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.
Referring to ramen as a food, ordering it, or discussing types.
The standard Japanese word for ramen. Used in all contexts.
I want to eat ramen.
This shop's ramen is delicious.
Literally 'Chinese noodles', an older term for ramen still used in some shop names or traditional contexts.
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).
I'll have soy sauce ramen.
I like miso ramen the best.
Dipping noodles, where cold noodles are dipped into a separate hot broth. A popular ramen variant.
Phrases for ordering ramen and specifying preferences.
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).
夏はつけ麺が食べたい。
In summer, I want to eat dipping noodles.