Translation guide
How to talk about Chinese food in Japanese, from general terms to specific dishes and dining situations.
The learner wants to refer to Chinese food in general, as a category of cuisine.
The standard, neutral term for Chinese cuisine. Often shortened to just 中華 in casual contexts.
今夜は中華料理を食べに行きませんか。
How about going out for Chinese food tonight?
Casual abbreviation of 中華料理. Very common in everyday speech and on signs.
昨日は中華を食べた。
I had Chinese food yesterday.
The learner wants to name a particular Chinese dish.
Gyoza (potstickers). Extremely popular in Japan, often pan-fried.
この店の餃子はとてもおいしい。
The gyoza at this restaurant is really delicious.
Ramen, though originally Chinese, is now considered a Japanese dish. Still often associated with Chinese cuisine.
Fried rice. Often called チャーハン as well.
Spring rolls.
The learner wants to refer to Chinese dishes that have been adapted to Japanese tastes.
Refers to casual, often family-run Chinese restaurants in Japan serving Japanized Chinese dishes. Very common term.
町中華でランチを食べた。
I had lunch at a local Chinese eatery.
Literally 'Japanese-style Chinese food'. Used to distinguish from authentic Chinese cuisine.
日本式中華はあっさりしている。
Japanese-style Chinese food is light in flavor.
The learner wants to talk about going to a Chinese restaurant or ordering Chinese food.
Chinese restaurant. Often shortened to 中華屋 or 中華店.
駅前に新しい中華料理店ができた。
A new Chinese restaurant opened in front of the station.
To order Chinese food (for delivery or takeout).
今夜は疲れたから中華を取ろう。
I'm tired tonight, so let's order Chinese food.
In Japan, 'Chinese food' often refers to Japanized versions. If you want authentic Chinese cuisine, you can say 本格中華 (ほんかくちゅうか).
I ordered ramen at the Chinese restaurant.
Mapo tofu, a spicy Sichuan dish very popular in Japan.
麻婆豆腐はご飯が進む。
Mapo tofu goes well with rice.
I tried making fried rice.
春巻きはパリパリしていておいしい。
Spring rolls are crispy and delicious.