Light food eaten between meals or as a quick, simple substitute for a full meal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A small or light meal eaten to satisfy hunger.
- Commonly used for sandwiches, pastries, or quick bites.
- Used in both casual and formal business contexts.
Overview
- 1概要：軽食（けいしょく）は、主食のようなボリュームのある食事ではなく、空腹を満たすために軽く食べるものを指します。英語の「snack」や「light meal」に相当します。2) 使用パターン：名詞として単独で使われるほか、「軽食をとる」「軽食を用意する」のように動詞と組み合わせて使われることが多いです。3) 一般的な文脈：カフェのメニューやイベントの休憩時間、あるいは忙しい時の簡単な食事として日常的に使われます。例えば、会議の合間や映画館でのちょっとした食事などが該当します。4) 類語との比較：「間食（かんしょく）」は「おやつ」に近いニュアンスで、メインの食事の合間に食べることを強調します。「軽食」は食事としての役割をより強く含んでおり、ランチの代わりになるようなものも含まれます。
Examples
会議の合間に軽食を用意しました。
formalWe prepared light refreshments during the meeting break.
お腹が空いたので、何か軽食を食べよう。
informalI'm hungry, let's grab a light meal.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
軽食で済ませる
to settle for a light meal
軽食コーナー
snack corner / refreshment area
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to snacking between main meals. It focuses on the timing rather than the type of food.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'keishoku' when you want to emphasize that the meal is not a full-course or heavy dinner. It is neutral in formality and widely used in both professional and casual settings. Avoid using it for heavy meals or large feasts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'snack' directly in Japanese as 'sunakku', which sometimes refers to a specific type of Japanese bar. Use 'keishoku' to be clear about the food item. Do not use it for heavy meals like steak or ramen.
Tips
Use with verbs like 'toru'
Combine with 'toru' (to take) to form 'keishoku o toru'. This is the most natural way to express the act of eating a light meal.
Do not confuse with snacks
While 'snack' is a translation, don't use 'keishoku' for chips or candy. Use 'okashi' or 'oyatsu' for those items instead.
Business meeting refreshments
In Japan, 'keishoku' is often provided during long seminars or meetings. It shows hospitality to keep attendees focused.
Word Origin
Derived from the Kanji '軽' (light) and '食' (meal). It has been used historically to distinguish quick bites from formal daily meals.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'keishoku' is a staple of convenience store culture, where onigiri and sandwiches are marketed as quick, reliable light meals for busy salarymen.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kei' (light) + 'Shoku' (meal). It is literally a 'light meal' that won't weigh you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsおやつは楽しみや間食としての意味合いが強く、甘いものを含むことが多いです。一方、軽食は食事としての性質が強く、塩気のあるものやサンドイッチなど、空腹を満たすための実用的な食事を指します。
状況によりますが、「light meal」や「snack」が最も一般的です。ビジネスの場では「light refreshments」という表現もよく使われます。
忙しくて時間がない時や、本格的な食事をするほどではないが少しお腹が空いた時に使います。日常会話でもビジネスの場でも自然な表現です。
はい、カフェや喫茶店、ホテルのラウンジなどで「軽食メニュー」として記載されていることがよくあります。ランチタイムの少し手軽な食事枠として扱われます。
Test Yourself
忙しいので、ランチは___で済ませました。
忙しい時に短時間で食べる食事は「軽食」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
Light food eaten between meals or as a quick, simple substitute for a full meal.
- A small or light meal eaten to satisfy hunger.
- Commonly used for sandwiches, pastries, or quick bites.
- Used in both casual and formal business contexts.
Use with verbs like 'toru'
Combine with 'toru' (to take) to form 'keishoku o toru'. This is the most natural way to express the act of eating a light meal.
Do not confuse with snacks
While 'snack' is a translation, don't use 'keishoku' for chips or candy. Use 'okashi' or 'oyatsu' for those items instead.
Business meeting refreshments
In Japan, 'keishoku' is often provided during long seminars or meetings. It shows hospitality to keep attendees focused.
Examples
2 of 2会議の合間に軽食を用意しました。
We prepared light refreshments during the meeting break.
お腹が空いたので、何か軽食を食べよう。
I'm hungry, let's grab a light meal.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More food words
〜ほど
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.
