Translation guide
A small amount of food eaten between meals, or a light, casual meal. Japanese has several words depending on context, formality, and type of food.
A small, casual bite to eat between main meals, like chips, fruit, or sweets.
The most common word for a snack, especially in the afternoon. Often associated with children or a break time. Can refer to sweets, fruit, or light savory items.
I ate cookies for my 3 o'clock snack.
A more formal or health-conscious term for eating between meals. Often used in contexts like dieting or nutrition.
Loanword from English, often used for packaged snacks like potato chips, or in compound words. Can also refer to a snack bar (a type of bar).
Literally 'light meal'. Can be used for a snack, but often implies something slightly more substantial, like a sandwich or onigiri. More common in written or formal contexts.
Packaged, often savory, crunchy snack items.
A light meal that is not a full lunch or dinner, often eaten on the go or as a quick bite.
The action of eating between meals.
The verb form of 'snacking'. Often used in health or diet contexts.
おやつ is the everyday word for a snack, especially in the afternoon. 間食 is more formal and often used in health contexts. If you're talking about a child's snack time, use おやつ. If you're discussing dietary habits, 間食 is better.
Give the kids a snack.
I usually have a snack around 3 p.m.
I have fruit as a snack.
間食を控えています。
I'm cutting down on snacking.
スナック菓子を買った。
I bought some snack foods.
軽食をとりましょう。
Let's have a light snack.
The standard term for packaged snack foods like potato chips, corn puffs, etc.
You'll gain weight if you only eat junk food snacks.
General word for sweets and snacks. Often implies sweet things, but can include savory snacks. Very common.
I ate too many snacks.
Used for a light meal like a sandwich, salad, or onigiri. Common in cafes or when you don't want a full meal.
I had a light snack at a cafe.
A casual phrase meaning 'a little something' to eat. Used when the food is not a full meal.
Would you like a little snack?
Fast food, which can be considered a snack in some contexts, but usually refers to a quick meal.
I was a bit hungry so I grabbed some fast food.
I try not to snack.
The most natural way to say 'have a snack' in casual conversation.
Let's have a snack.
Means 'to nibble' or 'to pick at' food. Often used for casually eating small snacks, especially with drinks.
I snacked on some treats while watching a movie.
Snacking is not good for your health.
Be careful: スナック (sunakku) often refers to a type of small, hostess bar in Japan. When you mean snack food, it's safer to say スナック菓子 or お菓子.
I drank at a snack bar.
She bought some snacks at the convenience store.