間食 in 30 Seconds
- Kansyoku (間食) is the Japanese word for a snack.
- It refers to eating between main meals.
- Commonly used in daily conversations about food and diet.
- Can range from healthy options to treats.
The Japanese word 間食 (kansyoku) refers to eating something between main meals. It's essentially the Japanese equivalent of a 'snack'. This can range from a small, healthy bite to a more indulgent treat. The word itself is composed of two kanji:
- 間
- 'interval' or 'between'
- 食
- 'food' or 'meal'
Kansyoku is a common concept in Japanese daily life, as people often look for ways to satisfy hunger or enjoy a small treat between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. It's not just about filling a gap; it can also be a moment of enjoyment or a way to maintain energy levels throughout the day. The specific items consumed as kansyoku can vary widely, from traditional Japanese sweets like mochi or senbei to more Western-style snacks like cookies or fruit.
In a health-conscious society, there's also a growing awareness of what constitutes a healthy kansyoku. Many people opt for fruits, yogurt, nuts, or small portions of vegetables to ensure their between-meal bites contribute positively to their diet. On the other hand, convenience stores (konbini) and vending machines offer a vast array of options, making it easy to grab something quick, whether it's healthy or not.
You'll hear kansyoku discussed in various contexts. When talking about diet and nutrition, it's important to consider the quality and quantity of one's kansyoku. In social settings, offering a snack to a guest might be referred to as offering kansyoku. Even in discussions about children's eating habits, parents might talk about what their children eat for kansyoku.
The practice of kansyoku is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, reflecting a balanced approach to eating that acknowledges the need for sustenance and enjoyment outside of formal meal times. It's a word that encapsulates a common and relatable aspect of everyday life for many Japanese people.
お昼ご飯と夕ご飯の間に間食をすることが多いです。
Using 間食 in sentences is straightforward. It functions as a noun, referring to the act of snacking or the snack itself. You can use it in various grammatical structures to express when, why, or what you snack on.
One common way to use it is to state that you *do* or *do not* snack. For instance,
- します
- (shimasu - to do)
- しません
- (shimasen - to not do)
You can also specify *what* you snack on by using particles like
- を
- (o)
Discussing the frequency or timing of snacking is also common. You might say you snack 'often' (よく - yoku), 'sometimes' (時々 - tokidoki), or 'never' (全く - mattaku). The context of 'between meals' can be expressed using phrases like 'between lunch and dinner' (昼ご飯と夕ご飯の間 - hirugohan to yūgohan no aida).
Furthermore, 間食 can be the subject of a sentence, especially when discussing habits or health. For instance, 'Snacking is bad for your teeth' could be phrased as 間食は歯に悪いです (Kansyoku wa ha ni warui desu).
Understanding these patterns will allow you to effectively incorporate 間食 into your own Japanese conversations, whether you're describing your eating habits, making dietary plans, or simply talking about everyday life.
健康のために、間食は野菜にしています。
The word 間食 is a common and everyday term, so you'll encounter it in a wide variety of real-life situations in Japan. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical usage.
Daily Conversations: Among friends, family, or colleagues, people often discuss their eating habits. You might hear questions like, 'Did you have a snack?' (間食しましたか？ - Kansyoku shimashita ka?) or statements like, 'I tend to snack a lot in the afternoon' (午後はよく間食してしまいます - Gogo wa yoku kansyoku shite shimaimasu).
Health and Diet Discussions: When people talk about healthy eating, weight management, or nutrition, 間食 is a frequent topic. Nutritionists, doctors, or even friends giving advice might discuss 'healthy snacks' (健康的な間食 - kenkōteki na kansyoku) or the importance of avoiding unhealthy snacking.
Media and Advertisements: You'll see 間食 used in magazines, on TV shows, and in advertisements related to food products, especially those marketed as suitable for snacking. Food packaging itself might indicate if a product is 'good for snacking' (間食にぴったり - kansyoku ni pittari).
Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: While not directly spoken, the concept is everywhere. The aisles dedicated to snacks, cookies, chips, and sweets are essentially catering to the need for 間食. You might see signs or promotions related to 'easy snacks' or 'quick bites'.
Schools and Workplaces: In break rooms or during informal chats, colleagues might share snacks. Parents might discuss their children's snacking habits with teachers or other parents. The idea of a 'mid-morning snack' or 'after-school snack' is covered by the umbrella term 間食.
Cultural Events: During festivals or gatherings, small food items offered between main meals are considered 間食. This could include things like dango (sweet dumplings) or taiyaki (fish-shaped cake).
In essence, any time people are discussing eating outside of their primary meals, 間食 is likely to be the relevant term.
テレビで健康的な間食のレシピを紹介していました。
While 間食 is a relatively straightforward word, learners can sometimes make minor errors in its usage. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately.
Confusing it with a specific meal: 間食 is a general term for eating between meals. It's not a specific meal like breakfast (朝食 - chōshoku), lunch (昼食 - chūshoku), or dinner (夕食 - yūshoku). So, you wouldn't say 'I had 間食 for lunch.' Instead, you might say 'I had a snack *during* lunch break' if that's what you mean.
Overusing it for large meals: If you're eating a substantial amount of food between meals, it might be better described differently, perhaps as a 'second lunch' or a 'large snack'. 間食 implies a smaller portion.
Grammatical Errors with する (suru): The most common verb used with 間食 is する (suru - to do). Learners might sometimes forget to use する or use it incorrectly. For example, saying just '間食' when you mean 'to snack' is grammatically incomplete. It should be 間食をする (kansyoku o suru) or simply 間食する (kansyoku suru) in its contracted form.
Misunderstanding the kanji: While not a usage error, misunderstanding the kanji meanings might lead to a slightly off perception. Remember that 間 means 'interval' or 'between', and 食 means 'food' or 'meal'. This reinforces the idea of eating *in between* meals.
Using it in contexts where it doesn't fit: 間食 is generally used for personal eating habits or discussing food intake. It's less common to use it when referring to a formal multi-course meal or a banquet, where specific meal names would be more appropriate.
By keeping these points in mind, you can ensure your use of 間食 is natural and accurate in Japanese.
間違い：私は昼食として間食を食べました。
While 間食 is the most common and general term for 'snack', there are other words and phrases that can be used depending on the nuance or specific context.
Synonyms and Related Terms:
- 軽食 (けいしょく - keisyoku)
- This term means 'light meal' or 'light snack'. It can sometimes overlap with 間食, but 軽食 specifically emphasizes the lightness of the food. It might refer to a small, simple meal that isn't quite a full meal but more substantial than a typical grab-and-go snack.
Example: 昼食は軽食で済ませました。(Chūshoku wa keisyoku de sumasemashita.) - I settled for a light meal for lunch. (Here, it's used as a replacement for lunch, implying it wasn't a full meal.)
- おやつ (oyatsu)
- This word is very commonly used, especially for snacks that are sweet or enjoyable, like cookies, candy, or pastries. It often carries a more informal and childlike connotation, though adults use it too. It's particularly associated with afternoon snacks.
Example: 子供がおやつを欲しがっています。(Kodomo ga oyatsu o hoshigatte imasu.) - The child wants a snack (specifically a treat).
- つまみ食い (つまみぐい - tsumamigui)
- This phrase means 'to sneak a bite' or 'to nibble'. It implies eating a small amount of food stealthily or without proper permission, often when the food isn't meant to be eaten yet or by someone who shouldn't be eating it. It's different from a planned 間食.
Example: ケーキをこっそりつまみ食いした。(Kēki o kossori tsumamigui shita.) - I secretly nibbled on the cake.
- 補食 (ほしょく - hoshoku)
- This term is more technical and often used in contexts related to sports nutrition or specific dietary plans. It means 'supplementary food' or 'additional meal', intended to provide extra energy or nutrients. It's less common in casual conversation than 間食.
Example: スポーツ選手は練習の合間に補食をとる。(Supōtsu senshu wa renshū no aima ni hoshoku o toru.) - Athletes take supplementary food between practices.
In most everyday situations, 間食 is the most appropriate and widely understood word for 'snack'. おやつ is a very close second, especially for treats. 軽食 is for lighter meals, and つまみ食い is for sneaky nibbling.
How Formal Is It?
"本日は、会議の休憩時間に軽食をご用意いたしました。"
"お昼ご飯の後、少しお腹が空いたので、間食にフルーツを食べました。"
"なんか小腹空いたから、ポテチでもつまむ？"
"おやつの時間だよ！どんな間食にする？"
"午後イチで間食の誘惑に負けて、チョコ食いまくったわ。"
Fun Fact
The concept of eating between meals has existed across many cultures for centuries, often linked to maintaining energy levels or indulging in small pleasures. The Japanese term 間食 precisely captures this universal practice through its etymological roots.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'n' too strongly instead of nasalizing it.
- Making the 'ku' sound too long or too emphasized.
- Confusing the 'shi' sound with a harder 'shi'.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji for 間食 (kansyoku) are common, and the word itself is frequently encountered in daily contexts. Understanding the nuances might require exposure to various sentence structures and related vocabulary.
Using 間食 correctly in writing involves understanding its grammatical function as a noun and its common collocations, particularly with する (suru). Avoiding confusion with other terms like 軽食 is also important.
Pronunciation is relatively straightforward. The main challenge in speaking is using the word naturally in conversation, choosing it over alternatives like おやつ or 軽食 based on context.
Recognizing 間食 in spoken Japanese is generally easy due to its commonality. Understanding the context in which it's used is key to grasping the full meaning.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using する (suru) with nouns to form verbs.
間食 (noun) + する (verb) = 間食する (to snack).
Using particles like を (o) and に (ni) with nouns.
果物を間食します。(Kudamono o kansyoku shimasu.) - I have fruit *as* a snack. (を indicates the object, に indicates the role/purpose).
Using 〜ために (tame ni) to express purpose.
集中力を保つために、間食をすることがあります。(Shūchūryoku o tamotsu tame ni, kansyoku o suru koto ga arimasu.) - To maintain concentration, I sometimes snack.
Using 〜ようにしています (~yō ni shite imasu) to express trying to do something.
健康的な間食を選ぶようにしています。(Kenkōteki na kansyoku o erabu yō ni shite imasu.) - I try to choose healthy snacks.
Using 〜と言われています (~to iwarete imasu) for reported speech or common knowledge.
夜遅くに間食をすると太りやすくなると言われています。(Yoru osoku ni kansyoku o suru to futori yasu ku naru to iwarete imasu.) - It is said that snacking late at night makes you prone to gaining weight.
Examples by Level
お菓子は間食です。
Sweets are snacks.
- は (wa)
- Topic particle.
子供は間食が好きです。
Children like snacks.
- 好きです (suki desu)
- Like.
果物を間食にします。
I have fruit as a snack.
- を (o)
- Object particle.
- にします (ni shimasu)
- Make it...; Decide on...; Have it as...
これは間食ですか？
Is this a snack?
- か (ka)
- Question particle.
昼食の後に間食をしました。
I had a snack after lunch.
- 後に (ato ni)
- After.
間食はあまりしません。
I don't snack much.
- しません (shimasen)
- Do not do (polite negative).
パンは間食にいいです。
Bread is good for snacking.
- にいいです (ni ii desu)
- Is good for.
お腹が空いたので間食しました。
I was hungry, so I had a snack.
- ので (node)
- Because; So.
仕事の合間にコーヒーを間食しました。
I had coffee as a snack between work.
- 合間に (aima ni)
- In between; During a break.
夕食の前に間食するのは良くないと言われました。
I was told it's not good to snack before dinner.
- 〜と言われました (~to iwaremashita)
- I was told that...
このクッキーは子供のおやつにぴったりです。
These cookies are perfect for children's snacks.
- おやつ (oyatsu)
- Snack (often sweet, for children).
ダイエット中は間食を控えています。
I am refraining from snacks while on a diet.
- 〜中 (chū)
- During; While.
- 控えています (hikaete imasu)
- Refraining from; Holding back.
午後の眠気覚ましに、甘い間食を食べました。
To wake myself up from afternoon sleepiness, I ate a sweet snack.
- 眠気覚ましに (nemukesamashi ni)
- To wake oneself up; To get rid of sleepiness.
このお菓子は間食にも、お弁当のおかずにもなります。
This snack can be used as a snack or as a side dish for a bento box.
- 〜にも〜にも (~ni mo ~ni mo)
- Both... and...; As well as... and...
会議の休憩時間に、軽い間食が出されました。
A light snack was served during the meeting break.
- 〜が出されました (~ga dasaremashita)
- Was served; Was given out.
朝食をしっかり食べたので、昼食まで間食はしません。
I ate a hearty breakfast, so I won't snack until lunch.
- まで (made)
- Until; Up to.
健康的な間食として、ナッツやヨーグルトを選ぶようにしています。
I try to choose nuts and yogurt as healthy snacks.
- 〜として (~to shite)
- As; In the capacity of.
- 〜ようにしています (~yō ni shite imasu)
- Try to; Make an effort to.
夜遅くに間食をすると、太りやすくなると言われています。
It is said that snacking late at night makes you prone to gaining weight.
- 〜と〜と言われています (~to ~to iwarete imasu)
- It is said that...; People say that...
- 太りやすくなる (futori yasu ku naru)
- Become prone to gaining weight.
忙しい日々の中で、短い休憩時間にお菓子を間食するのが楽しみです。
In my busy days, I look forward to having sweets as a snack during short breaks.
- 〜のが楽しみです (~no ga tanoshimi desu)
- Looking forward to...
子供のおやつに、手作りのマフィンを焼きました。
I baked homemade muffins for the children's snacks.
- 手作りの (tezukuri no)
- Homemade.
間食で摂るカロリーも、一日の摂取カロリーに含めるべきです。
Calories consumed as snacks should also be included in the daily intake.
- 〜べきです (~beki desu)
- Should; Ought to.
小腹が空いたので、冷蔵庫にあったゼリーを間食しました。
I felt a little hungry, so I had the jelly from the refrigerator as a snack.
- 小腹が空く (kobara ga suku)
- To feel a little hungry; To have a slight craving.
間食を減らして、食事の量を少し増やしたら、体重が安定しました。
When I reduced my snacks and slightly increased my meal portions, my weight stabilized.
- 〜たら (~tara)
- If; When (conditional/hypothetical).
vending machineで売っている飲み物も、間食の一部と考えることができます。
Drinks sold at vending machines can also be considered part of snacking.
- 〜と考えることができます (~to kangaeru koto ga dekimasu)
- Can be thought of as; Can be considered as.
栄養バランスを考慮すると、間食には果物や乳製品が推奨されます。
Considering nutritional balance, fruits and dairy products are recommended for snacks.
- 〜を考慮すると (~o kōryo suru to)
- Considering; Taking into account.
- 推奨されます (suishō saremasu)
- Are recommended (passive voice).
子供の成長期には、間食で必要な栄養素を補うことが重要です。
During a child's growth period, it is important to supplement necessary nutrients through snacks.
- 〜期 (~ki)
- Period; Stage.
- 補う (oginau)
- To supplement; To make up for.
間食の習慣を見直した結果、体調が改善したという人も少なくありません。
As a result of reviewing their snacking habits, many people report improved physical condition.
- 〜を見直す (~o minaosu)
- To review; To reconsider.
- 〜という人も少なくありません (~to iu hito mo sukunaku arimasen)
- There are not a few people who say that...; Many people say that...
長時間の会議では、参加者の集中力を維持するために、適度な間食が提供されることがあります。
In long meetings, moderate snacks may be provided to maintain participants' concentration.
- 〜ために (~tame ni)
- In order to; For the purpose of.
- 〜されることがあります (~sareru koto ga arimasu)
- May be...; Sometimes... happens (potential passive).
彼女は甘いものへの欲求を抑えるために、間食をドライフルーツに切り替えました。
She switched her snacks to dried fruit to suppress her craving for sweets.
- 〜への欲求 (~e no yokkyū)
- Craving for; Desire for.
- 〜に切り替える (~ni kirikaeru)
- To switch to.
間食を全くしないという食生活は、一部の人にとっては達成困難な目標かもしれません。
A diet that completely avoids snacking might be a difficult goal to achieve for some people.
- 〜という食生活 (~to iu shokuseikatsu)
- A way of eating that...
- 達成困難な (tassei konnan na)
- Difficult to achieve.
間食の代わりに、仕事中に軽い運動を取り入れることで、午後のパフォーマンスが向上しました。
By incorporating light exercise during work instead of snacking, my afternoon performance improved.
- 〜の代わりに (~no kawari ni)
- Instead of.
- 〜を取り入れる (~o toriireru)
- To incorporate; To adopt.
間食として食べるものを選ぶ際には、血糖値の急上昇を避けることが肝心です。
When choosing what to eat as a snack, it is crucial to avoid rapid spikes in blood sugar.
- 〜際には (~sai ni wa)
- When; At the time of.
- 血糖値の急上昇 (ketōchi no kyūjōshō)
- Rapid rise in blood sugar level.
- 肝心です (kanjin desu)
- Crucial; Essential.
現代社会における間食の多様化は、食文化の変遷を如実に物語っていると言えよう。
The diversification of snacks in modern society can be said to vividly tell the story of changing food culture.
- 〜の多様化 (~no tayōka)
- Diversification of.
- 食文化の変遷 (shokubunka no hensen)
- Changes in food culture.
- 如実に物語っている (nyojitsu ni monogatatte iru)
- Vividly tells the story; Clearly illustrates.
- 〜と言えよう (~to ieyō)
- Can be said that...
間食を摂るタイミングや種類によっては、パフォーマンスに好影響を与える可能性も否定できない。
Depending on the timing and type of snacks consumed, it cannot be denied that there's a possibility of positively impacting performance.
- 〜によっては (~ni yotte wa)
- Depending on.
- 好影響を与える (kōeikyō o ataeru)
- To have a positive influence; To positively impact.
- 〜可能性も否定できない (~kanōsei mo hitei dekinai)
- The possibility of... cannot be denied.
現代人は、ストレス解消や気分転換の手段として間食に頼る傾向が指摘されている。
It has been pointed out that modern people tend to rely on snacking as a means of stress relief and changing their mood.
- ストレス解消 (sutoresu kaishō)
- Stress relief.
- 気分転換の手段 (kibun tenkan no shudan)
- Means of changing one's mood.
- 〜に頼る傾向が指摘されている (~ni tayoru keikō ga shiteki sarete iru)
- A tendency to rely on... has been pointed out.
間食の選択肢が豊富になったことで、消費者の食に対する意識も変化しつつある。
With the increase in snack options, consumers' awareness of food is also changing.
- 〜が豊富になったことで (~ga hōfu ni natta koto de)
- Due to the abundance of; Because the options have become plentiful.
- 食に対する意識 (shoku ni taisuru ishiki)
- Awareness regarding food.
- 〜も変化しつつある (~mo henka shi tsutsu aru)
- Is also in the process of changing; Is gradually changing.
幼児期における間食の習慣は、将来の食行動に影響を与える可能性があるため、注意深い配慮が求められる。
Because snacking habits in early childhood can potentially influence future eating behaviors, careful consideration is required.
- 幼児期 (yōjiki)
- Early childhood.
- 食行動 (shokudō)
- Eating behavior.
- 〜ため (~tame)
- Because; For the sake of.
- 注意深い配慮が求められる (chūibukai hairyo ga motomerareru)
- Careful consideration is required.
近年、健康志向の高まりとともに、間食のあり方も多様化の一途をたどっている。
In recent years, along with the rise in health consciousness, the way snacks are consumed is also continuing to diversify.
- 健康志向の高まり (kenkō shikō no takamari)
- Rising health consciousness.
- 〜とともに (~to tomo ni)
- Along with; Together with.
- 〜のあり方 (~no arikata)
- The way something is; The state of.
- 〜の一途をたどる (~no itto o tadoru)
- To continue on a path of; To be on the road to.
間食を控えることで、食事本来の味をより深く味わえるようになるという意見もある。
There is also the opinion that by refraining from snacks, one can come to appreciate the original flavors of meals more deeply.
- 〜という意見もある (~to iu iken mo aru)
- There is also the opinion that...
- 食事本来の味 (shokuji honrai no aji)
- The original taste of meals.
- より深く味わえる (yori fukaku ajiwaeru)
- Can savor more deeply.
間食に充てる予算を、食料品の購入に回すことで、より質の高い食生活を送ることが可能になる。
By reallocating the budget allocated for snacks to purchasing groceries, it becomes possible to lead a higher quality diet.
- 〜に充てる予算 (~ni ateru yosan)
- Budget allocated to.
- 〜に回す (~ni mawasu)
- To allocate to; To redirect to.
- 〜を送ることが可能になる (~o okuru koto ga kanō ni naru)
- It becomes possible to lead.
現代人の食行動における間食の役割は、単なる空腹を満たすという範疇を超え、心理的満足感や社会的コミュニケーションの手段としても機能している。
The role of snacks in the eating behavior of modern people goes beyond the mere satisfaction of hunger, functioning also as a means of psychological satisfaction and social communication.
- 食行動 (shokudō)
- Eating behavior.
- 〜という範疇を超え (~to iu hanchū o koe)
- Goes beyond the category of.
- 心理的満足感 (shinriteki manzokukan)
- Psychological satisfaction.
- 社会的コミュニケーションの手段 (shakaiteki komyunikēshon no shudan)
- Means of social communication.
- 〜としても機能している (~to shite mo kinō shite iru)
- Is functioning as.
間食の産業構造は、健康志向への対応、利便性の追求、そして嗜好性の多様化といった複数の要因によって複雑に形成されている。
The industrial structure of snacks is complexly formed by multiple factors such as responding to health consciousness, the pursuit of convenience, and the diversification of preferences.
- 産業構造 (sangyō kōzō)
- Industrial structure.
- 健康志向への対応 (kenkō shikō e no taiō)
- Response to health consciousness.
- 利便性の追求 (ribensei no tsuikyū)
- Pursuit of convenience.
- 嗜好性の多様化 (shikōsei no tayōka)
- Diversification of preferences.
- 〜といった複数の要因 (~to itta fukusū no yōin)
- Multiple factors such as.
- 複雑に形成されている (fukuzatsu ni keisei sarete iru)
- Is complexly formed.
間食を介した栄養摂取は、主食・主菜・副菜のバランスを崩すリスクを孕む一方で、特定の栄養素の補給源となり得る。
Nutrient intake via snacks carries the risk of disrupting the balance of staple foods, main dishes, and side dishes, yet it can also serve as a source for supplementing specific nutrients.
- 〜を介して (~o kaishite)
- Via; Through.
- 主食・主菜・副菜 (shushoku, shusai, fukusai)
- Staple food, main dish, side dish.
- 〜リスクを孕む (~risuku o haramu)
- Carries the risk of.
- 〜一方で (~ippō de)
- On the other hand; However.
- 〜補給源となり得る (~hokyūgen to nariuru)
- Can become a source of supply.
子供の食育において、間食の意義や適切な選択肢について、家庭と学校が連携して指導していくことが不可欠である。
In children's food education, it is essential for homes and schools to cooperate and provide guidance on the significance of snacks and appropriate choices.
- 食育 (shokuiku)
- Food education.
- 〜の意義 (~no igi)
- The significance of.
- 家庭と学校が連携して (katei to gakkō ga renkei shite)
- Homes and schools cooperating.
- 指導していく (shidō shite iku)
- To provide guidance; To educate.
- 〜ことが不可欠である (~koto ga fukaketsu de aru)
- It is indispensable; It is essential.
間食の摂取量や質を管理することは、生活習慣病の予防策として、ますます重要視される傾向にある。
Managing the quantity and quality of snack intake is increasingly being emphasized as a preventive measure against lifestyle-related diseases.
- 摂取量や質 (sesshuryō ya shitsu)
- Quantity and quality of intake.
- 〜を管理すること (~o kanri suru koto)
- Managing.
- 生活習慣病 (seikatsu shūkanbyō)
- Lifestyle-related diseases.
- 予防策 (yobō saku)
- Preventive measure.
- ますます重要視される傾向にある (masumasu jūyōshi sareru keikō ni aru)
- Is increasingly being emphasized; Tends to be regarded as more and more important.
間食の代替として、水分補給や軽いストレッチを取り入れることは、集中力維持に有効な手段となりうる。
Incorporating hydration and light stretching as alternatives to snacking can be an effective means of maintaining concentration.
- 代替として (daitai to shite)
- As an alternative.
- 水分補給 (suibun hokyū)
- Hydration.
- 〜を取り入れる (~o toriireru)
- To incorporate; To adopt.
- 〜に有効な手段となりうる (~ni yūkō na shudan to nariuru)
- Can become an effective means for.
健康食品業界では、間食のニーズに応えるべく、低カロリーかつ高栄養価の商品開発が活発に行われている。
In the health food industry, product development for low-calorie, high-nutrient items is actively being pursued to meet the needs for snacks.
- 健康食品業界 (kenkō shokuhin gyōkai)
- Health food industry.
- 〜のニーズに応えるべく (~no nīzu ni kotaeru beku)
- In order to meet the needs of.
- 低カロリーかつ高栄養価 (tei karorī katsu kōeiyōka)
- Low-calorie and high-nutrient.
- 商品開発が活発に行われている (shōhin kaihatsu ga kappatsu ni okonawarete iru)
- Product development is actively being carried out.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Is snacking bad for your health?
間食は体に悪いと聞きました。
Often Confused With
While often used interchangeably, おやつ specifically refers to treats or snacks, especially for children, and often implies sweetness. 間食 is a more general term for anything eaten between meals.
軽食 means 'light meal'. It can overlap with 間食 if the snack is substantial, but 軽食 can also refer to a small meal that isn't a full-course meal, like a light lunch.
食事 refers to main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). 間食 is explicitly *between* these main meals.
Idioms & Expressions
— Eat until you are 80% full; do not overeat. While not directly about snacks, this idiom promotes moderation in eating, which can indirectly relate to controlling snack intake to avoid overconsumption.
食事は腹八分目にすると、健康に良いと言われています。
Proverbial— Feeling bored or restless, leading to a desire to eat or talk. Often, this boredom is satisfied by snacking, making it a common trigger for kansyoku.
特にすることがない時、口さみしくてついお菓子を食べてしまう。
Informal— More than one's three meals a day; implies something is extremely important or desired. While not directly about snacks, it highlights the importance of main meals, contrasting with the less essential nature of snacks.
彼はゲームを三度の飯より好きだ。
Idiomatic expression— One cannot fight on an empty stomach; you need to eat to have energy. This proverb emphasizes the need for sustenance, which could include snacks to maintain energy levels for tasks.
会議の前にしっかり食べておこう。腹が減っては戦ができぬからね。
Proverbial— Something to eat when you feel 'kuchi sabishii' (restless or bored). This directly describes the function of a snack in such situations.
口寂しい時に食べるものとして、ガムや飴がよく選ばれます。
Descriptive phrase— To satisfy hunger. Kansyoku is a primary way to do this between meals.
間食は一時的に空腹を満たすのに役立ちます。
General phrase— To satisfy a slight hunger or craving. This is a very common reason for snacking.
小腹を満たすために、ヨーグルトを食べるのが好きです。
Informal phrase— A change of pace; a mental break. Snacking can serve as a 'kibun tenkan'.
仕事の合間に間食をして気分転換を図る。
Common phrase— Energy replenishment. Snacks are often consumed for this purpose.
長時間の活動には、間食によるエネルギー補給が効果的です。
Technical/Common phrase— A reward. Sometimes, a snack can be a small reward for oneself.
頑張った自分へのご褒美として、少しだけ間食をしました。
Common phraseEasily Confused
Both refer to eating between meals.
間食 (kansyoku) is a broader, more neutral term for any food eaten between main meals. おやつ (oyatsu) is more specific, often implying sweet treats, especially for children, and is commonly associated with afternoon snack time.
子供がおやつを欲しがっています。(Otsu is for kids' treats). 午後の間食にフルーツを食べました。(Kansyoku is more general).
Both can refer to smaller portions of food.
軽食 (keisyoku) means 'light meal' and can sometimes be a substitute for a main meal if it's not very substantial. 間食 (kansyoku) strictly refers to eating *between* main meals and usually implies a smaller portion than even a light meal.
昼食は軽食で済ませました。(Keisyoku can be a meal itself). 昼食と夕食の間に間食をしました。(Kansyoku is strictly between meals).
Both involve eating.
食事 (syokuji) refers to the main meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 間食 (kansyoku) specifically means eating *between* these main meals. You wouldn't say 'I had kansyoku for breakfast.'
朝食、昼食、夕食は大事な食事です。(Syokuji are main meals). 昼食の後に間食をしました。(Kansyoku is between syokuji).
Both involve eating small amounts of food.
つまみ食い (tsumamigui) means 'to sneak a bite' or 'to nibble', often implying stealth or eating something without permission. 間食 (kansyoku) is a planned or accepted act of eating between meals, not necessarily secretive.
ケーキをこっそりつまみ食いした。(Tsumamigui implies secrecy). 夕食の前に間食をしました。(Kansyoku is a normal habit).
Both are types of supplementary eating.
補食 (hoshoku) is a more technical term, often used in sports or medical contexts, meaning 'supplementary food' or 'additional meal' to provide extra nutrients or energy. 間食 (kansyoku) is the general, everyday term for any snack eaten between meals.
アスリートは練習の合間に補食を摂る。(Hoshoku is often for specific nutritional needs). 午後の間食にフルーツを食べた。(Kansyoku is a general snack).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は (wa) + 間食 (kansyoku) + です (desu).
これは間食です。(Kore wa kansyoku desu.) - This is a snack.
Noun + を (o) + 間食 (kansyoku) + します (shimasu).
果物を間食します。(Kudamono o kansyoku shimasu.) - I have fruit as a snack.
Noun + の (no) + 後 (ato) + に (ni) + 間食 (kansyoku) + を (o) + しました (shimashita).
昼食の後に間食をしました。(Chūshoku no ato ni kansyoku o shimashita.) - I had a snack after lunch.
間食 (kansyoku) + は (wa) + Noun + に (ni) + します (shimasu).
間食はナッツにします。(Kansyoku wa nattsu ni shimasu.) - I have nuts for my snack.
間食 (kansyoku) + を (o) + 控える (hikaeru).
間食を控えています。(Kansyoku o hikaete imasu.) - I am refraining from snacking.
〜ために (tame ni), 間食 (kansyoku) + を (o) + する (suru).
集中力を保つために、間食をすることがあります。(Shūchūryoku o tamotsu tame ni, kansyoku o suru koto ga arimasu.) - To maintain concentration, I sometimes snack.
間食 (kansyoku) + の (no) + 選択肢 (sentakushi) + は (wa) + Noun + など (nado).
間食の選択肢は、フルーツやヨーグルトなどです。(Kansyoku no sentakushi wa, furūtsu ya yōguruto nado desu.) - Snack options include fruits and yogurt, etc.
間食 (kansyoku) + の (no) + 役割 (yakuwari) + は (wa) + 〜を超え (o koe) + 〜としても機能している (to shite mo kinō shite iru).
間食の役割は、空腹を満たすという範疇を超え、気分転換としても機能している。(Kansyoku no yakuwari wa, kūfuku o mitasu to iu hanchū o koe, kibun tenkan to shite mo kinō shite iru.) - The role of snacks goes beyond simply satisfying hunger, functioning also as a mental break.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 間食 to replace main meal names.
→
間食は昼食ではありません。
間食 means 'snack', which is eaten *between* main meals like breakfast (朝食), lunch (昼食), and dinner (夕食). It is not a substitute for these main meals.
-
Forgetting to use する (suru) when referring to the action of snacking.
→
私はよく間食をします。
While 間食 itself is a noun, to express the action 'to snack', you need to combine it with a verb, most commonly する (suru). So, it's 間食をする (kansyoku o suru) or 間食する (kansyoku suru), not just 間食.
-
Confusing 間食 with おやつ (oyatsu) when the context requires generality.
→
午後の間食にフルーツを食べました。
おやつ (oyatsu) often implies treats, especially for children. If you're referring to any food eaten between meals, especially if it's healthy (like fruit), 間食 is a more appropriate and general term.
-
Using 間食 for a large, meal-like portion between meals.
→
昼食と夕食の間なので、軽食にしました。
間食 typically refers to a small portion. If you ate a more substantial amount, 軽食 (keisyoku - light meal) or a descriptive phrase might be more suitable.
-
Incorrect pronunciation, e.g., stressing the last syllable.
→
かんしょく (kansyoku)
The stress in 間食 is generally on the first syllable ('kan'). Accurate pronunciation is key for clear communication. Practice listening to native speakers.
Tips
Mastering Kansyoku
Remember that 間食 (kansyoku) is the general term for 'snack'. Think of it as the default word you can use in most situations when referring to eating between meals. For specific types of snacks, you might use おやつ (oyatsu) for treats or 軽食 (keisyoku) for a light meal.
Using Kansyoku with Verbs
The most common way to use 間食 as an action is with the verb する (suru). So, 'to snack' is 間食する (kansyoku suru) or 間食をする (kansyoku o suru). Practice forming sentences like 'I snacked' (間食しました) or 'I don't snack' (間食しません).
Cultural Nuances
In Japan, mindful snacking is encouraged, focusing on nutritious options. While convenience stores offer many processed snacks, there's also a cultural appreciation for seasonal fruits and traditional sweets as 간식. Be aware of the context when discussing snacks.
Pronouncing Kansyoku
Pay attention to the nasal 'n' in 'kan' and the short, crisp 'u' at the end of 'ku'. Practice saying it aloud: KAN-SHYOH-KOO. Listening to native speakers will help refine your pronunciation.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock with meals marked at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM. The time between these is the 'interval' (間) where you eat 'food' (食). This visual helps connect the kanji and meaning of 間食.
When to Use Kansyoku
Use 間食 when you're talking about eating something small between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. It's also used when discussing dietary habits related to snacking.
Choosing the Right Word
While 間食 is general, consider おやつ (oyatsu) for treats or kids' snacks, and 軽食 (keisyoku) for a light meal. If you're sneaking food, use つまみ食い (tsumamigui).
Healthy Snacking
When discussing healthy eating, you'll often hear about 'healthy snacks' (健康的な間食 - kenkōteki na kansyoku). Think of fruits, nuts, and yogurt as good examples.
Sentence Building
Try making your own sentences using 間食. For example: 'I don't usually snack' (間食はしません - kansyoku wa shimasen) or 'What do you snack on?' (間食に何を食べますか？ - kansyoku ni nani o tabemasu ka?).
Real-Life Scenarios
You'll hear 間食 in casual chats about food, in health advice, and even in advertisements for snack products. Pay attention to these contexts to reinforce your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a clock face. The '間' (kan) is the space *between* the numbers (meals). The '食' (shoku) is for food. So, 間食 is eating food in the spaces between the main 'numbers' on your meal clock.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock with numbers representing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Draw small pictures of snacks (like a cookie or an apple) in the gaps between these numbers. This visually represents eating 'in between' meals.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your typical snacking habits using the word 間食. For example, 'I usually have a healthy 間食 in the morning and a sweet 間食 in the afternoon.'
Word Origin
The word 間食 (kansyoku) is derived from Chinese characters. It is a compound word formed by combining two kanji: 間 (kan), meaning 'interval', 'space', or 'between', and 食 (shoku), meaning 'food' or 'meal'.
Original meaning: Literally, 'eating in between' or 'food in an interval'.
Sino-Japanese (Kanji compound)Cultural Context
There are no specific sensitivities associated with the word 間食 itself. However, discussions around food, diet, and health can be personal, and it's generally polite to avoid making judgments about others' eating habits.
In English-speaking cultures, 'snack' is the direct equivalent. The act of snacking is common globally, but the specific cultural nuances around what constitutes a snack, when it's eaten, and its perceived health implications can differ.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing daily eating habits.
- 間食しましたか？
- 間食はあまりしません。
- 午後はよく間食してしまいます。
Talking about health and diet.
- 健康的な間食を選びましょう。
- 間食を控えるようにしています。
- 間食のカロリーも重要です。
Describing food options.
- これは間食にぴったりです。
- 間食に何を食べますか？
- 間食としてナッツはいかがですか？
Referring to children's snacks.
- 子供のおやつは何にしますか？
- 間食の時間です。
- おやつは間食の一つです。
Workplace or study breaks.
- 休憩時間に間食しました。
- 会議の合間に間食を摂りました。
- 気分転換に間食をしました。
Conversation Starters
"皆さんは、普段どんなものを間食しますか？"
"ダイエット中なので、間食を減らしたいのですが、何か良い方法はありますか？"
"子供のおやつには、どんな間食が一番人気がありますか？"
"仕事の合間の間食は、集中力に影響しますか？"
"健康的な間食の選び方について、何かアドバイスはありますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日食べた間食について、具体的に書き出してみましょう。それは健康的なものでしたか？
あなたが一番好きな間食は何ですか？その理由も一緒に考えてみましょう。
間食を摂ることで、どのような気分になりますか？ポジティブな感情、ネガティブな感情、両方について考えてみましょう。
もし間食を全くしないとしたら、あなたの食生活や体調はどのように変わると思いますか？
間食の習慣を見直すとしたら、どのような点を改善したいですか？具体的な目標を設定してみましょう。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions間食 (kansyoku) is a general term for any food eaten between main meals. おやつ (oyatsu) is often used for snacks, especially sweet treats, and is very common for children's snacks or afternoon tea time. While they overlap, おやつ tends to have a more informal and treat-like connotation.
No, 間食 (kansyoku) is explicitly defined as food eaten *between* main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). It is not considered a main meal itself.
Yes, while it most commonly refers to food, drinks like tea, coffee, or even juice can be considered 間食 if consumed between meals for enjoyment or to alleviate mild hunger.
Healthy 間食 often include fruits (like apples, bananas), vegetables (like carrots, cucumber sticks), yogurt, nuts, and seeds. These provide nutrients without excessive sugar or unhealthy fats.
Not necessarily. If done mindfully with healthy choices, 間食 can help manage hunger, maintain energy levels, and provide essential nutrients. However, frequent snacking on unhealthy items or overeating can be detrimental to health.
The most common way to refer to snack time, especially for children, is おやつの時間 (oyatsu no jikan). You could also use 間食の時間 (kansyoku no jikan) which is more general, or even the informal 間食タイム (kansyoku taimu).
Generally, no. 間食 implies a smaller portion eaten between meals. If you eat a large amount, it might be referred to differently, perhaps as a 'second lunch' or a 'large snack', but 間食 itself suggests a moderate quantity.
The verb form is 間食する (kansyoku suru), or more commonly used with the particle を (o), 間食をする (kansyoku o suru). Both mean 'to snack'.
Yes, 間食 is a very common and widely understood word in everyday Japanese, used frequently in conversations about food, diet, and lifestyle.
Use 間食 (kansyoku) for snacks eaten strictly between main meals. Use 軽食 (keisyoku) if you are referring to a light meal that might substitute for a main meal, or a slightly more substantial snack than usual.
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Summary
間食 (kansyoku) is the standard Japanese term for a snack, encompassing any food or drink consumed between main meals. It's a ubiquitous concept in daily life, discussed in contexts from personal diet choices to cultural food practices.
- Kansyoku (間食) is the Japanese word for a snack.
- It refers to eating between main meals.
- Commonly used in daily conversations about food and diet.
- Can range from healthy options to treats.
Mastering Kansyoku
Remember that 間食 (kansyoku) is the general term for 'snack'. Think of it as the default word you can use in most situations when referring to eating between meals. For specific types of snacks, you might use おやつ (oyatsu) for treats or 軽食 (keisyoku) for a light meal.
Using Kansyoku with Verbs
The most common way to use 間食 as an action is with the verb する (suru). So, 'to snack' is 間食する (kansyoku suru) or 間食をする (kansyoku o suru). Practice forming sentences like 'I snacked' (間食しました) or 'I don't snack' (間食しません).
Cultural Nuances
In Japan, mindful snacking is encouraged, focusing on nutritious options. While convenience stores offer many processed snacks, there's also a cultural appreciation for seasonal fruits and traditional sweets as 간식. Be aware of the context when discussing snacks.
Pronouncing Kansyoku
Pay attention to the nasal 'n' in 'kan' and the short, crisp 'u' at the end of 'ku'. Practice saying it aloud: KAN-SHYOH-KOO. Listening to native speakers will help refine your pronunciation.
Example
健康のためには間食を控えるべきだ。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More food words
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜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).
