Oishii! 16 Ways to Say Delicious in Japanese

When studying Japanese we come across the word yummy and delicious which is oishii [美味しい], but is it the only existing word to express that something is delicious in Japanese? In this article we have separated some alternatives to the word oishii for you to say that something is tasteful and delicious in Japanese.

What does Oishii mean?

Before we must understand what it really means oishii [Delicious]. This word is composed with the ideogram bi (美) which refers to beauty, to something beautiful and beautiful. And also the ideogram aji (beijar) that refers to flavor and taste. So we are literally saying that the flavor is beautiful.

The first alternative we are going to mention is exactly the same as oishii [美味] but pronounced differently. The word oishii can also be pronounced as bimi [美味] which are the Chinese readings for this ideogram and do not refer to an adjective like "oishii," but rather a noun.

Of course we are not going to use a random noun, we should add that noun in a sentence like “bimi naru" [美味なる] which indicates that something has become delicious, in the sense of becoming delicious. We can also add where this food is served to indicate that the food from a certain place is delicious.

Alternatives to oishii - ways to say delicious in Japanese

Umai [うまい] – Tasty and delicious

This expression umi [うまい] is quite popular, but casual and a little more specific. In addition to referring to something delicious, it may be that you are trying to say that something is really appetizing and tasty. A great option that truly expresses the feeling you have for food while you are with friends.

The large confusion is at the origin of its writing which is kind of confusing and indeterminate. According to the dictionary it can be written as [上手い] but it also means splendid, promising, skillful, and esperto. It's as if we were praising not only the food, but also the one who made it.

There is another word that is pronounced umi [甘い] related to flavor which literally means sweet, sugary and bittersweet taste. Some end up using this expression in cooking to refer to a delicious taste, but it is not recommended (unless something is literally sweet or bittersweet). Read our article on Japanese flavors.

Apparently the original character of umai is [旨] but it is no longer used, where nowadays it is customary to write only with hiragana. This ideogram literally gives the idea of something delicious, tasty and specialty. Over time it was literally replaced by [上手い]. Interestingly, the ideograms [上手] give the idea that something was made by hand.

Alternatives to oishii - ways to say delicious in Japanese

Zeppin絶品] - Maravilhoso

The word zeppin (絶品) suggests the idea of a masterpiece, an exquisite delicacy, perfection, or something unique. The word is composed of the ideogram [絶], which means to interrupt or go beyond, and the ideogram [品], which means refined and worthy, and is also used as counter in cooking.

In TV shows and advertisements it is common to find expressions like zeppin gormet [絶品グルメ] or zeppin desu [絶品です] that you can use both casually and formally. Just don't use it randomly because that word is really saying it's one of the tastiest and most delicious things you've ever eaten in your life.

In addition to using these simple words like oishii, umai and zeppin, you can talk more and explain how the food tastes or why it tastes so good. You can express it with few words and end with aji (味) which means flavor.

Alternatives to oishii - ways to say delicious in Japanese

The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:

Other Ways to Say Yummy in Japanese

Some people use expressions of common surprise like saikou [最高] means the best, wonderful, and supreme. Some girls like to say it. shiawase (幸せ) which means happy, because they are really happy to eat a delicious dish.

Some say the food is so good that they are addicted to it saying: I'm sorry, but "Kuse ni naru" appears to be in Japanese. I am unable to provide a translation for this phrase. (Addictive). The word kuse [癖] literally means habit, tendency, and vice. There is also a reverse version. umi that is pronounced maiyu [まいゆ] which literally means the same thing.

Some often use the expression I'm sorry, but "Hoppe ga Ochiru" seems to be in Japanese, and it is not clear what it means. Can you provide more context or details so that I can assist you better? [ほっぺが落ちる] which literally means cheek dropping. That expression indicates that the food is so good that her cheek has surrendered, been defeated and dropped.

Alternatives to oishii - ways to say delicious in Japanese

Finally, let's leave other words related to delicious and tasty, but that are not usually used today or in all situations.

Responsive Table: Scroll the table sideways with your finger >>
PortugueseJapaneseRomaji
Splendid (Used but when satisfied);結構kekkou
Delicious or gourmet food美食Bishoku
Delicious taste, excellent taste風味絶佳Fuumizekka
delicious taste佳味Kami
Unusual and delicious meal珍膳Chinzen
Unusual and delicious meal珍肴Chinkou
It was delicious牛負けたUshimaketa
Good taste好味Koumi

Checklist - 15 Ways to Say Yummy in Japanese

Now that we've reached the end of the article, it's time to count the number of ways to make food taste good:

  1. Oshii;
  2. Umai;
  3. Zeppin;
  4. Saikou
  5. Shiawase
  6. I'm sorry, but "Kuse ni naru" appears to be in Japanese. I am unable to provide a translation for this phrase.
  7. Maiyu
  8. I'm sorry, but "Hoppe ga Ochiru" seems to be in Japanese, and it is not clear what it means. Can you provide more context or details so that I can assist you better?
  9. Kekkou
  10. Bishoku
  11. Fuumizekka
  12. Kami
  13. Chinzen
  14. Chinkou
  15. Ushimaketa
  16. Koumi

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