Quick script for ordering a full meal in Japanese
Here is a quick script for ordering a full meal in Japanese using polite and common phrases:
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Get the server’s attention:
すみません (Sumimasen) — Excuse me. -
If you want to order a meal, structure it as:
[Dish name] を [Quantity] おねがいします (Onegaishimasu) or ください (Kudasai) — [Dish name], please.
Example for ordering multiple items for a full meal:
- とんかつを一つお願いします。 (Tonkatsu o hitotsu onegaishimasu.) — One tonkatsu, please.
- みそ汁を一つください。 (Misoshiru o hitotsu kudasai.) — One miso soup, please.
- ごはんを一つお願いします。 (Gohan o hitotsu onegaishimasu.) — One bowl of rice, please.
- ビールを二つください。 (Bīru o futatsu kudasai.) — Two beers, please.
- To request the bill after your meal:
お会計をお願いします。 (Okaikei o onegaishimasu.) — The bill, please.
Useful numbers for quantity:
- 1 = ひとつ (hitotsu)
- 2 = ふたつ (futatsu)
- 3 = みっつ (mittsu)
- 4 = よっつ (yottsu)
A full meal order example in conversation:
すみません。とんかつを一つ、みそ汁を一つ、ごはんを一つ、ビールを二つお願いします。
(Sumimasen. Tonkatsu o hitotsu, misoshiru o hitotsu, gohan o hitotsu, bīru o futatsu onegaishimasu.)
Excuse me, one tonkatsu, one miso soup, one rice, and two beers, please.
This format is simple, polite, and suitable for ordering a full meal in Japan.
Understanding Quantity Counters in Japanese Orders
Japanese uses specific counting words (counters) depending on the objects being counted, which can initially confuse learners. In the quick script above, the general-purpose counters ひとつ (hitotsu), ふたつ (futatsu), etc., are used because they are safe and common when you’re unsure of the proper counter. These “generic” counters apply to many things, including food items.
However, in more natural conversations or when you deepen your Japanese, you might hear or need to use specific counters, such as:
- 一杯 (いっぱい, ippai) — for cups or glasses (used with drinks like beer or sake)
- 一皿 (ひとさら, hitosara) — for plates or servings
- 一人前 (いちにんまえ, ichininmae) — for one portion (common in restaurants)
For example:
ビールを二杯ください。 (Bīru o nihai kudasai.) — Two glasses of beer, please.
This sounds more natural when ordering drinks.
For new learners, sticking with the general counters shown in the script is acceptable and understood.
Step-by-Step Ordering Procedure with Politeness Tips
When ordering a full meal in Japan, politeness and clarity matter greatly. Here’s a detailed ordering procedure to follow:
Step 1: Get the server’s attention politely
Use すみません (Sumimasen) as a casual but polite way to call a server. In busier or high-end places, a bow or a nod while saying すみません is appreciated.
Step 2: State what you want to order
The basic sentence pattern is:
[Dish name] + を + [quantity] + おねがいします / ください
Example: とんかつを一つお願いします。 (Tonkatsu o hitotsu onegaishimasu.)
The verb おねがいします (onegaishimasu) is very polite and means “please (I request)”. ください (kudasai) also means “please” but is slightly less formal. Using either is acceptable, but おねがいします is often preferred for full meals or more formal situations.
Step 3: Confirm the order if necessary
Sometimes, the server may repeat your order back to you for confirmation. Respond politely with はい (hai - yes) or そうです (sou desu - that’s right).
Step 4: After finishing, request the bill
Say お会計をお願いします。 (Okaikei o onegaishimasu.) which literally means “The bill, please.” Avoid abrupt phrases; the politeness softens the request.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Omitting the particle を (wo/o)
Particles in Japanese show the grammatical function of words. When ordering, を must follow the dish name to indicate the direct object of the verb おねがいします or ください.
Incorrect: とんかつ一つお願いします。
Correct: とんかつを一つお願いします。
Mistake 2: Using wrong counters
Beginners may try to use English numbers directly or mix counters incorrectly.
Incorrect: ビールを二つください。 (Acceptable but less natural for drinks)
Improvement: ビールを二杯ください。
Mistake 3: Overusing casual or informal language
Using casual forms such as ちょうだい (choudai) instead of ください can sound rude in a restaurant context.
Expanding Your Vocabulary for Full Meal Ordering
Knowing a variety of dishes and drinks helps expand your ordering skills. Here are some commonly ordered items to add to your vocabulary:
- さしみ (Sashimi) — sliced raw fish
- てんぷら (Tempura) — battered fried seafood or vegetables
- うどん (Udon) — thick wheat noodles
- そば (Soba) — buckwheat noodles
- おちゃ (Ocha) — tea (usually green tea)
- 日本酒 (にほんしゅ, Nihonshu) — sake (Japanese rice wine)
Example:
てんぷらを二つお願いします。 (Tempura o futatsu onegaishimasu.) — Two servings of tempura, please.
Cultural Notes on Ordering in Japan
- It is customary to wait until the server comes to your table rather than flagging them down aggressively. Using すみません with a gentle raise of the hand is polite.
- Saying ありがとう (arigatou) or ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) after your order or receiving your meal shows good manners.
- In izakayas (Japanese pubs), full meal ordering may include sharing dishes, so ordering multiple small plates is common. Politeness and clarity help avoid confusion.
- Sometimes menus include pictures or numbers; you can say the number of the dish on the menu (e.g., メニューの五番をください - Menyū no goban o kudasai — “Number 5 on the menu, please”).
FAQ: Quick Tips for Ordering a Full Meal in Japan
Q: Can I just say the dish name without the particle or quantity?
A: While sometimes understood, it can sound abrupt or unclear. Including を and quantity makes your order polite and precise.
Q: Is ください or おねがいします better to use?
A: Both are polite, but おねがいします tends to sound more formal, especially in restaurants serving full meals.
Q: How do I say “I am allergic to…”?
A: You can say: アレルギーがあります。 (Arerugī ga arimasu.) — “I have an allergy.” To specify, insert the allergen:
例: ピーナッツのアレルギーがあります。 (Pīnattsu no arerugī ga arimasu.) — “I have a peanut allergy.”
This expanded guidance on ordering a full meal in Japanese is designed to help language learners communicate effectively, politely, and naturally, increasing confidence when dining in Japan.