Translation guide
The most common and natural way to say something is tasty in Japanese is おいしい (oishii). There are also more casual, formal, or nuanced expressions depending on the situation.
Expressing that food or drink tastes good in everyday conversation.
The standard, all-purpose word for 'tasty' or 'delicious'. Used by all ages and in most situations.
This ramen is tasty!
Thank you for the tasty meal.
A more casual, often masculine way to say 'tasty'. Commonly used among friends. Can sound rough if used in polite settings.
This sushi is so tasty!
A more formal or literary term for 'delicious', often used in written descriptions or on menus. Pronounced びみ.
This restaurant is known for its tasty cuisine.
Expressing that food is tasty in a more polite or formal context, such as when speaking to superiors or in business settings.
The polite form of おいしい. Use this when speaking politely.
This cake is very tasty.
An extremely polite, almost archaic form. Rarely used except in very formal traditional settings like tea ceremonies.
The tea is delicious.
Adding emphasis to show that something is extremely tasty.
Simply add とても (very) before おいしい.
This pasta is really tasty!
A very casual, emphatic way to say 'super tasty'. めちゃくちゃ means 'extremely'.
This ramen is crazy tasty!
Means 'the best tasting' or 'incredibly delicious'. 最高 (さいこう) means 'the best'.
This chocolate is the tastiest!
Going beyond general 'tasty' to describe why something tastes good, such as being flavorful or having a rich taste.
Short, informal expressions used when tasting something delicious, often said spontaneously.
While うまい is common among friends, it can sound too rough or masculine in formal settings or when speaking to superiors. Stick with おいしい or おいしいです.
To say something was tasty, use the past tense: おいしかった (casual) or おいしかったです (polite).
Yesterday's pasta was tasty.