Translation and Meaning of: 美味しい - oishii

If you are learning Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 美味しい (おいしい). It is one of the most common expressions in daily Japanese life and carries a meaning that goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it. Whether to enrich your vocabulary or better understand Japanese culture, this guide will show you why おいしい is so special.

The meaning and translation of 美味しい (おいしい) is "delicious."

The word 美味しい (おいしい) is generally translated as "delicious" or "tasty," but its use goes beyond that. It conveys a genuine pleasure when eating or drinking something, expressing satisfaction and appreciation for food. Unlike more neutral like うまい (umai), which can also mean "good," おいしい has a more polished tone and is common in everyday conversations.

It's worth noting that 美味しい is often written in hiragana (おいしい) in informal texts, while the kanji version (美味しい) appears in more formal contexts or on menus. This flexibility in writing does not change the meaning but demonstrates how the word adapts to different situations.

The origin and etymology of おいしい

The word おいしい has ancient roots in the Japanese language. Some linguists suggest that it may have originated from the term おいし (oishi), which was already used during the Heian period (794-1185) to describe something pleasant to the taste. Over time, the ending しい (shii) was added, giving a more emphatic and emotional tone to the expression.

The kanji used in 美味しい also provide clues about its meaning. The first character, 美, means "beauty," while 味 represents "flavor." Together, they form the idea of "beautiful flavor" or "food that pleases both the palate and the senses." This combination reinforces why the word is so commonly used to praise well-prepared dishes.

How おいしい is used in everyday Japanese

In Japan, saying おいしい is more than a simple compliment about food – it is a way to show gratitude to the person who prepared the meal. In families or restaurants, it is common to hear this expression as a gesture of politeness and appreciation. In informal contexts, Japanese people also use variations like めっちゃおいしい (meccha oishii – "really delicious") to emphasize the flavor even more.

Another interesting detail is that おいしい is not limited to food. In some situations, it can be used metaphorically to describe advantageous opportunities or pleasant situations, such as in "おいしい話" (oishii hanashi – "a profitable deal"). However, this usage is less common and depends on the context.

Tips for memorizing and using おいしい correctly

An effective way to おいしい is to associate it with moments of culinary pleasure. For example, when you try a dish you liked, mentally repeat "おいしい!" to create an emotional connection with the word. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences like "このケーキはおいしいです" (Kono kēki wa oishii desu – "This cake is delicious").

If you already watch animes or Japanese dramas, pay attention to how many times the characters use おいしい in meal scenes. This natural exposure to the term helps internalize its meaning and pronunciation. Over time, it will become one of the first words that come to mind when savoring something truly delicious.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • おいしい (oishii) - Delicious
  • うまい (umai) - Delicious, excellent (common in informal conversation)
  • うま味 (umami) - Umami (pleasantly savory flavor)
  • 甘味 (kanmi) - Sweet flavor
  • 美味 (biwi) - Delicious (more formal way)
  • 美味しさ (oishisa) - Quality of being delicious
  • 良味 (ryoumi) - Good flavor
  • 良い味 (yoi aji) - Good taste, pleasant flavor
  • 良い味わい (yoi ajiwai) - Good appreciation of flavor

Related words

美味しい

Romaji: oishii
Kana: おいしい
Type: Adjective, noun
L: jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: delicious; Tasty

Meaning in English: delicious;tasty

Definition: Good taste and delicious.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (美味しい) oishii

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (美味しい) oishii:

Example Sentences - (美味しい) oishii

See below some example sentences:

「この汁は美味しいですね。」

Kono shiru wa oishii desu ne

This juice is delicious.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
  • 汁 - noun meaning "broth"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
  • です - auxiliary verb that indicates a polite and respectful way of speaking
  • ね - final particle indicating confirmation or search for agreement
刺身は美味しいです。

Sashimi wa oishii desu

Sashimi is delicious.

  • 刺身 - sashimi, raw slices of fish or seafood
  • は - Topic particle
  • 美味しい - Delicious, tasty
  • です - verb to be in the present, indicating affirmation or politeness
加味した料理は美味しいです。

Kami shita ryouri wa oishii desu

The dishes you add are delicious.

  • 加味した (kamishita) - added flavor
  • 料理 (ryouri) - dish, cuisine
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 美味しい (oishii) - delicious
  • です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
摘んで食べると美味しいです。

Tsumande taberu to oishii desu

It is delicious when harvested and eaten.

  • 摘んで - Means "to collect" or "to harvest" in Japanese.
  • 食べる - It means "eat" in Japanese.
  • と - It is a Japanese particle that indicates a cause and effect relationship, in this case, "when."
  • 美味しい - It means "delicious" or "tasty" in Japanese.
  • です - It is a Japanese particle that indicates a formal declaration, in this case, "it is"
日本の酒はとても美味しいです。

Nihon no sake wa totemo oishii desu

Japanese sake is very delicious.

  • 日本 - Japan
  • の - Possession particle
  • 酒 - alcoholic beverage, sake
  • は - Topic particle
  • とても - very
  • 美味しい - delicious
  • です - Verb to be/estar in the present
柔らかい肉は美味しいです。

Yawarakai niku wa oishii desu

Tender meat is delicious.

  • 柔らかい - adjective that means "soft" or "smooth"
  • 肉 - noun that means "meat"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
  • です - linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
沸騰した湯でお茶を入れると美味しいです。

Futtou shita yu de ocha wo ireru to oishii desu

It is delicious to add tea with boiling water.

  • 沸騰した - fervent
  • 湯 - hot water
  • お茶 - tea
  • 入れる - place
  • 美味しい - delicious
  • です - is
瓶の中には美味しい酒が入っている。

Bin no naka ni wa oishii sake ga haitte iru

There's a delicious good in the bottle.

  • 瓶 (bin) - bottle
  • の (no) - Possession particle
  • 中 (naka) - inside
  • に (ni) - Location particle
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 美味しい (oishii) - delicious
  • 酒 (sake) - Japanese alcoholic beverage
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • 入っている (haitteiru) - to be contained/inside
私は美味しい食べ物を噛むのが好きです。

Watashi wa oishii tabemono wo kamu no ga suki desu

I like to chew delicious food.

  • 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 美味しい - Japanese adjective that means "delicious"
  • 食べ物 - Japanese noun meaning "food"
  • を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
  • 噛む - Japanese verb that means "bite, chew"
  • のが - particle that indicates the nominal form of a verb and functions as the subject of the sentence
  • 好き - Japanese adjective that means "like"
  • です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject
私たちは美味しい且つ健康的な食事を食べることが大切だと思います。

Watashitachi wa oishii katsu kenkō

I think it's important to eat delicious and healthy meals.

  • 私たち - Personal pronoun "we"
  • 美味しい - Adjective "delicious"
  • 且つ - conjunction "and"
  • 健康的な - adjective "healthy"
  • 食事 - noun "meal"
  • を - direct object" particle
  • 食べる - verb "to eat"
  • こと - noun "thing"
  • が - subject" particle
  • 大切 - adjective "important"
  • だ - verb to be"
  • と - quote" particle
  • 思います - verb "to think"

Other Words of this Type: Adjective, noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: Adjective, noun

浅ましい

asamashii

miserable; shameful; petty; negligible; abject

あやふや

ayafuya

uncertain; vague; ambiguous

酸っぱい

suppai

sour; acid

肝心

kanjin

essential; fundamental; crucial; vital; main

徐々に

jyojyoni

slowly; little by little; gradually; constantly; silently

美味しい