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おいしい

A1 adjective #1,000 most common 12 min read

おいしい

oishii Top 1,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips おいしい in 30 Seconds

Explanation おいしい in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'oishii' as a fundamental survival word. It is taught almost immediately because food is a universal topic and dining out is a common activity for anyone visiting Japan. Learners at this stage focus on recognizing the word and using it in its simplest present tense forms: 'oishii' (casual) and 'oishii desu' (polite). The primary goal is communication of basic needs and preferences. A1 learners will practice pointing at food and saying 'kore wa oishii desu' (this is delicious). They will also learn the basic negative form 'oishikunai desu' (it is not delicious), though culturally, they are advised to use this sparingly to avoid offending the cook. The focus is heavily on pronunciation, ensuring the double 'i' at the end is elongated correctly. Vocabulary exercises at this level often pair 'oishii' with basic food nouns like sushi, ramen, mizu (water), and niku (meat). The word serves as a perfect introduction to the concept of i-adjectives, setting the foundation for future grammatical concepts. At this stage, learners do not need to worry about complex conjugations or nuanced alternatives; simply being able to express joy and gratitude for a meal using 'oishii desu' is considered a major milestone in their language acquisition journey, allowing them to participate in basic social dining rituals.

Moving into the A2 level, learners begin to manipulate 'oishii' more freely, expanding their grammatical toolkit. The most significant addition at this stage is the past tense. Learners are taught how to drop the final 'i' and add 'katta' to form 'oishikatta desu' (it was delicious). This is crucial because praising a meal usually happens after it has been eaten. They also learn the past negative form 'oishikunakatta desu' (it was not delicious). At A2, learners start using 'oishii' to modify nouns directly, creating phrases like 'oishii pan' (delicious bread) or 'oishii ryouri' (delicious food). They begin to construct slightly more complex sentences using conjunctions, such as 'kono ringo wa amakute oishii desu' (this apple is sweet and delicious), utilizing the te-form of adjectives. Listening comprehension improves, allowing them to recognize the word in simple dialogues, anime, or beginner-level podcasts. They also start to understand basic questions like 'oishii desu ka?' (is it delicious?) and can respond appropriately. The cultural context deepens slightly; learners understand that saying 'oishikatta desu' when leaving a restaurant is polite. The focus remains on practical, everyday usage, ensuring the learner can navigate a variety of dining situations with confidence and correct basic grammar.

At the B1 level, learners achieve a much higher degree of fluency and flexibility with 'oishii'. They move beyond simple statements and begin to use the word in comparative and superlative structures. For example, they can say 'A no resutoran yori B no resutoran no hou ga oishii desu' (Restaurant B is more delicious than Restaurant A) or 'kore ga ichiban oishii desu' (this is the most delicious). They also learn to use the adverbial form 'oishiku', allowing them to modify verbs, as in 'oishiku ryouri suru' (to cook deliciously) or 'oishiku itadakimashita' (I ate it deliciously/with gratitude). At this stage, learners are introduced to the concept of nominalization, turning the adjective into a noun: 'oishisa' (deliciousness). They can express opinions and reasons, such as 'kono keeki wa oishii node, mou hitotsu kaitai desu' (because this cake is delicious, I want to buy one more). B1 learners also start to recognize the casual alternative 'umai' and understand the social contexts in which it is appropriate versus when 'oishii' should be used. Their listening skills allow them to pick up on the emotional intonation of the word in natural conversation, and they can read reviews or short articles about food where 'oishii' and its variations are frequently used.

At the B2 level, the usage of 'oishii' becomes highly nuanced and culturally integrated. Learners are no longer just stating facts about food; they are using the word to navigate complex social interactions. They understand the subtle differences in tone and delivery—how a quiet, drawn-out 'oishii...' conveys deep appreciation, while a loud, sharp 'oishii!' conveys surprise and excitement. B2 learners can comfortably read and write detailed restaurant reviews, utilizing a wider range of vocabulary alongside 'oishii', such as describing texture, aroma, and presentation. They understand idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, such as the slang use of 'oishii' to describe a profitable or advantageous situation (e.g., 'oishii shigoto' - a sweet gig). They are fully comfortable with all conjugations, including conditional forms like 'oishikereba' (if it is delicious) and 'oishikattara' (if it was delicious). They can engage in extended conversations about regional cuisines, debating which prefecture has the most 'oishii' specialties. At this level, the focus shifts from grammatical correctness to natural, native-like expression, ensuring that the word is used with the appropriate emotional and cultural weight in any given situation.

C1 learners possess an advanced, near-native command of 'oishii' and its surrounding linguistic ecosystem. They are highly sensitive to register and can seamlessly switch between formal, polite, and highly casual speech depending on their interlocutor. They understand the historical context of the word, recognizing its origins in women's court language (nyobo kotoba) and how that history subtly influences its modern perception compared to the rougher 'umai'. C1 learners can read complex literature, essays, and high-level food critiques where 'oishii' might be eschewed for more sophisticated vocabulary like 'bimi' (美味) or 'zeppin' (絶品), but they understand exactly why and when a writer might choose the simpler 'oishii' for emotional impact. They can use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences with ease, expressing subtle doubts or conditions, such as 'oishii to wa omoimasu ga, watashi no konomi dewa arimasen' (I think it's delicious, but it's not to my taste). Their listening comprehension allows them to grasp rapid-fire banter on TV gourmet shows, understanding the cultural tropes and humor associated with exaggerated reactions to food. They can articulate the concept of 'umami' and how it relates to the broader concept of 'oishisa'.

At the C2 level, the learner's understanding of 'oishii' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They possess a deep, intuitive grasp of the word's psychological and sociological implications in Japanese society. They understand how the collective affirmation of 'oishii' functions as a mechanism for social cohesion and harmony (wa) during shared meals. C2 learners can analyze the etymology of the word, discussing the phonetic shift from 'ishi' to 'oishii' and its kanji representation (美味しい), noting that the kanji is actually ateji (kanji used for phonetic value or assigned meaning regardless of original reading). They can write professional-level culinary critiques, academic papers on Japanese food culture, or compelling marketing copy utilizing the word and its derivatives with absolute precision. They are acutely aware of regional dialects and how the concept of 'delicious' is expressed differently across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. At this mastery level, 'oishii' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a lens through which they can examine and articulate the profound relationship between the Japanese people, their environment, and their culinary traditions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

おいしい in 30 Seconds

The most common word for 'delicious'.
An i-adjective, conjugates to oishikatta.
Used to praise food and show gratitude.
Can mean a 'sweet deal' in slang.

The Japanese word oishii is one of the most fundamental and frequently used adjectives in the entire Japanese language, serving as the primary way to express that food or drink is delicious, tasty, or highly enjoyable to consume. When you begin learning Japanese, this is often among the first ten words you will acquire, simply because food culture is so deeply embedded in the daily life and social interactions of Japan. To truly understand oishii, one must look beyond its simple English translation of 'delicious' and recognize it as a vital social lubricant. In Japanese culture, expressing vocal appreciation for a meal is not just a compliment to the chef; it is an expected polite behavior that demonstrates gratitude for the ingredients, the preparation, and the hospitality of the host. When you sit down at a restaurant, a friend's house, or even when eating a bento box from a convenience store, saying oishii out loud validates the experience and shares your joy with those around you. The word itself is an i-adjective, which means it follows the standard conjugation rules for this class of words, allowing it to be easily modified for past tense, negative forms, and conditional states.

Core Meaning: The literal and primary meaning of oishii is to describe food or drink that has a pleasant, savory, sweet, or otherwise highly agreeable flavor profile that brings joy to the person consuming it.

このラーメンはとてもおいしいです。

Beyond just the literal taste, oishii carries a psychological weight. It signifies satisfaction and contentment. In historical contexts, the word evolved from a more polite, aristocratic way of speaking, specifically from the 'nyobo kotoba' or women's court language of the Muromachi period, where the prefix 'o' was added to 'ishi' (meaning good or desirable) to create a refined way of praising food. Today, it has completely crossed gender and class lines to become the universal standard.

Social Function: Using this word actively builds rapport with the person who cooked the food or the person who brought you to the restaurant, acting as a bridge of shared positive experience.

母の作ったカレーが一番おいしい。

Furthermore, the usage of oishii extends slightly into metaphorical realms in modern slang, though this is less common for beginners to use. For instance, a situation that is highly advantageous, profitable, or lucky might be described as an 'oishii hanashi' (a delicious story/deal). However, its absolute primary domain remains firmly rooted in the culinary world. Whether you are sipping green tea, eating a complex multi-course kaiseki dinner, or just chewing on a popular snack, oishii is your go-to expression.

Metaphorical Use: In business or casual slang, it can describe a situation that is very beneficial, profitable, or easy to take advantage of, much like a tasty treat.

それはとてもおいしい仕事ですね。

日本のりんごは甘くておいしいです。

毎日おいしいご飯を食べたいです。

It is important to note that while oishii is universal, the way it is delivered changes its impact. A soft, quiet oishii implies a deep, refined appreciation, often seen in high-end sushi restaurants. A loud, boisterous oishii is perfect for an izakaya (Japanese pub) setting where the atmosphere is lively and energetic. Understanding these subtle contextual shifts will greatly enhance your ability to communicate naturally and effectively with native Japanese speakers, making your dining experiences much more authentic and enjoyable.

Mastering the grammatical usage of oishii is a critical stepping stone for any Japanese learner, as it perfectly exemplifies the behavior of standard i-adjectives. In Japanese, adjectives are broadly divided into two categories: i-adjectives and na-adjectives. Oishii belongs to the former, which means it carries its own tense and polarity within its endings, rather than relying entirely on the copula (desu/da) to show time and negation. In its most basic, polite present affirmative form, you simply say 'oishii desu'. The 'desu' here adds politeness, but the adjective itself is already in the present tense. If you are speaking casually with friends or family, you can drop the 'desu' entirely and just say 'oishii'.

Present Tense: Use 'oishii desu' for polite situations and simply 'oishii' for casual situations to state that something is currently delicious.

このケーキはおいしいです。

When you want to express that something was delicious in the past—for example, after you have finished a meal—you must conjugate the adjective itself. You remove the final 'i' and add 'katta', resulting in 'oishikatta'. To make it polite, you add 'desu' to the end, making it 'oishikatta desu'. A very common mistake for beginners is to say 'oishii deshita', which is grammatically incorrect because the past tense marker must attach to the adjective, not the copula.

Past Tense: Drop the final 'i' and add 'katta' to form 'oishikatta'. This is used to describe a meal you have already eaten.

昨日の夕食はとてもおいしかったです。

Negation is another crucial aspect. If something is not delicious, you drop the final 'i' and add 'kunai', making it 'oishikunai'. For polite speech, you can say 'oishikunai desu' or 'oishiku arimasen'. For the past negative (it was not delicious), it becomes 'oishikunakatta' or 'oishiku arimasen deshita'.

Negative Forms: Change the final 'i' to 'kunai' for present negative, and 'kunakatta' for past negative.

残念ながら、そのスープはおいしくなかったです。

安くておいしいレストランを知っていますか。

もっとおいしく作る方法を教えてください。

Beyond ending sentences, oishii can directly modify nouns. You simply place it before the noun, such as 'oishii sushi' (delicious sushi) or 'oishii mizu' (delicious water). Furthermore, you can use the te-form 'oishikute' to connect sentences, meaning 'it is delicious and...'. For example, 'oishikute yasui' means 'delicious and cheap'. Finally, the adverbial form 'oishiku' is used to modify verbs, as in 'oishiku taberu' (to eat deliciously/with relish). Understanding these variations allows you to express complex thoughts about food with fluency and natural rhythm, elevating your Japanese significantly.

If you spend any amount of time in Japan or consuming Japanese media, you will quickly realize that the word oishii is absolutely ubiquitous. It permeates almost every layer of daily life, media, and social interaction. One of the most prominent places you will hear this word is on Japanese television. Japanese TV is famous for its 'gurume bangumi' (gourmet programs) and travel shows where celebrities, comedians, and reporters visit various restaurants and food stalls across the country. In these shows, the reaction to eating food is highly stylized and ritualistic. The camera zooms in on the talent's face as they take a bite, chew thoughtfully, widen their eyes, and exclaim 'Oishii!' with immense enthusiasm. This exaggerated, joyful declaration is a staple of Japanese entertainment and sets a cultural template for how one should react to good food.

Television and Media: Gourmet shows constantly feature talents shouting oishii to convey the quality of the food to the viewers at home, often accompanied by on-screen text.

テレビのレポーターが「おいしい！」と叫んだ。

In everyday life, the family dining table is another primary domain for this word. When a mother or father cooks a meal, children and spouses are expected to express their gratitude by saying oishii. It is a verbal reward for the labor of cooking. You will also hear it constantly in restaurants. Diners will say it to each other to confirm their shared enjoyment ('Kore, oishii ne!' - This is delicious, isn't it?), and they will say it to the staff when paying the bill ('Oishikatta desu, gochisousama deshita' - It was delicious, thank you for the meal).

Restaurants and Dining: It is customary to praise the food while eating and to thank the chef by mentioning how delicious it was upon leaving.

お客さんは「おいしかったです」と言って帰りました。

Furthermore, you will encounter this word in advertising. Supermarkets, food packaging, and billboards use oishii as a primary selling point. Phrases like 'Oishii gyunyu' (Delicious milk) are actually registered brand names. The word is so trusted and positive that it instantly makes products more appealing. In anime and manga, characters often have comical, over-the-top reactions to eating oishii food, sometimes with tears of joy streaming down their faces. This cultural saturation means that as a learner, you will have endless opportunities to hear the word in context, helping you naturally absorb its pronunciation, pitch accent, and the appropriate emotional weight to attach to it in various social situations.

このパッケージには「おいしい牛乳」と書いてあります。

アニメのキャラクターがおいしいお菓子を食べて喜んでいる。

みんなでおいしいお酒を飲みましょう。

Understanding where and how often this word is used will help you realize that in Japan, talking about food is not just small talk; it is a primary mode of social bonding.

While oishii is a fundamental word, its grammatical nature as an i-adjective leads to several common pitfalls for English speakers and other learners of Japanese. Because English adjectives do not conjugate for tense (we change the verb 'is' to 'was'), learners often try to apply this logic to Japanese, resulting in unnatural or incorrect sentences. The most frequent and glaring mistake is saying 'oishii deshita' to mean 'it was delicious'. In Japanese, the past tense must be carried by the i-adjective itself. Therefore, the correct form is 'oishikatta desu'. Using 'deshita' after an unconjugated i-adjective sounds very jarring to a native speaker.

Past Tense Error: Never say 'oishii deshita'. Always conjugate the adjective to 'oishikatta' and add 'desu' for politeness.

❌ おいしいでした。 ➡️ ⭕️ おいしかったです。

Another common mistake occurs with the negative form. Learners sometimes say 'oishii ja nai' or 'oishii dewa arimasen', treating it like a na-adjective or a noun. The correct negative form requires dropping the final 'i' and adding 'kunai', resulting in 'oishikunai'. For polite speech, it is 'oishikunai desu' or 'oishiku arimasen'. Mixing up these conjugation paradigms is a classic beginner error that requires conscious practice to overcome.

Negative Form Error: Do not use 'ja nai' with i-adjectives. Use the 'kunai' suffix instead.

❌ おいしいじゃない。 ➡️ ⭕️ おいしくない。

Additionally, learners sometimes overuse oishii in contexts where it doesn't belong. While it means 'delicious', it should strictly be applied to food, drink, or metaphorical 'sweet deals' in slang. You cannot use it to describe a 'delicious' irony, a 'tasty' piece of gossip, or a 'sweet' person in the way English sometimes allows. Japanese has specific words for those concepts. Furthermore, pronunciation mistakes can alter the meaning or make it sound unnatural. The word has a double 'i' at the end (o-i-shi-i). Failing to elongate that final vowel sound can make it sound abrupt. Also, the pitch accent is important; it typically starts low on 'o', goes high on 'i-shi', and drops slightly on the final 'i' in standard Tokyo dialect.

Contextual Errors: Avoid using oishii for non-food items unless you are specifically using advanced business slang.

このお茶はとてもおいしいですね。

自分で作るともっとおいしく感じます。

冷めてもおいしいお弁当です。

By being mindful of these conjugation rules and contextual boundaries, you will sound much more natural and respectful when praising Japanese cuisine.

While oishii is the safest and most universally understood word for 'delicious', the Japanese language offers a rich tapestry of alternatives that convey different nuances, levels of formality, and regional flavors. The most common alternative you will encounter is 'umai' (うまい). Umai also means delicious, but it carries a more casual, slightly rougher, and traditionally masculine nuance. While women do use it, especially in casual company or when expressing sudden, intense satisfaction, oishii is generally considered more polite and refined. Umai is often heard in izakayas, at street food stalls, or among close friends. It can also mean 'skillful' or 'good at' depending on the kanji used (上手い vs 旨い), making it a versatile word.

Umai (うまい): A more casual, punchy alternative to oishii. Often used by men or in very relaxed settings to express strong, immediate satisfaction with food.

このビール、最高にうまい！でもやっぱり和食はおいしいですね。

For more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the word 'bimi' (美味), which literally translates to 'beautiful taste'. This is a noun/na-adjective often used in writing, high-end restaurant reviews, or formal speeches. You wouldn't typically shout 'Bimi!' after eating a casual bowl of ramen, but you might read about a 'bimi na ryouri' (exquisite dish) in a gourmet magazine. Another fantastic, highly expressive phrase is 'hoppe ga ochisou' (ほっぺが落ちそう), which literally means 'my cheeks are about to fall off'. This is a charming, slightly childish but widely understood idiom used to describe food that is so incredibly delicious that it melts in your mouth and makes your cheeks droop with happiness.

Bimi (美味): A formal, written word for exquisite taste, often used in professional culinary contexts rather than daily conversation.

そのレストランは美味な料理を提供しますが、家庭のおいしいご飯も好きです。

You will also hear regional variations. In the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto), people often use 'umai' more freely across genders, or they might use local dialect words. Another related word is 'zeppin' (絶品), meaning a masterpiece or an exquisite item, often used to describe a restaurant's signature dish. By learning these alternatives, you can add color and precision to your Japanese, tailoring your compliments to match the atmosphere, the company, and the specific quality of the food you are enjoying.

Zeppin (絶品): Used to describe a dish that is an absolute masterpiece, the pinnacle of culinary achievement.

この店のカレーは絶品で、本当においしいです。

ほっぺが落ちるほどおいしいケーキを食べました。

高級な料理もいいですが、普通のおいしいおにぎりが一番です。

Expanding your vocabulary beyond oishii allows you to appreciate the vast and nuanced world of Japanese food culture on a much deeper level.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"大変美味でございます。 (Taihen bimi de gozaimasu.)"

Neutral

"この料理はおいしいです。 (Kono ryouri wa oishii desu.)"

Informal

"これ、おいしい！ (Kore, oishii!)"

Child friendly

"おいちいね！ (Oichii ne!)"

Slang

"これ、マジでうまい。 (Kore, maji de umai.)"

Fun Fact

The kanji for oishii is 美味しい. However, this is 'ateji'—kanji assigned purely for their meaning (美 = beautiful, 味 = taste) rather than their phonetic reading. The word existed phonetically before these specific kanji were attached to it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /oɪˈʃiː/

US /oʊˈiːʃiː/

o-I-SHI-i (Pitch accent: L-H-H-L in Tokyo dialect)

Rhymes With

うれしい (Ureshii - happy) かなしい (Kanashii - sad) すばらしい (Subarashii - wonderful) あたらしい (Atarashii - new) やさしい (Yasashii - kind/easy) きびしい (Kibishii - strict) さびしい (Sabishii - lonely) あやしい (Ayashii - suspicious)

Common Errors

Saying 'o-shi' instead of 'o-i-shi'. You must pronounce the first 'i'.
Cutting the final 'i' short. It is a long vowel sound: 'shii', not 'shi'.
Pronouncing the 'sh' too harshly. Japanese 'sh' is softer, with the tongue flatter.
Using English stress instead of Japanese pitch accent.
Saying 'oishii deshita' instead of 'oishikatta desu' (Grammar error related to speaking).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The hiragana (おいしい) is very easy. The kanji (美味しい) is slightly harder but extremely common.

Writing 2/5

Writing in hiragana is A1 level. Writing the kanji requires B1 level stroke order knowledge.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce, though remembering the long 'ii' at the end takes a little practice.

Listening 1/5

Extremely easy to recognize due to its high frequency in daily life and media.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

食べる (taberu - to eat) 水 (mizu - water) ご飯 (gohan - rice/meal) です (desu - is) これ (kore - this)

Learn Next

まずい (mazui - bad tasting) 甘い (amai - sweet) 辛い (karai - spicy) うまい (umai - tasty) おいしそう (oishisou - looks tasty)

Advanced

美味 (bimi - exquisite taste) 絶品 (zeppin - masterpiece) 醍醐味 (daigomi - true charm) 風味 (fuumi - flavor) 旨味 (umami - savory taste)

Grammar to Know

i-adjective present tense

おいしいです (oishii desu)

i-adjective past tense

おいしかったです (oishikatta desu)

i-adjective negative

おいしくないです (oishikunai desu)

i-adjective te-form (connecting)

おいしくて、安いです (oishikute, yasui desu)

Adverbial form modifying verbs

おいしく食べます (oishiku tabemasu)

Examples by Level

このお寿司はおいしいです。

This sushi is delicious.

Basic polite present tense using 'desu'.

ラーメン、おいしい！

Ramen, delicious!

Casual present tense, dropping 'desu'.

水がおいしいです。

The water is delicious.

Using the subject marker 'ga' with the adjective.

おいしいりんごですね。

It's a delicious apple, isn't it?

Adjective directly modifying a noun (ringo).

これはおいしくないです。

This is not delicious.

Basic polite negative form 'kunai desu'.

おいしいパンを食べます。

I eat delicious bread.

Adjective modifying the object of the verb 'taberu'.

ケーキはおいしいですか？

Is the cake delicious?

Question form using the particle 'ka'.

とてもおいしいです。

It is very delicious.

Using the degree adverb 'totemo' (very).

昨日の晩ご飯はとてもおいしかったです。

Yesterday's dinner was very delicious.

Polite past tense 'katta desu'.

そのカレーはおいしくなかったです。

That curry was not delicious.

Polite past negative 'kunakatta desu'.

安くておいしいレストランに行きましょう。

Let's go to a cheap and delicious restaurant.

Using the te-form 'yasukute' to connect adjectives.

母が作った料理が一番おいしい。

The food my mother makes is the most delicious.

Using 'ichiban' for superlative.

おいしいコーヒーを飲みながら本を読みます。

I read a book while drinking delicious coffee.

Modifying a noun within a 'nagara' (while) clause.

このスープは熱い時がおいしいです。

This soup is delicious when it's hot.

Using 'toki' (when) to specify a condition.

おいしそうなお弁当ですね。

That looks like a delicious bento box.

Using 'sou' (looks like) by dropping the final 'i'.

もっとおいしく作れますか？

Can you make it more deliciously?

Adverbial form 'oishiku' modifying the verb 'tsukuru'.

この店はピザよりパスタのほうがおいしいと思います。

I think the pasta is more delicious than the pizza at this restaurant.

Comparative structure 'yori... no hou ga'.

おいしいものを食べると、幸せな気分になります。

When I eat delicious things, I feel happy.

Using 'to' conditional for a natural consequence.

このお菓子はおいしいので、すぐになくなってしまいます。

Because these sweets are delicious, they disappear quickly.

Using 'node' to express a reason.

どんなにおいしくても、食べ過ぎてはいけません。

No matter how delicious it is, you must not eat too much.

Using 'temo' (even if/no matter how).

新鮮な魚のおいしさに驚きました。

I was surprised by the deliciousness of the fresh fish.

Nominalization using 'sa' (oishisa).

おいしいかどうか、食べてみないと分かりません。

I won't know whether it's delicious or not unless I try eating it.

Using 'ka dou ka' (whether or not).

彼は料理をおいしく見せるのが上手です。

He is good at making food look delicious.

Causative-like expression 'oishiku miseru'.

京都で一番おいしいと言われている抹茶アイスを食べた。

I ate the matcha ice cream that is said to be the most delicious in Kyoto.

Relative clause modifying 'matcha aisu'.

このワインは、チーズと一緒に食べるとさらにおいしく感じられます。

This wine feels even more delicious when consumed together with cheese.

Passive potential 'kanjirareru' with adverbial 'oishiku'.

見た目は悪いですが、味は間違いなくおいしいですよ。

The appearance is bad, but the taste is undoubtedly delicious.

Contrasting clauses with 'ga'.

あのアルバイトは時給が高くて、学生にとってはかなりおいしい仕事だ。

That part-time job has a high hourly wage; it's quite a sweet gig for students.

Slang/metaphorical use of 'oishii' meaning profitable.

素材本来のおいしさを引き出すために、塩だけで味付けしています。

To bring out the inherent deliciousness of the ingredients, it is seasoned only with salt.

Advanced vocabulary 'sozai honrai' with nominalized 'oishisa'.

おいしい料理は、人を笑顔にする力を持っています。

Delicious food has the power to make people smile.

Abstract concept expression.

もしおいしくなかったら、お金は払わなくてもいいです。

If it is not delicious, you don't have to pay.

Negative conditional 'nakattara'.

この店のラーメンは、並んででも食べる価値があるほどおいしい。

This restaurant's ramen is so delicious that it's worth eating even if you have to line up.

Expressing extent with 'hodo'.

ただおいしいだけでなく、栄養バランスも考えられています。

It is not only delicious, but the nutritional balance is also considered.

'Tada... dake de naku' (not only... but also) structure.

この出汁の奥深いおいしさは、一朝一夕に出せるものではない。

The profound deliciousness of this dashi cannot be produced overnight.

Literary expression 'okufukai' and idiom 'iccho isseki'.

彼はグルメを自称しているが、本当に味のおいしさが分かっているのか疑問だ。

He calls himself a gourmet, but I doubt if he truly understands the deliciousness of flavors.

Complex sentence structure expressing doubt.

あの投資話はあまりにもおいしすぎる。何か裏があるに違いない。

That investment story is way too sweet (good to be true). There must be a catch.

Metaphorical use with 'sugiru' (too much) implying suspicion.

旬の食材を最もおいしい時期にいただくのが、和食の醍醐味である。

Consuming seasonal ingredients at their most delicious time is the true essence of Japanese cuisine.

Formal phrasing 'daigomi' and 'itadaku'.

記憶の中の母の味ほど、おいしいと感じるものはない。

There is nothing that feels as delicious as the taste of my mother's cooking in my memory.

Comparative absolute structure '...hodo... mono wa nai'.

辛さの中にも確かなおいしさがあり、一度食べたら病みつきになる。

Even within the spiciness, there is a distinct deliciousness; once you eat it, you'll be hooked.

Nuanced description 'karasa no naka ni mo'.

ただ甘いだけではなく、酸味とのバランスが絶妙で非常においしい。

It's not just sweet; the balance with the acidity is exquisite, making it extremely delicious.

Detailed flavor profile description.

この小説は、食べ物のおいしさを表現する語彙が非常に豊かだ。

This novel has a very rich vocabulary for expressing the deliciousness of food.

Meta-linguistic commentary.

「おいしい」という言葉は、単なる味覚の評価を超え、共食を通じた社会的紐帯の確認として機能する。

The word 'oishii' goes beyond a mere evaluation of taste and functions as a confirmation of social bonds through communal eating.

Highly academic and sociological vocabulary (shakaiteki chutai).

室町時代の女房言葉に端を発する「おいしい」が、いかにして現代の普遍的な形容詞へと定着したかを考察する。

We will examine how 'oishii', originating from the women's court language of the Muromachi period, established itself as a universal adjective today.

Etymological and historical discussion.

彼の書く料理の批評は、安易に「おいしい」という言葉に逃げず、多角的な視点から味覚を言語化している。

His culinary critiques do not easily resort to the word 'oishii', but rather verbalize taste from multifaceted perspectives.

Critique of language usage itself.

この銘菓の真のおいしさは、一口目のインパクトではなく、余韻として残る上品な甘さにある。

The true deliciousness of this famous confection lies not in the impact of the first bite, but in the refined sweetness that lingers as an aftertaste.

Sophisticated sensory description (yoin).

資本主義社会において、「おいしい話」という比喩が頻用される背景には、人間の根源的な欲望が潜んでいる。

In a capitalist society, the underlying reason for the frequent use of the metaphor 'a sweet deal' is the fundamental desires of human beings.

Philosophical and economic analysis.

味覚の標準化が進む現代において、各地域の風土に根ざした固有の「おいしさ」を保存することが急務である。

In an age where the standardization of taste is advancing, preserving the unique 'deliciousness' rooted in the climate of each region is an urgent task.

Socio-cultural commentary (fudo, kyumu).

その料亭の主人は、「おいしい」と言わせるための作為を嫌い、素材の声を聴くことに徹していた。

The master of that ryotei disliked contrivances aimed at making people say 'oishii', and devoted himself entirely to listening to the voice of the ingredients.

Advanced narrative phrasing (sakui, tesshite ita).

万人がおいしいと認める最大公約数的な味付けは、時に個性を失わせる危険性を孕んでいる。

A lowest-common-denominator seasoning that everyone acknowledges as delicious sometimes carries the risk of losing its individuality.

Complex analytical structure (saidai koyakusu teki, harande iru).

Synonyms

うまい美味絶品いける

Antonyms

まずい

Common Collocations

おいしい料理 (Oishii ryouri)

おいしい水 (Oishii mizu)

おいしいお店 (Oishii omise)

おいしい匂い (Oishii nioi)

おいしい話 (Oishii hanashi)

おいしくいただく (Oishiku itadaku)

おいしそう (Oishisou)

安くておいしい (Yasukute oishii)

おいしいところ (Oishii tokoro)

おいしさの秘密 (Oishisa no himitsu)

Common Phrases

おいしいです (Oishii desu)

— It is delicious. The standard polite way to praise food.

このお茶はおいしいです。

おいしかった！ (Oishikatta!)

— It was delicious! Said casually after finishing a good meal.

あー、おいしかった！

おいしそう！ (Oishisou!)

— Looks delicious! Said before eating when looking at appealing food.

わあ、おいしそう！

おいしく召し上がれ (Oishiku meshiagare)

— Please enjoy your meal (Eat deliciously). Said by the cook or server.

どうぞ、おいしく召し上がれ。

おいしいところ取り (Oishii tokoro dori)

— Cherry-picking; taking only the best or most profitable parts of something.

彼はいつもおいしいところ取りをする。

おいしい思いをする (Oishii omoi o suru)

— To have a sweet experience; to benefit from a situation.

株で少しおいしい思いをした。

おいしい顔 (Oishii kao)

— A face showing enjoyment of food; a 'yummy face'.

赤ちゃんがおいしい顔をしている。

おいしい季節 (Oishii kisetsu)

— The season when certain foods are most delicious (in season).

秋はサンマがおいしい季節です。

おいしくなる (Oishiku naru)

— To become delicious. Often used when cooking or aging food.

煮込むともっとおいしくなります。

おいしくないわけがない (Oishikunai wake ga nai)

— There's no way it's not delicious (It must be delicious).

高級肉だから、おいしくないわけがない。

Often Confused With

おいしい vs おいしそう (Oishisou)

Means 'looks delicious' before you eat it. 'Oishii' is used while or after eating.

おいしい vs うまい (Umai)

Means the same thing, but 'umai' is more casual and often used by men.

おいしい vs あまい (Amai)

Means 'sweet'. Beginners sometimes confuse the sounds. Sweet food can be oishii, but not all oishii food is amai.

Idioms & Expressions

"ほっぺたが落ちる (Hoppeta ga ochiru)"

— Cheeks fall off. Used to describe extremely delicious food.

このメロンはほっぺたが落ちるほどおいしい。

Casual/Playful

"舌鼓を打つ (Shitazutsumi o utsu)"

— To smack one's lips. To eat with great relish and enjoyment.

豪華な夕食に舌鼓を打った。

Formal/Literary

"おいしい汁を吸う (Oishii shiru o suu)"

— To suck the sweet juice. To exploit a situation for one's own profit while others do the work.

彼だけがおいしい汁を吸っている。

Negative/Slang

"三度の飯より好き (Sando no meshi yori suki)"

— To like something more than three meals a day. To love something deeply.

彼は三度の飯より野球が好きだ。

Casual

"食指が動く (Shokushi ga ugoku)"

— The index finger moves. To feel an appetite or a desire for something.

その提案には食指が動かない。

Formal

"味が占める (Aji o shimeru)"

— To learn the taste. To repeat an action because it was successful or profitable once.

一度勝って味を占めたようだ。

Neutral

"手前味噌 (Temaemiso)"

— One's own miso. To sing one's own praises or boast about one's own things.

手前味噌ですが、私の料理はおいしいですよ。

Humble/Idiomatic

"隠し味 (Kakushiaji)"

— Hidden flavor. A secret ingredient that makes a dish delicious.

カレーの隠し味にチョコレートを入れる。

Neutral

"醍醐味 (Daigomi)"

— The true charm or the ultimate taste/experience of something.

冬の鍋料理は日本の醍醐味だ。

Formal

"お茶を濁す (Ocha o nigosu)"

— To make tea muddy. To give an evasive answer or cover up a situation.

笑ってお茶を濁した。

Neutral

Easily Confused

おいしい vs おいしそう (Oishisou)

Learners mix up when to use the adjective vs the appearance form.

Use 'oishisou' when looking at food you haven't tasted yet. Use 'oishii' once it is in your mouth.

(Looking at a cake) おいしそう！ (Eating the cake) おいしい！

おいしい vs うまい (Umai)

Both mean delicious.

'Oishii' is standard and polite for everyone. 'Umai' is casual, punchy, and leans masculine.

(Polite dinner) おいしいです。(Drinking with buddies) うまい！

おいしい vs まずい (Mazui)

Learners might accidentally say this when trying to say 'not delicious'.

'Mazui' means actively disgusting. 'Oishikunai' just means it lacks good taste. Avoid 'mazui' in polite company.

この薬はまずい。 (This medicine tastes awful.)

おいしい vs 美味しいでした (Oishii deshita)

Applying English grammar (was delicious) to Japanese.

This is grammatically incorrect. The past tense is 'oishikatta desu'.

⭕️ おいしかったです。 ❌ おいしいでした。

おいしい vs おいしいじゃない (Oishii ja nai)

Applying na-adjective negative rules to an i-adjective.

The correct negative is 'oishikunai'. 'Ja nai' is for nouns and na-adjectives.

⭕️ おいしくない。 ❌ おいしいじゃない。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] はおいしいです。

この寿司はおいしいです。

[Noun] がおいしかったです。

昨日のケーキがおいしかったです。

[Adjective-te] て、おいしいです。

甘くて、おいしいです。

[Noun A] より [Noun B] のほうがおいしいです。

肉より魚のほうがおいしいです。

おいしい [Noun] を [Verb]。

おいしいお茶を飲みます。

おいしければ、[Action]。

おいしければ、もっと買います。

おいしく [Verb] ために、...

おいしく作るために、長く煮込みます。

おいしいとは限らない。

高いレストランが常においしいとは限らない。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. Top 100 most used words in spoken Japanese.

Common Mistakes

おいしいでした (Oishii deshita) → おいしかったです (Oishikatta desu)
Learners often try to make the past tense by changing 'desu' to 'deshita'. For i-adjectives, the adjective itself must change to 'katta'.
おいしいじゃない (Oishii ja nai) → おいしくない (Oishikunai)
'Ja nai' is used to negate nouns and na-adjectives. I-adjectives must be negated by changing the final 'i' to 'kunai'.
おいしいそう (Oishiisou) → おいしそう (Oishisou)
When saying something 'looks' delicious, you must drop the final 'i' before adding 'sou'. Leaving the 'i' in is a common error.
この人はおいしいです (Kono hito wa oishii desu) → この人は優しいです (Kono hito wa yasashii desu)
You cannot use 'oishii' to mean a person is 'sweet' or 'nice' like in English. It strictly means tasty food.
おいしいく食べます (Oishiiku tabemasu) → おいしく食べます (Oishiku tabemasu)
When modifying a verb (eating deliciously), drop the final 'i' and add 'ku'. Do not keep the double 'i'.

Tips

Conjugation Rule

Always remember to drop the final 'i' before adding 'katta' (past) or 'kunai' (negative). It is oishi-katta, not oishii-katta.

The Post-Meal Compliment

When paying your bill at a restaurant, say 'Oishikatta desu. Gochisousama deshita.' The staff will deeply appreciate it.

Hold the 'I'

Make sure to hold the final 'i' sound. O-i-shi-i. If you cut it short, it sounds unnatural.

Before vs After

Use 'oishisou' (looks delicious) when the food arrives. Use 'oishii' (is delicious) after you put it in your mouth.

Level Up with Umai

If you are at a casual izakaya with friends, try using 'Umai!' instead of oishii to sound more like a local.

Kanji Recognition

Learn to recognize the kanji 美味しい. You will see it on menus and food packaging everywhere in Japan.

TV Intonation

Watch Japanese food shows and mimic the way the talents say 'Oishii!'. It will help you grasp the cultural emotion behind the word.

Pairing with Adverbs

Learn adverbs like 'totemo' (very) and 'hontou ni' (really) to make your compliments stronger: 'Totemo oishii desu!'.

Avoid Mazui

Never use the opposite word 'mazui' (disgusting) in front of the person who cooked the food. It is highly offensive.

Nominalization

To talk about the 'deliciousness' of something as a concept, change the 'i' to 'sa': おいしさ (oishisa).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a boy named OY eating a piece of SHEEP that tastes amazing. OY-SHEE! (Oishii = delicious).

Visual Association

Picture a cartoon face with huge, sparkling eyes taking a bite of a steaming bowl of ramen, with the letters O-I-SHI-I floating in bubbles above their head.

Word Web

おいしい食べ物 (Food) レストラン (Restaurant) 味 (Taste) うまい (Tasty) 甘い (Sweet) おいしかった (Was delicious) 料理 (Cooking)

Challenge

Next time you eat a meal, whether at home or a restaurant, say 'Oishii desu' out loud after the first bite, and 'Oishikatta desu' when you finish the plate.

Word Origin

The word 'oishii' originated in the Muromachi period (1336–1573) among the women serving in the imperial court. They developed a specific, refined vocabulary called 'nyobo kotoba' (women's language).

Original meaning: They took the classical Japanese adjective 'ishi' (いし), which meant 'good', 'excellent', or 'desirable', and added the honorific prefix 'o' (お) to make it more polite.

Japonic -> Japanese -> Classical Japanese (ishi) -> Modern Japanese (oishii)

Cultural Context

Do not use 'mazui' (disgusting) to the chef's face. If you don't like the food, it is better to say you are full or that it is a 'unique taste' rather than directly insulting it.

English speakers often just say 'mm' or 'this is good'. In Japanese, using the actual word 'oishii' is much more common and expected.

The manga/anime 'Oishinbo' (The Gourmet), a seminal work about Japanese food culture. The catchphrase 'Oishii gyunyu' (Delicious Milk), a famous brand name by Meiji. Countless TV gourmet shows (gurume bangumi) where 'Oishii!' is the primary dialogue.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Eating at a restaurant

おいしいです
おいしかったです
おいしそうですね
安くておいしい

Eating home-cooked food

いつもおいしい
おいしくできた
お母さんの料理がおいしい
おいしくいただきます

Watching TV/Anime

おいしい！
超おいしい
ほっぺが落ちる
まいうー

Shopping for food

おいしいりんご
おいしそうなケーキ
おいしい水
一番おいしい

Business/Slang

おいしい話
おいしい仕事
おいしいところ取り
おいしい思い

Conversation Starters

"日本で一番おいしい食べ物は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the most delicious food in Japan?)"

"最近食べたもので、何が一番おいしかったですか？ (What is the most delicious thing you've eaten recently?)"

"あなたの国のおいしい料理を教えてください。 (Please tell me about a delicious dish from your country.)"

"安くておいしいレストランを知っていますか？ (Do you know any cheap and delicious restaurants?)"

"自分で作った料理でおいしいものは何ですか？ (What is a delicious dish that you make yourself?)"

Journal Prompts

今日食べた一番おいしいものについて書いてください。 (Write about the most delicious thing you ate today.)

子供の頃に好きだったおいしいお菓子は何ですか？ (What was a delicious snack you liked as a child?)

「おいしい」と感じる瞬間はどんな時ですか？ (When are the moments you feel something is 'delicious'?)

見た目は悪いけれどおいしい食べ物を紹介してください。 (Introduce a food that looks bad but is delicious.)

誰かに作ってあげたいおいしい料理のレシピを書いてください。 (Write a recipe for a delicious dish you want to make for someone.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. While 'oishii' originated as women's language centuries ago, it is now the universal standard for everyone. Men use it constantly in polite or mixed company. They might switch to 'umai' with close male friends, but 'oishii' is never wrong for a man to say.

'Oishisou' means 'it looks delicious'. You use it before you have tasted the food, based purely on its appearance or smell. Once you take a bite and confirm the taste, you switch to saying 'oishii'.

Directly telling a chef or host that their food is 'oishikunai' is considered very rude in Japanese culture. If you don't like something, it's better to say you are full, or that it has a 'unique taste' (kawarimashita ne), rather than bluntly stating it isn't delicious.

Both are perfectly acceptable. Hiragana (おいしい) is slightly softer and more common in casual writing, texting, and light media. Kanji (美味しい) is used in formal writing, restaurant menus, and professional reviews.

Because 'oishii' is an i-adjective. In Japanese, i-adjectives conjugate to show past tense themselves. You must change the 'i' to 'katta' (oishikatta). Adding 'deshita' to the present tense 'oishii' is a grammatical error.

It is a slang or metaphorical phrase meaning a 'sweet deal', a 'profitable story', or an 'offer too good to be true'. It uses the concept of deliciousness to describe a highly advantageous situation.

Yes! Unlike English where 'delicious' is sometimes reserved for food and 'refreshing' or 'good' for drinks, in Japanese, 'oishii' is perfectly natural for water, tea, coffee, beer, and any other beverage.

You can add an adverb before it. 'Totemo oishii' (very delicious), 'sugoku oishii' (really delicious), or 'hontou ni oishii' (truly delicious) are all common and natural ways to emphasize the taste.

'Oishii' is an adjective meaning delicious. 'Umami' is a noun referring to the fifth basic taste (savory/meaty flavor), alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. A dish full of umami is usually very oishii.

While not strictly mandatory, it is highly encouraged. Saying 'oishii' shows appreciation for the food and the person who prepared it. It is a key part of Japanese dining etiquette and social bonding.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a polite sentence saying 'This sushi is delicious.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

このお寿司はおいしいです。