ラーメンをください。
I'll have soy sauce ramen, please.
Requesting firm noodles. Common customizations: 硬め (firm), 柔らかめ (soft), 多め (extra noodles).
麺硬めでお願いします。
Firm noodles, please.
The English word 'ramen' comes directly from Japanese ラーメン, so you can use it as is. However, in Japanese, it's always pronounced with Japanese sounds (rah-men, not ray-men).