Meaning
Statement indicating food or drink tastes good.
Cultural Background
The 'Oishii' reaction is a staple of Japanese TV. Celebrities are expected to give a detailed 'shokurepo' (food report) emphasizing texture and smell. It is polite to say 'Oishii' even if the food is just average, to show respect for the cook's effort. In Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto), people often use 'umai' more frequently than in Tokyo, regardless of gender. The word is often used in advertising with bright, bold fonts to trigger 'appetite appeal' (shokuyoku-sosoru).
The 'Oishii' Delay
Wait about 1-2 seconds after chewing before saying 'Oishii.' It makes the compliment feel more sincere as if you are truly processing the flavor.
Don't be shy
In Western cultures, constant commenting on food can be annoying. In Japan, it's expected. Don't be afraid to say it 5 times during one meal!
Meaning
Statement indicating food or drink tastes good.
The 'Oishii' Delay
Wait about 1-2 seconds after chewing before saying 'Oishii.' It makes the compliment feel more sincere as if you are truly processing the flavor.
Don't be shy
In Western cultures, constant commenting on food can be annoying. In Japan, it's expected. Don't be afraid to say it 5 times during one meal!
Umai vs Oishii
If you are a woman, stick to 'oishii.' 'Umai' can sound a bit unrefined or 'masculine' in formal or mixed company.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct past tense form to say 'The sushi was delicious.'
{寿司|すし}は＿＿＿＿。
I-adjectives change the final 'i' to 'katta' for the past tense.
Fill in the blank to say 'This cake looks delicious.'
このケーキは{美味|おい}＿＿＿＿ね。
The suffix '-sou' is added to the stem of an adjective to mean 'looks like'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a wonderful meal at a friend's house. What do you say?
You use the past tense to refer to the meal you just finished.
Complete the dialogue.
A: この{料理|りょうり}、どうですか？ B: ＿＿＿＿。
B is confirming that the food is good.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Oishii vs Umai
Practice Bank
4 exercises{寿司|すし}は＿＿＿＿。
I-adjectives change the final 'i' to 'katta' for the past tense.
このケーキは{美味|おい}＿＿＿＿ね。
The suffix '-sou' is added to the stem of an adjective to mean 'looks like'.
You just finished a wonderful meal at a friend's house. What do you say?
You use the past tense to refer to the meal you just finished.
A: この{料理|りょうり}、どうですか？ B: ＿＿＿＿。
B is confirming that the food is good.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! It is perfectly natural for tea, coffee, juice, or alcohol. For water, 'tsumetai' (cold) is more common.
Yes, 'oishii' is the standard polite term used by everyone. 'Umai' is more casual and gendered.
You can say 'Amari oishiku nai desu,' but usually, Japanese people avoid direct negative comments about food.
'Oishii' is for when you are eating it. 'Oishisou' is for when you see it or smell it but haven't tasted it yet.
Absolutely! It is the best compliment you can give. Adding 'desu' makes it more professional.
Yes, {美味しい|おいしい}. However, it is very frequently written in hiragana (おいしい).
In a way, yes. If you get a great opportunity without much effort, it's an 'oishii' situation.
Use 'totemo oishii' or 'sugoku oishii.' In casual speech, 'mecha oishii' is popular.
Stretching the final vowel (Oishiiii!) adds emphasis and shows you are really enjoying it.
Yes, especially in 'gourmet' anime. It's often shouted with great passion.
Related Phrases
{旨い|うまい}
similarTasty (casual/masculine)
{美味|びみ}
specialized formExquisite taste
{不味い|まずい}
contrastTastes bad
{美味|おい}しそう
builds onLooks delicious
{結構|けっこう}です
similarIt is fine/good
