Translation guide
The English word 'menu' can refer to a list of food/drink options, a list of options in software, or a set of choices in general. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is メニュー, but other words are used depending on context.
To refer to the physical or digital list of dishes and drinks available at a restaurant or café.
The most common and versatile word for 'menu' in a restaurant context. It can refer to the physical menu, the items on it, or a set meal.
メニューを見せてください。
Please show me the menu.
このレストランのメニューは豊富です。
This restaurant has an extensive menu.
Refers to a planned menu or a set of dishes for a meal, often used in contexts like school lunches, home cooking, or formal dining. It emphasizes the selection and planning of dishes.
今日の献立は何ですか？
What's on the menu today?
A polite, traditional term for a menu, often used in high-end Japanese restaurants or ryotei. It literally means 'list of items'.
お品書きを拝見できますか？
May I see the menu?
To refer to a list of commands or options in a computer program, app, or electronic device.
Used exactly like the English 'menu' in computing contexts. It is the standard term for dropdown menus, context menus, etc.
ファイルメニューから「保存」を選んでください。
Please select 'Save' from the File menu.
設定メニューを開く。
Open the settings menu.
To refer to a range of things that someone can choose from, not limited to food or software.
Means 'options' or 'choices'. It is used when talking about a set of alternatives, like a menu of services or possibilities.
我々にはいくつかの選択肢がある。
We have several options on the menu.
選択肢を増やす。
Expand the menu of options.
Can be used metaphorically for a range of choices, similar to English. Common in business or service contexts.
メニュー is the default, all-purpose word for a restaurant menu. 献立 is more about the planned composition of a meal and is used in contexts like school lunches or home cooking. お品書き is a very polite, traditional term found in high-end Japanese restaurants.
メニュー is widely understood in Japanese for any kind of list of options, including services, courses, or even life choices. However, 選択肢 is more precise when emphasizing the act of choosing among alternatives.
メニューを見せていただけますか？
Could I see the menu, please?
メニューにはベジタリアン向けの料理がたくさんあります。
The menu has a lot of vegetarian options.
ヘルプメニューをクリックしてください。
Click on the Help menu.
Please take a look at our menu of services.