Translation guide
The act of eating food outside of main meal times, often as a snack or light bite.
To eat a small amount of food between main meals, often casually.
The most common and neutral verb for eating between meals, implying a light snack.
間食しすぎると太るよ。
If you snack too much, you'll gain weight.
彼はいつも間食している。
He is always eating between meals.
To eat between meals in a stealthy or guilty manner, often when one shouldn't.
To eat on the sly, sneak a bite. Carries a nuance of guilt or doing something forbidden.
冷蔵庫からケーキを盗み食いした。
I sneaked some cake from the fridge.
To eat small amounts repeatedly throughout the day, often without structured meals.
To eat continuously in a lazy, unending manner. Often used negatively for mindless snacking.
休日はだらだら食べてしまう。
On my days off, I end up eating nonstop.
間食 (かんしょく) is the general act of eating between meals, while おやつ refers specifically to a snack, especially the traditional afternoon snack. おやつ is more casual and often used with children.
The English phrase 'eating between meals' can sound unnatural if translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the verbs and phrases above depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Specifically refers to eating a snack, often in the afternoon (like the traditional 3pm snack). Very common in daily conversation.
子供たちはおやつを食べている。
The kids are eating a snack.
3時のおやつにクッキーを食べた。
I ate cookies for my 3 o'clock snack.
To nibble or pick at food casually, often with fingers. Implies light, informal eating.
テレビを見ながらポテトチップスをつまんだ。
I nibbled on potato chips while watching TV.
To eat lightly, often used when you want a small bite without a full meal.
お昼まで待てないから、軽く食べよう。
I can't wait until lunch, so let's eat something light.
To eat secretly or quietly, without the nuance of theft but still hidden.
会議中にこっそりお菓子を食べた。
I secretly ate a snack during the meeting.
To eat in small bits frequently. Less negative than だらだら, more about frequent small snacks.
彼女は一日中ちょこちょこ食べている。
She snacks on and off all day long.