Translation guide
Expresses the act of eating a meal. Japanese uses specific verbs for eating and drinking, and the choice depends on formality and context.
To eat a meal in a neutral or informal context.
The most direct and common way to say 'have a meal'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
一緒に食事をしませんか。
Would you like to have a meal together?
I had a meal with a friend yesterday.
Very common in casual conversation. Literally 'eat rice/meal', but used for any meal.
もうご飯食べた？
Have you eaten already?
今夜は外でご飯を食べよう。
Let's eat out tonight.
The basic verb 'to eat'. Can be used alone when the object is clear from context.
もう食べた？
Have you eaten already?
Slightly more formal than 食事をする. Often used in written language or polite speech.
規則正しく食事を取りましょう。
Let's have meals regularly.
To express having a meal in a polite or formal setting, such as business or with superiors.
Honorific expression for 'have a meal', used when speaking about someone of higher status.
社長はもうお食事をなさいましたか。
Has the company president already had a meal?
Honorific verb for 'eat' or 'drink'. Can be used alone when the context is clear.
どうぞ召し上がってください。
Please have a meal (eat).
Humble verb for 'eat' or 'drink', used when speaking about one's own actions.
To suggest or describe sharing a meal with someone, often with a social nuance.
Standard way to say 'have a meal together'.
今度一緒に食事をしましょう。
Let's have a meal together sometime.
Formal term for a business meal or dining meeting. Not used in casual contexts.
取引先と会食した。
I had a meal with a client.
To have a quick or light meal, often on the go.
Means 'to eat lightly'. Used when you want a small meal or snack.
時間がないから、軽く食べよう。
We don't have much time, so let's grab a quick bite.
To finish a meal quickly. Emphasizes speed.
駅前でさっと食事を済ませた。
I grabbed a quick meal in front of the station.
The English phrase 'have a meal' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the verbs and phrases provided instead.
食べる is the general verb 'to eat' and can be used for any food. 食事をする specifically refers to having a proper meal. In casual speech, ご飯を食べる is very common.
先にいただきます。
I'll have a meal first (before you).