Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Delicious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "delicious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
美味しい
おいしい (oishii)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
うまい
うまい (umai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "delicious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 美味しい and うまい.
In Japanese, 美味しい (おいしい (oishii)) is typically associated with "delicious, tasty" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents An い-adjective used to describe food or drink that tastes good. A common way to express enjoyment of food..
On the other hand, うまい (うまい (umai)) maps to "delicious, skillful, clever, successful" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An informal adjective. Can describe food. A literal translation of "delicious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "美味しい"
このケーキはとても美味しいです。
This cake is very delicious.
Bilingual Context for "うまい"
このラーメンは本当にうまいね。
This ramen is really delicious, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このケーキはとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "This cake is very delicious.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "美味しい" fits here because it means "delicious, tasty" in the context of: "This cake is very delicious.". "うまい" represents "delicious, skillful, clever, successful".