🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Delicious" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
おいしい
"Delicious" in Japanese · say it like oh-ee-shee

The most natural way to say "Delicious" in Japanese is おいしい. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

うまい
more casual, often used by younger people
おいしくない
means 'not delicious', useful for expressing dislike

When to use it

You can use 'おいしい' when you enjoy food or drink. It is appropriate in both casual and formal settings. Use it to compliment a meal or when someone asks about the taste of something. It's a versatile word that can enhance your conversations about food.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Delicious" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
このケーキはおいしいです。This cake is delicious.
このラーメンは本当においしい。This ramen is really delicious.
Common mistake
Some learners might confuse 'おいしい' with 'うまい', but 'おいしい' is more universally accepted.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear おいしい, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 'おいしい' for drinks?

'おいしい' can be used for both food and drinks.

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