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B1 noun 9 min de lectura

出前

demae

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 出前 en 30 segundos

Explicación 出前 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'Demae' means food delivery. Imagine you are at home and hungry, but you don't want to cook. You can call a restaurant and they will bring food to your house. This is 'Demae.' It is a very useful word for daily life in Japan. You might see it on signs at ramen or sushi shops. A simple way to use it is 'Demae, onegaishimasu' (Delivery, please). Remember, it is only for food. If you want a book or a toy, you don't use this word. It's specifically for yummy meals that are ready to eat right now. Think of it like a magic word that brings pizza or noodles to your door!

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At the A2 level, you should learn the common verbs used with 'Demae.' The most important one is 'toru' (to take/get). So, 'Demae o toru' means 'to order delivery.' You can also use 'tanomu' (to ask/order). For example, 'Sushi no demae o tanomimashita' (I ordered sushi delivery). You will notice that in Japan, delivery people often ride small motorbikes. This is a common sight in Japanese towns. Another thing to know is that 'Demae' is usually for Japanese or Chinese food. For things like McDonald's or Pizza Hut, people might use the English word 'Delivery' (Deribarī) instead, but 'Demae' is the traditional Japanese word everyone understands.

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As a B1 learner, you can start to understand the cultural nuances of 'Demae.' It's not just a service; it's a part of the local community. Traditionally, when you order 'Demae,' the food comes in real plates and bowls, not plastic. After you finish eating, you wash them and put them outside your door. The restaurant will come back later to pick them up! This shows a lot of trust between the shop and the customer. You should also distinguish 'Demae' from 'Haitatsu.' 'Haitatsu' is for general things like mail or packages. 'Demae' is specifically for 'prepared food from a restaurant.' Use 'Demae o toru' when you are suggesting to friends that you should order in because it's raining or you're tired.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'Demae' in various grammatical structures. For instance, using it with the particle 'de' to indicate the method: 'Demae de sumaseru' (to settle for/make do with delivery). You should also be aware of the business side of things. Many restaurants in Japan rely heavily on 'Demae' orders for their revenue. The rise of 'Demae-can' (a major delivery portal) has changed how people use this word, making it more digital. However, the core meaning remains the same. You might also encounter formal expressions like 'Demae o uketamawarimasu' (We accept delivery orders) on shop websites. Understanding these variations helps you navigate both casual and professional Japanese environments.

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For C1 learners, 'Demae' offers a window into the evolution of Japanese service culture. You can discuss the transition from traditional 'Demae' (direct restaurant-to-customer) to modern platform-based 'Deribarī.' While the terms are overlapping, 'Demae' still carries a sense of 'neighborhood service' that 'Deribarī' lacks. You might analyze how the 'Demae' system reflects Japanese values of trust (returning the dishes) and efficiency. In literature or film, the delivery person is a recurring character who sees the private lives of people behind closed doors. You should be able to use the word in complex sentences, such as discussing the logistics of 'Demae' in urban planning or the impact of the gig economy on traditional 'Demae' shops.

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At the C2 level, you possess a deep understanding of the etymological roots and the socio-linguistic placement of 'Demae.' The term, originating from 'going out in front of [the customer],' represents a specific era of Japanese commercial history. You can distinguish between 'Demae,' 'Takuhai,' 'Haitatsu,' and 'Haisō' with precision, choosing the one that best fits the social register and the item being delivered. You might also explore the 'Demae' culture in the context of Japan's aging society—how delivery services are a lifeline for the elderly. Your mastery allows you to use the word metaphorically or in high-level discussions about the 'on-demand' economy, while still appreciating the nostalgic imagery of a soba delivery bike navigating a narrow Tokyo alleyway.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

出前 en 30 segundos

Demae means food delivery from a restaurant to your home.
It is primarily used for traditional Japanese and Chinese meals.
Commonly used with the verbs 'toru' (to take) and 'tanomu' (to order).
Distinct from 'haitatsu' (general delivery) and 'mochikaeri' (takeout).

The Japanese word 出前 (demae) is a quintessential part of Japanese culinary culture, referring specifically to the delivery of prepared food from a restaurant to a customer's home or workplace. Historically, this term conjures images of the Showa era, where delivery men on bicycles or small motorbikes would skillfully balance stacks of lacquer boxes or ramen bowls on their shoulders. While the modern world has seen the rise of international giants like Uber Eats, the word 出前 retains a nostalgic and culturally specific nuance that separates it from generic 'delivery' services. It implies a direct relationship between a local eatery and its neighborhood patrons, often involving the subsequent return of reusable ceramic or lacquer dishes left outside the front door after the meal.

The Etymology of Service: The term is composed of two kanji: 出 (de), meaning 'to go out' or 'to exit,' and 前 (mae), which in this context refers to 'in front of' or 'the portion for.' Originally, it described the act of taking food 'out' to be served 'in front of' the customer at their location. This differs from haitatsu (配達), which is a general term for delivery of any goods, such as mail or parcels.
Social Context and Usage: You will hear 出前 used most frequently in residential settings or small offices. It is the go-to word when someone is too tired to cook, celebrating a small occasion at home, or working late and needing a hearty meal like katsudon, sushi, or ramen. Unlike the English 'ordering in,' which can be vague, 出前 specifically targets the logistical act of the restaurant bringing the food to you.

「今日は雨だし、外に出たくないから出前を取ろうか。」
(It's raining today and I don't want to go out, so shall we get food delivery?)

In contemporary Japan, while deribarī (デリバリー) is increasingly used for Western-style pizza or app-based services, 出前 remains the prestigious and standard term for traditional Japanese cuisine. When you order a high-end sushi set for a family gathering, you are ordering 出前. The word carries a sense of reliability and local community connection. It is also deeply associated with the okamochi, the traditional wooden or aluminum delivery box used to keep food warm and stable during transit.

「お寿司の出前をお願いします。」
(I would like to request a sushi delivery, please.)

Modern Evolution: Even with the digitalization of the economy, the largest food delivery portal in Japan is named Demae-can (出前館), proving that the word is still the dominant mental model for the industry. Whether you are using a smartphone app or calling the local soba shop, the concept of 'Demae' is what bridges the kitchen to your dining table.

Using 出前 (demae) correctly involves understanding its grammatical pairings, primarily with the verbs 取る (toru - to take/get) and 頼む (tanomu - to request/order). Unlike English where we 'order delivery,' in Japanese, you 'take a delivery' or 'ask for a delivery.' This section explores the syntactic structures and common collocations that will make your Japanese sound natural and fluent.

The Standard Pattern: 出前を取る: The most common way to say 'order delivery' is 出前を取る. Here, 取る doesn't mean 'to physically take' but rather 'to obtain a service.' This is very similar to how you might 'take' a meeting or 'take' a call. It is used in casual and polite daily conversation frequently.

「今夜は忙しいから、中華の出前を取ろう。」
(Since I'm busy tonight, let's get Chinese food delivery.)

Another essential verb is 頼む (tanomu), which emphasizes the act of requesting the service. This is particularly useful when you are the one making the call or placing the order on an app. You might also see 注文する (chūmon suru), which is the general word for 'to order,' but 出前を頼む is more specific to the delivery aspect.

Particle Usage with 出前: You can use 出前 as a noun with the particle を (object) or で (means/method). For example, 出前でピザを注文した (I ordered pizza via delivery) uses で to show that the delivery was the method by which the pizza was obtained.

「ラーメンの出前、まだ届かないね。」
(The ramen delivery hasn't arrived yet, has it?)

In a professional or formal setting, such as ordering lunch for a meeting, you would use the polite form 出前をお願いします (demae o onegaishimasu) or 出前を頼みます (demae o tanomimasu). It is also common to specify the type of food before the word 出前, such as 寿司の出前 (sushi delivery) or 蕎麦の出前 (soba delivery).

「会議が長引いたので、お弁当の出前を１０人分頼みました。」
(The meeting ran long, so I ordered bento delivery for 10 people.)

Common Adjectives and Modifiers: You might describe a place as having 'fast delivery' using 出前が早い (demae ga hayai). Conversely, if the food is late, you might say 出前が遅い (demae ga osoi). If a shop doesn't offer the service at all, they will say 出前はやっておりません (demae wa yatte orimasen).

If you spend any significant time in Japan, you will encounter the word 出前 (demae) in a variety of real-world contexts, from the mundane to the highly specific. It is a word that lives in the streets, on the television screen, and within the digital interfaces of modern life. Understanding where and how you'll hear it will help you grasp its cultural weight beyond a simple dictionary definition.

In the Neighborhood: Walk through any residential area in Japan, and you'll eventually see a small motorized scooter with a large, spring-mounted box on the back. This is the 'demae-ki,' the delivery machine. You might hear neighbors chatting: 「あそこのお蕎麦屋さん、出前もやってるの？」 (Does that soba shop over there do delivery too?). The presence of empty bowls on a doorstep is a silent but clear sign that 出前 was enjoyed there recently.

「雨が降ってきたから、出前のバイクが大変そうだね。」
(It started raining, so the delivery bikes look like they're having a tough time.)

In Japanese media, particularly anime and drama, 出前 is often used as a plot device. A character might order a massive amount of ramen delivery to celebrate a victory, or a delivery person might be the one to discover a mystery. The iconic 'Demae-itcho' (出前一丁) instant noodle brand, with its mascot 'Demae-boy,' has made the word a household name even for those who don't order from restaurants frequently.

In the Workplace: In Japanese offices, especially during 'crunch' periods or late-night shifts, 出前 is the lifeblood of the team. A manager might say, 「今日は全員分、出前を取るから好きなものを選んで」 (I'm ordering delivery for everyone today, so pick what you like). This fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared struggle over a hot meal.

「残業のお供に、中華の出前は最高だ。」
(Chinese food delivery is the best companion for overtime work.)

Finally, you will see the word prominently on signs outside small, local restaurants. A simple sticker or sign saying 「出前承ります」 (Demae uketamawarimasu - We accept delivery orders) tells you that this shop is part of the local delivery network. Unlike 'Takeout' (mochikaeri), which requires you to go to the shop, 出前 is the promise of service coming to you.

「あそこの店、出前は一人前からでも受けてくれるよ。」
(That shop over there will even take delivery orders for just one person.)

While 出前 (demae) seems straightforward, English speakers and Japanese learners often trip over its specific boundaries. It is not a universal word for 'delivery,' and using it outside its narrow food-based scope can lead to confusion or unnatural-sounding Japanese. Here are the most frequent pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: The 'Everything' Delivery Error: The biggest mistake is using 出前 for non-food items. If you ordered a book from an online retailer, calling its arrival 出前 is incorrect. For general goods, use 配達 (haitatsu) or 配送 (haisō). 出前 is strictly for food that has been prepared and is ready to eat immediately.

❌ 「Amazonの出前が来た。」 (Incorrect)
✅ 「Amazonの荷物が届いた。」 (Correct: The Amazon package arrived.)

Another common confusion arises between 出前 and 持ち帰り (mochikaeri). 持ち帰り is 'takeout' or 'to go,' where you physically go to the restaurant, buy the food, and carry it away. If you tell a waiter you want 出前 while standing in their shop, they might be confused because 出前 usually implies the order was placed from elsewhere (like your home).

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Demae' with 'Delivery' (Katakana): While they are often interchangeable, デリバリー (deribarī) is usually associated with Western foods like pizza or burgers, or modern app services. 出前 is more traditional. Using 出前 for a high-end French meal might feel slightly 'off' to a native speaker, though it's technically understandable.

「ピザはデリバリー、お寿司は出前というニュアンスの違いがある。」
(There's a nuance where pizza is 'delivery' and sushi is 'demae'.)

Finally, be careful with the verb 送る (okuru - to send). You don't 'send' a 出前 to yourself. The restaurant 'sends' it, but from your perspective, you 'take' (取る) or 'request' (頼む) it. Saying 出前を送ってください to a restaurant is grammatically okay but sounds like you want them to send it to a third party, rather than just delivering your order.

❌ 「出前を送ってください。」 (Awkward)
✅ 「出前をお願いします。」 (Natural: Delivery please.)

To truly master the concept of 出前 (demae), it is helpful to compare it with other Japanese words related to delivery and obtaining food. Japanese is a language of fine distinctions, and choosing the right word for the right context is key to sounding natural.

出前 vs. 配達 (Haitatsu): As mentioned before, 配達 is the broad, umbrella term for delivery. It applies to newspapers (新聞配達), mail (郵便配達), and packages. While 出前 is a type of 配達, you would never use 出前 for a letter. 出前 is warm food; 配達 is objects.
出前 vs. デリバリー (Deribarī): The difference here is largely one of image and origin. デリバリー is a katakana loanword. It feels modern, 'Western,' and is often used for pizza, fried chicken, or third-party apps like Uber Eats. 出前 feels traditional, 'Japanese,' and is used for soba, sushi, and Chinese food (chuuka). However, the line is blurring as apps use both terms.

「最近はデリバリーアプリで出前を頼むのが普通になった。」
(Lately, it's become normal to order 'demae' via 'delivery' apps.)

Other related terms include 宅配 (takuhai) and お取り寄せ (otoriyose). 宅配 usually refers to home delivery of groceries or parcels (宅配便 - takuhaibin). お取り寄せ refers to ordering specialty foods or regional delicacies from far away, often via mail order, rather than a local restaurant.

Comparison Table

出前: Local, prepared food (Soba, Sushi). Traditional feel.
デリバリー: Modern, often Western food or app-based.
配達: General delivery (Mail, Newspaper, Cargo).
宅配: Home parcel delivery (Amazon, Kuroneko Yamato).
持ち帰り: Takeout (Customer picks up).

「この店は出前はやっていないが、持ち帰りはできる。」
(This shop doesn't do delivery, but you can do takeout.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In the past, delivery men used to carry up to 20-30 bowls of noodles stacked on one shoulder while riding a bicycle. Special 'demae-ki' stabilizers were later invented for motorcycles to prevent the soup from spilling.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /deɪ.maɪ/

US /deɪ.maɪ/

Flat (Heiban) - The pitch stays relatively level across both syllables.

Rima con

Namae (Name) Kamae (Posture) Samae (Wandering) Tomae (Front of a door) Mae (Front) Amae (Dependence) Hamae (Beachfront) Umae (Skillful - informal)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'mae' like 'may' (English word). It should be 'mah-eh'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable. Keep it flat.
Confusing 'demae' with 'daimyo' (feudal lord).
Mispelling it as 'demai' in romaji.
Pronouncing 'de' like the English 'the'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Kanji is common but requires knowing 'De' and 'Mae'.

Escritura 3/5

Stroke order for '出' and '前' is standard for intermediate learners.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple and flat.

Escucha 2/5

Easy to distinguish in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

出る (Deru) 前 (Mae) 注文 (Chuumon) 店 (Mise) 料理 (Ryouri)

Aprende después

配達 (Haitatsu) 宅配 (Takuhai) 容器 (Youki) 回収 (Kaishuu) 迅速 (Jinsoku)

Avanzado

流通 (Ryuutsuu) 物流 (Butsuryuu) 需要 (Juuyou) 供給 (Kyoukyuu) 外食産業 (Gaishoku Sangyou)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + を取る (To take/get a service)

出前を取る、休暇を取る、予約を取る。

Noun + で済ませる (To settle with/make do with)

出前で済ませる、パンで済ませる。

Te-form + おく (To do in advance/preparatory)

器を洗っておく。

Noun + 専門 (Specialty/Exclusive)

出前専門、カレー専門。

Counter + 人前 (Portion for X people)

出前を二人前頼む。

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Ejemplos por nivel

出前をお願いします。

Delivery, please.

Noun + particle + verb.

ラーメンの出前です。

It is a ramen delivery.

A is B structure.

出前はありますか？

Do you have delivery?

Question form.

今日はお寿司の出前です。

Today is sushi delivery.

Describing a situation.

出前、まだですか？

Is the delivery not here yet?

Informal question.

出前が来ました！

The delivery came!

Subject + verb.

ピザの出前を頼みます。

I will order pizza delivery.

Object + verb.

出前、おいしいね。

The delivery food is delicious, isn't it?

Adjective + particle.

雨だから出前を取ろう。

It's raining, so let's get delivery.

Volitional form 'torou'.

昨日は中華の出前を頼んだ。

I ordered Chinese delivery yesterday.

Past tense 'tanonda'.

出前のメニューを見せてください。

Please show me the delivery menu.

Request form 'kudasai'.

この店は出前が早いです。

This shop's delivery is fast.

Adjective 'hayai'.

一人で出前を頼むのは寂しい。

Ordering delivery alone is lonely.

Gerund-like 'no wa'.

出前の電話番号を知っていますか？

Do you know the delivery phone number?

Te-form 'shitte imasu'.

お弁当の出前を持ってきました。

I brought the bento delivery.

Compound verb 'motte kimashita'.

出前で晩ご飯を済ませました。

I finished dinner with delivery.

Particle 'de' for method.

出前の器は洗って外に出しておきましょう。

Let's wash the delivery dishes and put them outside.

Te-oku (prepare/do in advance).

忙しくて料理ができない時は、よく出前を利用します。

When I'm too busy to cook, I often use delivery.

Toki (when) clause.

出前を頼むよりも、買いに行った方が安いです。

It's cheaper to go buy it than to order delivery.

Comparison 'yori mo... hou ga'.

最近はスマホのアプリで簡単に出前が取れる。

Lately, you can easily get delivery with smartphone apps.

Potential form 'toreru'.

出前が届くまで、あと３０分くらいかかります。

It will take about 30 more minutes until the delivery arrives.

Made (until) clause.

パーティーのために、大量の寿司を出前した。

I ordered a large amount of sushi for the party.

Demae-suru (verb form).

この蕎麦屋は、昔から出前で有名です。

This soba shop has been famous for its delivery for a long time.

De (reason/basis) + yuumei.

出前を頼む時は、住所を正確に伝えなければならない。

When ordering delivery, you must convey the address accurately.

Nakereba naranai (must).

出前文化は、日本の都市生活に深く根付いています。

Delivery culture is deeply rooted in Japanese urban life.

Deeply rooted 'fukaku nedzuite iru'.

人手不足の影響で、出前を辞める店が増えている。

Due to labor shortages, the number of shops quitting delivery is increasing.

Eikyou de (due to the influence of).

出前を頼む際は、配達料が含まれているか確認すべきだ。

When ordering delivery, you should check if the delivery fee is included.

Sai (formal 'when') + subeki (should).

彼は出前のアルバイトで、街の地理に詳しくなった。

He became familiar with the city's geography through his delivery part-time job.

De (means) + kuwashiku natta.

大雨の中、出前を届けてくれた店員に感謝した。

I felt grateful to the clerk who delivered the food in the heavy rain.

Te-kureta (did for me).

出前専用のメニューには、店内で食べられない品もある。

On the delivery-only menu, there are items you can't eat inside the shop.

Sen'you (exclusive use).

出前を取る頻度が上がると、食費がかさんでしまう。

If the frequency of ordering delivery increases, food expenses pile up.

To (conditional) + kasande shimau.

伝統的な出前は、使い捨ての容器を使わないのが特徴だ。

Traditional delivery is characterized by not using disposable containers.

Tokuchou da (is a characteristic).

出前サービスのデジタル化は、飲食業界の構造を劇的に変えた。

The digitalization of delivery services drastically changed the structure of the food industry.

Gekiteki ni (drastically).

昔ながらの出前は、店主と客の信頼関係の上に成り立っていた。

Old-fashioned delivery was built upon a relationship of trust between the owner and the customer.

No ue ni naritatte ita (was established upon).

出前を効率化するために、AIによるルート最適化が導入されている。

To make delivery efficient, route optimization by AI is being introduced.

Tame ni (in order to).

過疎地では、出前が単なる食事の提供以上の、高齢者の見守り役を果たしている。

In depopulated areas, delivery plays a role beyond just providing meals—it serves as a check-in for the elderly.

Ijou no (more than).

出前の需要が急増したことで、配達員の労働環境が社会問題化している。

With the sudden surge in delivery demand, the working environment for delivery workers has become a social issue.

Koto de (because of/by).

高級レストランが提供する出前は、自宅での食事に贅沢な彩りを添える。

Delivery provided by high-end restaurants adds a luxurious touch to meals at home.

Irodori o soeru (add color/flair).

出前において、料理の温度と品質を維持することは、技術的な挑戦である。

In delivery, maintaining the temperature and quality of the food is a technical challenge.

Ni oite (in/regarding).

出前が普及する一方で、路面店の活気が失われることを危惧する声もある。

While delivery becomes widespread, some voices express concern about the loss of vitality in brick-and-mortar shops.

Ippou de (while/on the other hand).

出前という言葉の裏には、江戸時代から続く日本の「粋」なサービス精神が隠されている。

Behind the word 'demae' lies the 'iki' (chic/refined) spirit of Japanese service that has continued since the Edo period.

No ura ni wa (behind the...).

現代のデリバリープラットフォームは、かつての出前が持っていた地域密着型の特性を希薄化させた。

Modern delivery platforms have diluted the community-based characteristics that the 'demae' of the past possessed.

Katsute no (former/past).

出前を「取る」という表現における「取る」の語源的考察は、日本語の動詞の多義性を如実に示している。

Etymological consideration of 'toru' in the expression 'demae o toru' clearly demonstrates the polysemy of Japanese verbs.

Nyojitsu ni (vividly/clearly).

器の回収というプロセスを含む伝統的出前は、究極の循環型経済の先駆けとも言える。

Traditional delivery, which includes the process of collecting dishes, can be called a forerunner of the ultimate circular economy.

To mo ieru (can also be said that).

出前がもたらす「家庭内での外食体験」は、現代社会における家族の団欒のあり方を再定義した。

The 'eating-out experience at home' brought by delivery has redefined the nature of family gatherings in modern society.

Saiteigi (redefine).

出前迅速という四字熟語的な表現は、かつての配送業における至上命題であった。

The phrase 'demae jin-soku' (swift delivery) was the supreme mission in the delivery industry of the past.

Shijou meidai (supreme mission).

出前文化の変遷を辿ることは、日本の都市化と消費行動の変容を分析することに他ならない。

Tracing the transition of delivery culture is nothing less than analyzing the transformation of urbanization and consumer behavior in Japan.

Ni hoka naranai (nothing other than).

出前が単なる利便性の追求を超え、文化的アイデンティティの一部として機能している点は興味深い。

It is interesting that delivery functions as part of a cultural identity, going beyond the mere pursuit of convenience.

Ten wa kyoumibukai (the point is interesting).

Colocaciones comunes

出前を取る

出前を頼む

出前が届く

出前をやっていない

出前迅速

出前メニュー

出前アプリ

出前専門店

出前料金

出前バイク

Frases Comunes

出前一丁

— A famous instant noodle brand; also means 'one order of delivery'.

出前一丁、お願いします！

出前をお願いします

— A polite way to ask for delivery when calling a shop.

もしもし、出前をお願いします。

出前で済ませる

— To settle for delivery as a quick or easy meal option.

疲れたので出前で済ませた。

出前範囲内

— Within the delivery area of a restaurant.

私の家は出前範囲内です。

出前の器

— The dishes used for delivery, often returned to the shop.

出前の器を洗う。

出前を取って食べる

— To order delivery and eat it (at home).

みんなで出前を取って食べた。

出前が遅れる

— The delivery is running late.

雨の日は出前が遅れがちだ。

出前を断る

— To refuse a delivery or for a shop to decline a delivery request.

忙しすぎて出前を断られた。

出前の注文

— A delivery order.

出前の注文が入った。

出前箱

— The box used to carry food for delivery (Okamochi).

出前箱に料理を入れる。

Se confunde a menudo con

出前 vs 配達 (Haitatsu)

Haitatsu is for all goods; Demae is only for food.

出前 vs 宅配 (Takuhai)

Takuhai usually refers to parcel delivery services like FedEx or Kuroneko.

出前 vs 持ち帰り (Mochikaeri)

Mochikaeri is takeout; you have to go get it yourself.

Modismos y expresiones

"出前迅速"

— Delivering food extremely quickly; often used as a shop's selling point.

この店は出前迅速で有名だ。

Neutral

"出前を取る"

— To order food delivery (idiomatic usage of 'toru').

今日は出前を取ろうか。

Casual

"出前で賄う"

— To cover a meal or an event using only delivery food.

残業の夕食は出前で賄った。

Neutral

"出前が回らない"

— To be so busy that delivery orders cannot be handled.

注文が多すぎて出前が回らない。

Informal

"出前の顔"

— The 'face' or reputation of a delivery service.

彼はこの店の出前の顔だ。

Informal

"出前持ち"

— A delivery person (older term).

出前持ちがやってきた。

Slightly Dated

"出前に出る"

— To go out to perform a delivery.

店主は今、出前に出ています。

Neutral

"出前をはしごする"

— To deliver to multiple places in one trip.

効率よく出前をはしごする。

Informal

"出前が板につく"

— To become very skilled at doing deliveries.

新人の彼も出前が板についてきた。

Neutral

"出前でしのぐ"

— To get through a difficult time (like a storm) by using delivery.

台風の日は出前でしのいだ。

Informal

Fácil de confundir

出前 vs 仕出し (Shidashi)

Both involve food delivery.

Shidashi is for formal catering/events; Demae is for casual home meals.

法事のために仕出し弁当を頼む。

出前 vs 配送 (Haisou)

Both mean sending things.

Haisou is used for large-scale logistics or shipping goods from a warehouse.

商品の配送状況を確認する。

出前 vs 運搬 (Unpan)

Both involve moving items.

Unpan is the physical act of transporting/hauling materials, often in construction.

資材をトラックで運搬する。

出前 vs 転送 (Tensou)

Both involve movement.

Tensou is 'forwarding' (like mail or an email).

メールを上司に転送する。

出前 vs 送迎 (Sougei)

Starts with 'send'.

Sougei is picking up and dropping off *people*.

ホテルの送迎バス。

Patrones de oraciones

〜の出前をお願いします。

ラーメンの出前をお願いします。

〜から出前を取る。

あそこの店から出前を取る。

〜ので出前にする。

疲れたので出前にする。

出前を頼むより〜。

出前を頼むより作ったほうが早い。

出前を通じて〜。

出前を通じて地域のつながりを感じる。

出前が〜としての役割を果たす。

出前が生活のインフラとしての役割を果たす。

出前で〜を済ませる。

出前で夕食を済ませる。

出前が届く。

出前がもうすぐ届く。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

出前 (Demae - delivery)

出前先 (Demae-saki - delivery destination)

出前機 (Demae-ki - delivery bike attachment)

出前箱 (Demae-bako - delivery box)

Verbos

出前する (Demae-suru - to deliver food)

出前を取る (Demae o toru - to order delivery)

Relacionado

配達 (Haitatsu)

注文 (Chuumon)

岡持ち (Okamochi)

デリバリー (Deribarii)

宅配 (Takuhai)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in daily life, especially in urban areas.

Errores comunes

Using 'Demae' for Amazon packages. → Amazonの荷物 (Nimotsu) or 配達 (Haitatsu).
Demae is strictly for prepared meals from a restaurant. Using it for parcels sounds very strange to Japanese speakers.
Saying 'Demae o suru' to mean 'order'. → 出前を取る (Toru) or 出前を頼む (Tanomu).
While 'Demae suru' can mean 'to perform delivery' (from the shop's side), as a customer, you 'take' or 'request' it.
Using 'Demae' for takeout. → 持ち帰り (Mochikaeri) or テイクアウト.
Demae implies the food travels to you. If you go to the shop to pick it up, it's not 'demae'.
Forgetting the 'o' particle. → 出前を頼む。
In most cases, 'Demae' needs the object particle 'o' when used with 'toru' or 'tanomu'.
Confusing 'Demae' with 'Haitatsu' in formal writing. → Use 'Demae' for the food service specifically.
In a report about the food industry, using 'Haitatsu' might be too broad. 'Demae' captures the specific business model of restaurants.

Consejos

Use with 'Toru'

Always remember the most natural verb is 'toru'. While 'chuumon suru' is okay, 'demae o toru' makes you sound like you've lived in Japan for years.

The Soba Tradition

Soba is the most classic 'demae' food. If you want a traditional experience, order a cold Zaru Soba. It's designed to stay delicious even during the delivery trip.

Particle 'De'

Use 'Demae de' when you want to say you did something *by means of* delivery. 'Demae de sumaseru' (settle for delivery) is a very common phrase when you're lazy.

Meeting at the Door

When the delivery person arrives, it's polite to open the door quickly. They are often on a tight schedule and appreciate the efficiency.

Don't confuse with Haitatsu

If you are waiting for a package from a friend, don't say 'Demae ga kuru.' Your friend will think you're getting food! Use 'Nimotsu' (package) or 'Haitatsu'.

App Names

Look for the kanji 出前 on your phone screen. Even if the app has an English name, the categories for Japanese food will often use this kanji.

Listen for 'Okamochi'

You might hear the word 'Okamochi.' This is the special box the 'demae' person carries. It's a very specific piece of delivery equipment.

Kanji Precision

The 'Mae' in 'Demae' is the same as 'before' (前). Don't confuse it with 'Ma' (間 - space/between). It's always 'front/portion'.

Trust the System

If a shop leaves real bowls with you, don't worry! They really do come back for them. You don't need to call them to pick them up; they just know.

Watch the Bikes

Delivery bikes in Japan are fast and sometimes drive on sidewalks. If you hear a scooter behind you, it might be a 'demae' in progress!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'De' as 'Depart' and 'Mae' as 'Meal'. A 'Departing Meal' is a delivery!

Asociación visual

Imagine a red scooter with a big silver box on the back speeding through a narrow street.

Word Web

Ramen Sushi Scooter Phone App House Hungry Menu

Desafío

Try calling a local shop (or imagining the call) and say: 'Sumimasen, demae o onegaishimasu!'

Origen de la palabra

The word originates from the combination of 'de' (to go out) and 'mae' (portion or in front of). It dates back to the Edo period in Japan.

Significado original: Taking a portion of food out to be served in front of the customer at their own location.

Japanese (Sino-Japanese compound).

Contexto cultural

Be mindful to wash the dishes before putting them outside if you receive traditional ceramicware.

Closest equivalent is 'ordering in' or 'getting delivery,' but 'demae' is more specific to the restaurant's own service.

Demae-itcho (Nissin instant noodles mascot) Demae-can (Japan's largest delivery app) The movie 'Weathering with You' features a delivery scene.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At home with family

出前取る？
何にする？
お寿司がいいな
メニューどこ？

At the office

出前を頼みましょうか
領収書をください
いつ届きますか？
１０人分です

Calling a restaurant

出前をお願いします
住所は〜です
時間はどれくらいですか？
以上です

Talking to a delivery person

ご苦労様です
ここに置いてください
お釣りはいりません
ありがとうございます

Complaining about late food

出前がまだ来ないのですが
あと何分ですか？
もうキャンセルします
遅すぎます

Inicios de conversación

"「最近、よく出前を取りますか？」 (Do you order delivery often lately?)"

"「おすすめの出前ができるお店はありますか？」 (Are there any shops you recommend that do delivery?)"

"「出前と外食、どっちが好きですか？」 (Which do you like better, delivery or eating out?)"

"「雨の日はやっぱり出前が便利ですよね。」 (Delivery is convenient on rainy days, isn't it?)"

"「昔の出前の器を返す文化についてどう思いますか？」 (What do you think about the old culture of returning delivery dishes?)"

Temas para diario

「今日、もし出前を頼むなら何を食べたいですか？その理由も書いてください。」 (If you were to order delivery today, what would you want to eat? Write the reason too.)

「あなたの国には『出前』のような文化がありますか？日本との違いを説明してください。」 (Does your country have a culture like 'demae'? Explain the differences with Japan.)

「出前を頼んだ時の面白いエピソードがあれば教えてください。」 (Tell me an interesting episode from when you ordered delivery.)

「出前アプリの普及は、私たちの生活をどう変えたと思いますか？」 (How do you think the spread of delivery apps has changed our lives?)

「自分で料理するのと、出前を頼むの、どちらが経済的だと思いますか？」 (Which do you think is more economical: cooking yourself or ordering delivery?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, you can, but many people also use the word 'Deribarii' for app-based services. However, the biggest app in Japan is called 'Demae-can,' so the word is very much alive in the digital age. For example, you can say 'Uber de demae o toru'.

No, tipping is not a custom in Japan. The delivery fee is usually included in the price or added as a flat charge. Giving a tip might actually confuse the delivery person! Just a polite 'Gokurousama desu' or 'Arigatou gozaimasu' is enough.

Mostly, yes. Most shops offer delivery during their standard operating hours. Some ramen or soba shops might offer late-night delivery, but it is rare to find 'demae' for breakfast unless it is a 24-hour convenience store service or a hotel.

If the food comes in plastic containers, you can just throw them away (recycle them). If it comes in real ceramic bowls, you should wash them and place them outside your front door. The restaurant will come back to collect them later.

You can ask, 'Demae wa dekimasu ka?' (Is delivery possible?) or 'Demae wa yatte imasu ka?' (Do you do delivery?). If they say 'Uketamawarimasu,' it means they do!

Many shops have a minimum order amount, like 1,500 or 2,000 yen. Some might also charge a small delivery fee if the order is below a certain amount. It is always good to check the menu or the app first.

To a hotel, usually yes (they will meet you in the lobby). To a park, it depends on the shop and if you can give a very clear location. Most 'demae' is intended for a fixed address like a house or office.

The difference is mostly about the 'image.' 'Demae' feels traditional and Japanese (sushi, soba). 'Deribarii' feels modern and Western (pizza, burgers). However, they are becoming interchangeable in modern conversation.

No, 'Demae-itcho' is a famous brand of instant noodles. The name means 'One order of delivery!' and the mascot is a delivery boy, but it's just a product you buy at the supermarket.

It comes from 'Deru' (to go out) and 'Mae' (in front of). It literally means going out to serve food in front of the customer. It's a term that has been used since the Edo period.

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