Translation guide
A small amount of food eaten between meals, or a light, casual meal. Japanese has several words depending on context, formality, and type of food.
A small, casual bite to eat between main meals, like chips, fruit, or sweets.
The most common word for a snack, especially in the afternoon. Often associated with children or a break time. Can refer to sweets, fruit, or light savory items.
3時のおやつにクッキーを食べた。
I ate cookies for my 3 o'clock snack.
おやつは果物にしています。
I have fruit as a snack.
A more formal or health-conscious term for eating between meals. Often used in contexts like dieting or nutrition.
間食を控えています。
I'm cutting down on snacking.
Loanword from English, often used for packaged snacks like potato chips, or in compound words. Can also refer to a snack bar (a type of bar).
スナック菓子を買った。
I bought some snack foods.
Literally 'light meal'. Can be used for a snack, but often implies something slightly more substantial, like a sandwich or onigiri. More common in written or formal contexts.
軽食をとりましょう。
Let's have a light snack.
Packaged, often savory, crunchy snack items.
The standard term for packaged snack foods like potato chips, corn puffs, etc.
スナック菓子ばかり食べていると太るよ。
You'll gain weight if you only eat junk food snacks.
General word for sweets and snacks. Often implies sweet things, but can include savory snacks. Very common.
A light meal that is not a full lunch or dinner, often eaten on the go or as a quick bite.
Used for a light meal like a sandwich, salad, or onigiri. Common in cafes or when you don't want a full meal.
カフェで軽食をとった。
I had a light snack at a cafe.
A casual phrase meaning 'a little something' to eat. Used when the food is not a full meal.
ちょっとしたものを食べませんか？
Would you like a little snack?
The action of eating between meals.
The verb form of 'snacking'. Often used in health or diet contexts.
間食しないようにしている。
I try not to snack.
The most natural way to say 'have a snack' in casual conversation.
おやつを食べよう。
Let's have a snack.
Means 'to nibble' or 'to pick at' food. Often used for casually eating small snacks, especially with drinks.
おやつ is the everyday word for a snack, especially in the afternoon. 間食 is more formal and often used in health contexts. If you're talking about a child's snack time, use おやつ. If you're discussing dietary habits, 間食 is better.
子供におやつをあげる。
Give the kids a snack.
間食は健康に良くない。
Snacking is not good for your health.
Be careful: スナック (sunakku) often refers to a type of small, hostess bar in Japan. When you mean snack food, it's safer to say スナック菓子 or お菓子.
スナックで飲んだ。
I drank at a snack bar.
たいてい午後3時におやつを食べます。
I usually have a snack around 3 p.m.
彼女はコンビニでお菓子を買った。
She bought some snacks at the convenience store.
I ate too many snacks.
Fast food, which can be considered a snack in some contexts, but usually refers to a quick meal.
小腹が空いたからファストフードを食べた。
I was a bit hungry so I grabbed some fast food.
I snacked on some treats while watching a movie.