Use 'oishisou' to describe food that appears appetizing before you have tasted it.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes food that looks or smells very appealing.
- Used to express a subjective judgment based on appearance.
- Commonly used in daily conversation regarding food.
Overview
- 1概要：「美味しそうな」は「美味しい」に推量を表す助動詞「そう」がついた形です。視覚や嗅覚から得た情報に基づき、主観的に「これはおいしいはずだ」と判断する際に用います。2) 使用パターン：名詞を修飾する場合は「美味しそうなケーキ」のように「な」を伴います。述語として使う場合は「このケーキは美味しそうだ」となります。3) 一般的な文脈：レストランでメニューを選ぶとき、ショーケースに並ぶパンを見るとき、SNSで料理の写真を見るときなど、日常会話で非常に頻繁に使用されます。4) 類義語との比較：「美味しそう」は見た目や雰囲気に重点を置きますが、「旨味がある」は味そのものを指します。また「食欲をそそる」は、その料理が空腹感を引き起こすという作用に焦点を当てた、より硬い表現です。
Examples
ショーケースに美味しそうなケーキが並んでいる。
everydayThere are delicious-looking cakes lined up in the showcase.
とても美味しそうな料理ですね。
formalThat looks like a very delicious dish.
あ、美味しそう！
informalOh, that looks good!
見た目にも美味しそうな盛り付けが施されている。
academicThe food is plated in a way that looks appetizing.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
美味しそうに食べるね
You look like you're really enjoying that food.
とても美味しそうに見える
It looks very appetizing.
Often Confused With
This is an adverbial form meaning 'in a way that looks delicious'. It is usually used to describe the action of eating, not the food itself.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is very common and neutral in register. When using it towards someone's cooking, it is a very natural and polite compliment. Be aware that 'umazou' is the casual, masculine version of this word.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'oishisou' while eating. Avoid this, as it sounds like you are still unsure of the taste. Also, ensure you use 'na' before nouns.
Tips
Focus on the visual aspect
Remember that 'oishisou' is about the impression. If you have already eaten it, use 'oishikatta' instead.
Don't confuse with 'oishii'
Using 'oishisou' for something you are currently eating sounds strange. It implies you are still guessing, even while eating.
The importance of presentation
In Japanese food culture, 'me de taberu' (eating with your eyes) is a core concept. Describing something as 'oishisou' is a great compliment to the chef.
Word Origin
Derived from the adjective 'oishii' and the auxiliary verb 'sou' which indicates appearance or conjecture. This is a standard grammatical construction in Japanese.
Cultural Context
Japanese culture places high value on the visual presentation of food. Using 'oishisou' acknowledges the effort put into the aesthetic, which is highly appreciated.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Oishi' (tasty) + 'Sou' (looks like). It looks like it will be tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「美味しい」は実際に食べた結果や事実を伝えますが、「美味しそう」は食べる前の見た目や匂いから判断した推測を表します。
はい、置けます。例えば「美味しそうな料理」のように、名詞を修飾する際には「な」が必要です。
「美味しそうだった」となります。過去に見た料理について話すときに使います。
「美味しそうではない」または「美味しそうじゃない」となります。あまりおいしくなさそうに見えるときに使います。
Test Yourself
ショーケースの中に___ケーキが並んでいる。
名詞の「ケーキ」を修飾するため、形容動詞の連体形「な」が必要です。
Score: /1
Summary
Use 'oishisou' to describe food that appears appetizing before you have tasted it.
- Describes food that looks or smells very appealing.
- Used to express a subjective judgment based on appearance.
- Commonly used in daily conversation regarding food.
Focus on the visual aspect
Remember that 'oishisou' is about the impression. If you have already eaten it, use 'oishikatta' instead.
Don't confuse with 'oishii'
Using 'oishisou' for something you are currently eating sounds strange. It implies you are still guessing, even while eating.
The importance of presentation
In Japanese food culture, 'me de taberu' (eating with your eyes) is a core concept. Describing something as 'oishisou' is a great compliment to the chef.
Examples
4 of 4ショーケースに美味しそうなケーキが並んでいる。
There are delicious-looking cakes lined up in the showcase.
とても美味しそうな料理ですね。
That looks like a very delicious dish.
あ、美味しそう！
Oh, that looks good!
見た目にも美味しそうな盛り付けが施されている。
The food is plated in a way that looks appetizing.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
熟成した
B1Aged; matured.
