Translation guide
The English word 'relish' can refer to a condiment, enjoyment, or a verb meaning to enjoy or look forward to something. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To express that someone takes great pleasure or delight in something, often with enthusiasm.
A general and natural way to say 'enjoy' or 'take pleasure in' something. It can be used for activities, experiences, or moments.
彼は新しい仕事を楽しんでいる。
He is relishing his new job.
I relished the vacation from the bottom of my heart.
Means to fully enjoy or savor something, often used for experiences like travel, food, or leisure. It implies a deep, thorough enjoyment.
彼女は一人旅を満喫した。
She relished her solo trip.
Literally 'to taste', but can be used metaphorically to mean 'savor' or 'relish' an experience or feeling. Often implies a mindful appreciation.
彼は成功の喜びを味わった。
He relished the joy of success.
Means 'to be pleased/happy about', but can convey relishing something when combined with adverbs like 大いに (greatly). Less direct than 楽しむ.
彼はその知らせを大いに喜んだ。
He relished the news greatly.
To express that someone is eagerly anticipating or relishing the thought of a future event.
The most common way to say 'look forward to' something. It conveys anticipation and eagerness.
週末を楽しみにしている。
I'm relishing the weekend.
彼はその試合を楽しみにしていた。
He was relishing the match.
Means to eagerly await or look forward to something with heartfelt anticipation. Slightly more emotional than 楽しみにする.
彼女は春の訪れを心待ちにしている。
She is relishing the arrival of spring.
Expresses that something feels long-awaited and is eagerly anticipated. Often used for events that seem far off.
夏休みを待ち遠しく思う。
I'm relishing the thought of summer vacation.
To refer to the food item 'relish', typically a pickled or chopped condiment.
The direct loanword for 'relish' as a condiment. Commonly understood in contexts like hot dogs or burgers.
ホットドッグにレリッシュをかけてください。
Please put relish on the hot dog.
Often used for pickled vegetables, but can overlap with relish in some contexts. Note that Japanese ピクルス usually refers to whole or sliced pickles, not a chopped condiment.
Not a direct equivalent; use レリッシュ for the specific condiment.
このピクルスは甘い。
This relish is sweet. (if referring to a pickle-like condiment)
General term for a side dish or condiment served with a meal. Can include relish but is not specific.
To express relishing the taste of something, eating or drinking with great enjoyment.
Means to eat something while savoring the taste. Emphasizes mindful enjoyment of food.
彼は一口一口を味わって食べた。
He relished every bite.
Means to fully enjoy or appreciate something, often used for food, drink, or experiences. Implies a luxurious or thorough enjoyment.
彼女は高級ワインを堪能した。
She relished the fine wine.
To savor something slowly and carefully. Often used for food, drink, or experiences that deserve attention.
彼はコーヒーをじっくり味わった。
He relished the coffee slowly.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'relish'. Instead, use phrases like 楽しむ, 満喫する, or 味わう depending on the nuance. Avoid literal translations like 'レリッシュする', which is not used.
彼は挑戦を楽しんだ。
He relished the challenge.
楽しむ is the most general 'enjoy'. 味わう emphasizes savoring or appreciating deeply, often used for tastes or experiences. 満喫する implies fully enjoying something to the fullest, often used for leisure or luxury.
旅行を楽しむ (general enjoyment)
enjoy the trip
景色を味わう (savoring the scenery)
relish the scenery
休日を満喫する (fully relishing the holiday)
relish the holiday to the fullest
肉料理の付け合わせとしてレリッシュが出された。
Relish was served as a side dish with the meat.