An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub where people enjoy food, drinks and conversation. If you know a few key phrases, you can order smoothly and enjoy the experience even more. In this article, we’ll introduce some such expressions.
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This article is based on a video by Fun Fun Nihongo, our Japanese learning content series.
Getting the Staff’s Attention
すみません、注文いいですか？
- Sumimasen, chūmon ii desu ka?
Excuse me, can I order?
Use this phrase to call the staff and let them know you’re ready to order. “すみません” is also commonly used to politely get someone’s attention.
Ordering Drinks and Food
とりあえず生で！
- Toriaezu nama de!
Draft beer for now, please!
A very common phrase at izakayas. “とりあえず” implies “for now” or “to start with,” and “生” refers to draft beer.
焼き鳥の盛り合わせを塩でください。
- Yakitori no moriawase o shio de kudasai.
Assorted yakitori with salt, please.
You can change “塩” (salt) to “タレ” (sauce) depending on your preference.
Asking About the Menu
ここのおすすめは何ですか？
- Koko no osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?
A useful phrase when you’re not sure what to order.
この料理には、何が入っていますか？
- Kono ryōri ni wa nani ga haitte imasu ka?
What’s in this dish?
Helpful if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. If you want to ask about a specific ingredient, you can also say “~ は入っていますか？” (“~ wa haitte imasu ka?”), meaning “Does this contain ~?”
これは何ですか？
-Kore wa nan desu ka?
What is this?
A very useful phrase when you’re looking at the menu and don’t know what an item is.
Enjoying the Feast
乾杯～！
- Kanpai~!
Cheers!
Say this when you start drinking together. Literally, kanpai means something like “empty the glass,” which is why it’s used for toasts.
レモンを絞ってもいい？
- Remon o shibotte mo ii?
Do you mind if I squeeze the lemon?
Useful when sharing a dish with others.
同じものをもう１つ！
- Onaji mono o mō hitotsu!
One more of the same, please!
An easy and natural way to reorder. You can also say “おかわりください” (“O kawari kudasai”), meaning “Refill, please” or “Another serving, please,” when you want more of the same item, especially for drinks or items that can be easily refilled.
箸をもう１膳ください。
- Hashi o mō ichizen kudasai.
One more pair of chopsticks, please.
おちょこを２つください。
- Ochoko o futatsu kudasai.
Two sake cups, please.
取り皿をもらえますか？
- Torizara o moraemasu ka?
Can I get a small plate?
These phrases are useful when sharing food at the table.
Wrapping Up
ラストオーダーは何時ですか？
- Rasuto ōdā wa nanji desu ka?
When is last call?
Important to know before ordering your final round.
お会計をお願いします。
- Okaikei o onegai shimasu.
Check, please.
Use this when you’re ready to pay. If you want to split the bill, you can say “別々にお願いします” (Betsubetsu ni onegaishimasu), meaning “Separate bills, please.”). If you’re paying together, say “一緒でお願いします” (Issho de onegaishimasu), meaning “Together, please.”
ごちそうさまでした！おいしかったです。
- Gochisōsama deshita! Oishikatta desu.
Thank you for the meal! It was delicious.
A polite and natural way to thank the staff after eating.
Quick Tip
At an izakaya, sharing food is very common. Ordering several small dishes and enjoying them together is part of the experience.
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Performers, Fun Fun Nihongo
Hinaka and Kotone feature in the Fun Fun Nihongo video series, where they share natural Japanese expressions and cultural insights with learners of Japanese.
Instagram: @hinaka_kudo / @kotonefromjapan
