Translation guide
The most common and natural way to say something tastes good in Japanese is おいしい (oishii). However, Japanese has many nuanced expressions for deliciousness depending on context, formality, and the type of food.
Expressing that food or drink tastes good in everyday conversation.
The standard, all-purpose word for 'delicious'. Safe for most situations.
このラーメン、おいしい！
This ramen is delicious!
昨日食べたケーキはとてもおいしかった。
The cake I ate yesterday was very delicious.
Casual, often used by men. Can sound rough or masculine. Also means 'skillful', but context makes it clear.
この寿司、うまいな！
This sushi is so good!
Literary or formal word for 'delicious', often used in writing or refined contexts.
この店の料理はまさに美味だ。
The food at this restaurant is truly delicious.
Expressing deliciousness in polite or formal settings, such as when speaking to superiors or in business contexts.
Polite form of おいしい. Use this in formal situations or with people you don't know well.
このお茶はとてもおいしいです。
This tea is very delicious.
Very formal, humble expression. Rarely used in modern speech, mostly in traditional settings or by older speakers.
お料理、おいしゅうございます。
The food is delicious (very formal).
Going beyond 'delicious' to describe why something tastes good, such as texture, richness, or freshness.
Sweet. Use for desserts, fruits, or sweet sauces.
このイチゴはあまくておいしい。
These strawberries are sweet and delicious.
Salty (often in a good way, like savory snacks). Can also mean 'too salty' depending on context.
Rich, full-bodied flavor. Often used for broths, stews, or coffee.
この味噌汁はこくがあっておいしい。
This miso soup has a rich flavor and is delicious.
Light, refreshing taste. Good for salads, citrus, or light soups.
このサラダはさっぱりしていておいしい。
This salad is light and delicious.
Juicy. Borrowed from English, commonly used for meat, fruit, etc.
Commenting on food that appears appetizing before tasting.
Looks delicious. The そう form indicates appearance or hearsay.
わあ、そのケーキおいしそう！
Wow, that cake looks delicious!
Appetizing, mouth-watering. More descriptive and slightly formal.
この料理の香りは食欲をそそる。
The aroma of this dish is mouth-watering.
Emphasizing that something is exceptionally delicious.
Very delicious. Simple and common intensifier.
このピザはとてもおいしい。
This pizza is very delicious.
Extremely delicious. More casual than とても.
このラーメン、すごくおいしい！
This ramen is super delicious!
The best, most delicious. 最高 means 'the best'.
このチョコレートケーキは最高においしい。
This chocolate cake is the most delicious.
Exquisite, superb. Often used in reviews or food writing.
Describing a pleasant food aroma.
Smells good. General phrase for pleasant smells, including food.
何かいいにおいがする。
Something smells delicious.
Aromatic, fragrant (often roasted or toasted). Used for coffee, toasted bread, etc.
パンが焼ける香ばしいにおい。
The delicious smell of bread baking.
Expressing that food tastes good because it reminds you of home or childhood.
Nostalgic taste. Implies the food brings back fond memories.
この味噌汁はなつかしい味がする。
This miso soup tastes deliciously nostalgic.
Taste of mother's home cooking. Evokes comfort and deliciousness.
この煮物はおふくろの味だ。
This simmered dish tastes like mom's delicious cooking.
In English, 'delicious' can sometimes be used metaphorically (e.g., 'delicious irony'). In Japanese, おいしい is almost exclusively for food and drink. Do not use it for abstract concepts.
おいしい is neutral and can be used by anyone. うまい is more casual and often masculine. Women may use うまい, but it can sound rough. In formal situations, stick to おいしいです.
When you've finished eating, use the past tense おいしかった to express that it was delicious. This is very common after a meal.
ごちそうさまでした。おいしかったです。
Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.
このスープはおいしいです。
This soup is delicious.
それ、おいしそう！
That looks delicious!
ここの寿司は本当においしい。
The sushi here is really good.
このポテトチップスはしょっぱくてやめられない。
These potato chips are so salty and addictive.
このハンバーグはジューシーでおいしい。
This hamburger steak is juicy and delicious.
この店の刺身は絶品だ。
The sashimi at this restaurant is exquisite.