Meaning
A request for a second helping of food or drink.
Cultural Background
Finishing every grain of rice is considered respectful to the farmers and the food itself. Asking for 'okawari' only after finishing your bowl is the proper way to show appreciation. In high-end service, the staff will often refill your tea without you asking. This is the peak of 'okawari' culture—anticipating the guest's needs. It is common to decline the first offer of 'okawari' out of modesty (enryo). If the host insists, it is then polite to accept. In Japanese schools, 'okawari' time is a highlight. If there is leftover food, students often play 'Jan-ken-pon' (Rock-Paper-Scissors) to see who gets the extra servings.
The Half-Refill
If you're almost full but want just a bit more, say 'Hanbun okawari' (Half refill). It's very common and prevents waste!
Don't shout!
In nice restaurants, don't yell 'Okawari!' Catch the waiter's eye or use the 'Sumimasen' call button.
Meaning
A request for a second helping of food or drink.
The Half-Refill
If you're almost full but want just a bit more, say 'Hanbun okawari' (Half refill). It's very common and prevents waste!
Don't shout!
In nice restaurants, don't yell 'Okawari!' Catch the waiter's eye or use the 'Sumimasen' call button.
The Compliment
Asking for seconds is the ultimate compliment to a Japanese home cook. Don't be shy if you're at a friend's house!
Check the sign
Look for the kanji 自由 (jiyu) next to おかわり. It means you can eat as much as you want for free!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to ask for more rice politely.
{御飯|ごはん}の（ ）をお{願|ねが}いします。
The standard phrase for seconds is 'okawari'.
Which sign means 'Free Refills'?
レストランの看板に何と書いてありますか？
'Jiyu' (自由) means free or unlimited.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are at a ramen shop and want more noodles.
For ramen noodles specifically, 'Kaedama' is the correct term.
Complete the dialogue between a host and a guest.
Host: お茶のおかわりはいかがですか？ Guest: （ ）、お願いします。
When accepting an offer, 'Arigatou gozaimasu' is the most polite response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{御飯|ごはん}の（ ）をお{願|ねが}いします。
The standard phrase for seconds is 'okawari'.
レストランの看板に何と書いてありますか？
'Jiyu' (自由) means free or unlimited.
You are at a ramen shop and want more noodles.
For ramen noodles specifically, 'Kaedama' is the correct term.
Host: お茶のおかわりはいかがですか？ Guest: （ ）、お願いします。
When accepting an offer, 'Arigatou gozaimasu' is the most polite response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but usually 'o-mizu kudasai' (water please) is more common. 'Okawari' is fine if you want to emphasize a refill.
Not at all! In casual restaurants and homes, it's encouraged. In very formal multi-course meals, wait to be offered.
'Mou ippai' means 'one more cup'. 'Okawari' specifically means a refill/seconds of what you just had.
No. 'Okawari' is only for the exact same item. If you want a different drink, say 'Tsugi wa [Drink] o onegaishimasu'.
You can say 'Onaka ippai desu' (I'm full) or 'Mou kekkou desu' (I'm fine already).
Yes, during business lunches. Juniors often offer 'okawari' to their seniors as a sign of respect.
Yes, 'jiyu' means free/unlimited in the context of refills.
Yes, children use it all the time! It's one of the first 'polite' food words they learn.
Not really, but men might say 'Meshi, okawari!' in a very rough, casual way.
Absolutely. It's very common at Izakayas to ask for an 'okawari' of your beer or highball.
You can say 'Chotto dake' (just a little) or 'Hanbun' (half) before 'okawari'.
In 99% of cases, yes. Without the 'O', it sounds like a technical term for 'replacement' rather than a request for food.
Related Phrases
{替|か}え{玉|だま}
specialized formNoodle refill in ramen
もう{一杯|いっぱい}
similarOne more cup/bowl
{追加|ついか}
builds onAddition/Extra
{大盛|おおも}り
contrastLarge serving
{半分|はんぶん}
specialized formHalf portion
