Meaning
Confections or treats that taste sweet.
Cultural Background
In 'Sado' (tea ceremony), the sweet treat (omogashi) is eaten *before* drinking the bitter matcha. This prepares the palate for the tea's complexity. In Japan, men give 'amai okashi' (usually white chocolate or cookies) to women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. The basement of Japanese department stores is a paradise for 'amai okashi.' It's where people buy high-end gifts for business or family. Every prefecture in Japan has a famous 'amai okashi.' For example, Kyoto is famous for 'Yatsuhashi' (cinnamon mochi).
The 'O' Factor
Always use the 'o' in 'okashi' when speaking to someone you don't know well. It makes you sound much more natural and polite.
Not for Fruit
Remember, even if a strawberry is sweet, it's not an 'okashi.' It's a 'kudamono' (fruit).
Meaning
Confections or treats that taste sweet.
The 'O' Factor
Always use the 'o' in 'okashi' when speaking to someone you don't know well. It makes you sound much more natural and polite.
Not for Fruit
Remember, even if a strawberry is sweet, it's not an 'okashi.' It's a 'kudamono' (fruit).
Betsubara
Learn the word 'Betsubara' (dessert stomach) to use alongside this phrase. It's a great conversation starter!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective form.
このケーキはとても（ ）お{菓子|かし}です。
We need the dictionary form of the I-adjective to modify the noun 'okashi.'
Which sentence is the most natural for an adult to use?
Choose the best sentence:
This uses the polite 'o' prefix, the correct verb 'taberu,' and the polite '-masu' ending.
Complete the dialogue.
A: お{茶|ちゃ}をどうぞ。 B: ありがとうございます。（ ）もどうぞ。 A: わあ、おいしそう！
In Japan, it is customary to serve sweet treats with tea.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a friend's house and they offer you a cookie.
This is a polite way to accept a treat.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Amai Okashi
Wagashi
- • Mochi
- • Anko
- • Dorayaki
Yogashi
- • Cake
- • Cookie
- • Chocolate
Practice Bank
4 exercisesこのケーキはとても（ ）お{菓子|かし}です。
We need the dictionary form of the I-adjective to modify the noun 'okashi.'
Choose the best sentence:
This uses the polite 'o' prefix, the correct verb 'taberu,' and the polite '-masu' ending.
A: お{茶|ちゃ}をどうぞ。 B: ありがとうございます。（ ）もどうぞ。 A: わあ、おいしそう！
In Japan, it is customary to serve sweet treats with tea.
You are at a friend's house and they offer you a cookie.
This is a polite way to accept a treat.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it can be, but people often use the specific word 'ke-ki' or the broader 'yogashi' (Western sweets).
You can, but it sounds a bit masculine, blunt, or like you are reading a textbook. 'Okashi' is much more common.
The opposite is 'shio-karai okashi' (salty snacks) or simply 'karai okashi.'
Yes, chocolate is one of the most common examples of 'amai okashi.'
Yes, but it doesn't mean they taste sweet! It means they are 'lenient' or 'naive.'
Related Phrases
{甘|あま}いもの
similarSweet things
おやつ
similarSnack time / Afternoon snack
{和菓子|わがし}
specialized formTraditional Japanese sweets
{洋菓子|ようがし}
specialized formWestern-style sweets
{辛|から}いお{菓子|かし}
contrastSalty/Spicy snacks
