Ramen Japan
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    Ramen in Japanese (ラーメン) & Pocket Phrases

    Essential Japanese phrases, Katakana guide (ラーメン), and Google Translate tips for ordering ramen like a local in Japan.

    Tap “Listen” for authentic studio Japanese audio (Female voice)
    OrderingTap to flip →
    これください
    Kore kudasai
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    This one, please
    💡 Point at the ticket machine button while saying this — works universally.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    硬麺ください
    Katamen kudasai
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Firm noodles, please
    💡 Katamen = firm. Say this to staff at most tonkotsu or iekei shops.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    柔らか麺ください
    Yawarakamen kudasai
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Soft noodles, please
    💡 For those who prefer a more delicate, hydrated noodle texture.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    麺少なめで
    Men sukuname de
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Less noodles, please
    💡 Useful if you're planning a multi-shop crawl and want to save stomach space.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    大盛りください
    Ōmori kudasai
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Large portion, please
    💡 Extra noodles. Usually free at Tsukemen shops, rarely free for Ramen.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    替え玉お願いします
    Kaedama onegaishimasu
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Refill my noodles, please
    💡 Only for Tonkotsu shops. Leave at least half your broth before asking!
    OrderingTap to flip →
    味薄めで
    Aji usume de
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Lighter flavor (less salt)
    💡 If you find Japanese ramen a bit too salty, this reduces the 'tare' (salt) base.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    油少なめで
    Abura sukuname de
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Less oil/fat
    💡 Reduces the layer of 'chiyu' (chicken fat) or lard on the surface.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    油多めで
    Abura ōme de
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Extra oil/fat
    💡 The true salaryman way at Iekei shops. Maximum richness.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    にんにくなしで
    Ninniku nashi de
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    No garlic, please
    💡 Specifically for Jiro-style or shops that add raw garlic by default.
    OrderingTap to flip →
    野菜マシマシ
    Yasai mashi-mashi
    Ordering← Tap to flip
    Extra extra vegetables
    💡 Cult-classic Jiro phrase. Only say this if you are prepared for a mountain of cabbage.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    一人です
    Hitori desu
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    I am one person
    💡 Hold up one finger. Most shops are counter-seating and love solo diners.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    二人です
    Futari desu
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    We are two people
    💡 The most common group size for narrow ramen shops.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    すみません
    Sumimasen
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Excuse me / Sorry
    💡 Use this to get attention or if you accidentally bump someone's elbow.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    どのぐらい待ちますか？
    Dono gurai machimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    How long is the wait?
    💡 Useful if you see a line but don't know the turnaround time.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    カウンター席でいいですか？
    Kauntā-seki de ii desu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is a counter seat okay?
    💡 Confirming you're happy to sit at the bar rather than wait for a table.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    水ください
    Mizu kudasai
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Water, please
    💡 Pitchers are usually on the counter, but use this if it's empty.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    トイレはどこですか？
    Toire wa doko desu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Where is the bathroom?
    💡 In tiny shops, the bathroom is often hidden behind a nondescript door.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    ティッシュはありますか？
    Tishshū wa arimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Do you have tissues?
    💡 Essential for the 'ramen nose' that comes from spicy broth.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    紙エプロンください
    Kami epuron kudasai
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Paper apron, please
    💡 Saves your shirt from red spicy oil or dark shoyu splashes. Highly recommended for Tsukemen.
    DrinksTap to flip →
    生ビールください
    Nama bīru kudasai
    Drinks← Tap to flip
    Draft beer, please
    💡 Nothing pairs better with a rich bowl of garlicky ramen than a cold draft.
    DrinksTap to flip →
    ウーロン茶ください
    Ūroncha kudasai
    Drinks← Tap to flip
    Oolong tea, please
    💡 Standard non-alcoholic choice. It helps cut through the heavy fat of the broth.
    DrinksTap to flip →
    瓶ビールください
    Bin bīru kudasai
    Drinks← Tap to flip
    Bottled beer, please
    💡 Often Kirin or Asahi. Traditional shops often only have bottles, not draft.
    DrinksTap to flip →
    ハイボールください
    Hai-bōru kudasai
    Drinks← Tap to flip
    Highball, please
    💡 Whisky and soda. A refreshing, light accompaniment to fried gyoza.
    DrinksTap to flip →
    コーラください
    Kōra kudasai
    Drinks← Tap to flip
    Cola, please
    💡 For a sugar kick alongside your sodium kick.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    ごちそうさまでした
    Gochisousama deshita
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Thank you (I am finished)
    💡 Say this clearly when you leave your seat. It acknowledges the chef's hard work.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    おいしい！
    Oishii!
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Delicious!
    💡 A simple exclamation used throughout the meal. Don't be shy!
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    めっちゃおいしい！
    Meccha oishii!
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    It's incredibly good!
    💡 Used when the bowl truly blows your mind. 'Meccha' is casual/street.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    写真撮ってもいいですか？
    Shashin tottemo ii desu ka?
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Can I take a photo?
    💡 Polite to ask if the shop is very small or quiet. Most say 'dōzo' (please).
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    ありがとうございました
    Arigatou gozaimashita
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Thank you very much
    💡 Use this as you walk out the door for a polite exit.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    お先に失礼します
    Saki ni koshite kudasai
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Excuse me for leaving before you
    💡 Very polite phrase if you are eating in a group but finish first.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    お会計お願いします
    O-kaikei onegaishimasu
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    The bill, please
    💡 Only for shops without ticket machines. Use this at the table.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    カードは使えますか？
    Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Do you take cards?
    💡 Most ramen shops are CASH ONLY. Always carry ¥2000 in your pocket.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    領収書ください
    Ryōshūsho kudasai
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    Receipt, please
    💡 Needed if you're expensing your ramen as a business trip!
    DietaryTap to flip →
    豚肉が入っていますか？
    Buta niku ga haitte imasu ka?
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    Does this contain pork?
    💡 Critical for those avoiding pork, as most dashi extracts are pork-based.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    小麦アレルギーがあります
    Komugi arerugi ga arimasu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I have a wheat allergy
    💡 Warning: Almost all noodles and shoyu contain wheat. Be extremely careful.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    魚出汁は大丈夫です
    Sakana dashi wa daijōbu desu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    Fish broth is okay
    💡 Useful if you avoid meat but can handle fish-based dashi.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    卵なしでお願いします
    Tamago nashi de onegaishimasu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    No egg, please
    💡 For those with allergies or who just don't like soft-boiled yolks.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    牛乳アレルギーがあります
    Gyūnyū arerugi ga arimasu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I have a dairy allergy
    💡 Avoid 'Tori Paitan' unless confirmed dairy-free, as they can be creamy.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    ベジタリアンです
    Bejitarian desu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I am vegetarian
    💡 Always double-check the broth (Dashi) as it is rarely meat-free.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    グルテンフリーはありますか？
    Guruten-furī wa arimasu ka?
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    Is there a gluten-free option?
    💡 Rare in Japan, but some modern shops offer rice-flour noodles.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    生ものがだめです
    Nama-mono ga dame desu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I can't eat raw food
    💡 In case there is a raw egg topping or rare chashu slices.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    ピーナッツアレルギーです
    Piinatsu arerugi desu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I have a peanut allergy
    💡 Mainly important for Tantanmen which uses sesame/peanut pastes.
    DietaryTap to flip →
    海老がだめです
    Ebi ga dame desu
    Dietary← Tap to flip
    I can't eat shrimp/shellfish
    💡 Careful with 'Ebi-soba' or crustacean-heavy seafood broths.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    おすすめはどれですか？
    Osusume wa dore desu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Which one do you recommend?
    💡 Use this if you are overwhelmed by the ticket machine choices.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    一番人気はどれですか？
    Ichiban ninki wa dore desu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Which one is the most popular?
    💡 Guarantees you get the shop's signature '看板 (kanban)' bowl.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    麺の硬さは選べますか？
    Men no kata-sa wa erabemasu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Can I choose noodle firmness?
    💡 Common at Tonkotsu shops like Ichiran or Ippudo.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    量は多いですか？
    Ryō wa ōi desu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Is the portion size large?
    💡 Important at Jiro-style shops where a 'small' is massive.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    おつまみはありますか？
    O-tsumami wa arimasu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Do you have any side snacks?
    💡 For things like bamboo shoots or chashu slices to have with beer.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    なんでも食べられます
    Nandemo taberaremasu
    Questions← Tap to flip
    I can eat anything
    💡 A great way to reassure staff you don't have dietary restrictions.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    おしぼりください
    O-shibori kudasai
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Wet towel, please
    💡 Handy for cleaning up after a particularly messy bowl of Tsukemen.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    すみません、ゆっくり話してください
    Sumimasen, yukkuri hanashite kudasai
    Questions← Tap to flip
    Excuse me, please speak slowly
    💡 Essential if the staff is speaking too fast in a busy environment.
    QuestionsTap to flip →
    これは何の出汁ですか？
    Kore wa nan no dashi desu ka?
    Questions← Tap to flip
    What kind of broth base is this?
    💡 Use this to ask about the soup's soul (fish, pork, chicken).
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    味玉追加で
    Ajitama tsuika de
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Add a seasoned egg
    💡 The golden standard topping. Always worth the extra ¥100-150.
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    チャーシュー麺にします
    Chāshū-men ni shimasu
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    I'll have the Chashu Ramen
    💡 Upgrade to the version with extra pork slices (usually 4-5 total).
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    メンマ抜きで
    Menma nuki de
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    No bamboo shoots, please
    💡 If you're not a fan of the fermented, earthy taste of bamboo.
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    海苔マシマシ
    Nori mashi-mashi
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Extra extra seaweed
    💡 Classic Iekei style addition. Dunk the nori in the broth then wrap over rice.
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    ネギなしで
    Negi nashi de
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    No green onions, please
    💡 If you prefer your broth pure without the sharp onion kick.
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    にんにく増してください
    Ninniku mashite kudasai
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Please add extra garlic
    💡 Use this when the staff asks for your preferences (Gomon).
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    背脂マシで
    Seabura mashi de
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Extra back fat, please
    💡 For maximum richness. Not for the faint of heart!
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    ワンタン追加で
    Wan-tan tsuika de
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Add wontons
    💡 Common in shoyu ramen shops in the Ningyocho or Asakusa areas.
    ToppingsTap to flip →
    きくらげください
    Kikurage kudasai
    Toppings← Tap to flip
    Wood ear mushrooms, please
    💡 Adds an incredible crunchy texture, standard in Hakata-style ramen.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    あっさりしていますね
    Assari shite imasu ne
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    It has a clean, light taste
    💡 A compliment for delicate shio or shoyu broths.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    こってりしていますね
    Kotteri shite imasu ne
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    It's rich and heavy
    💡 A compliment for thick tonkotsu or miso based soups.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    コクがあります
    Koku ga arimasu
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    It has deep, complex flavor
    💡 Used to describe a broth with intense umami character.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    喉越しがいい
    Nodogoshi ga ii
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    Goes down smoothly
    💡 Specifically refers to the pleasing sensation of swallowing noodles.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    これはヤバすぎる！
    Kore wa yaba-sugiru!
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    This is crazy good!
    💡 Very casual. Use this if the bowl is life-changing.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    秀逸ですね
    Shu-itsu desu ne
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    This is outstanding / masterful
    💡 A more formal, sophisticated compliment for the chef.
    ReviewingTap to flip →
    また来ます
    Mata kimasu
    Reviewing← Tap to flip
    I will come again
    💡 The highest praise you can give a ramen shop owner.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    切符はどこに入れますか？
    Kippu wa doko ni iremasu ka?
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    Where do I put the ticket?
    💡 Hand the ticket to the chef behind the counter once you sit down.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    お札が入りません
    O-satsu ga hairimasen
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    The bill won't go in
    💡 Sometimes machines only take ¥1000 bills, not ¥5000 or ¥10000.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    両替えいただけますか？
    Ryōgae itadakemasu ka?
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    Could I get some change?
    💡 If you only have a ¥10000 bill, the staff can swap it for smaller bills.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    売り切れですか？
    Urikire desu ka?
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    Is it sold out?
    💡 Look for the red light or '売切' characters on the button.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    限定麺はどれですか？
    Gentei-men wa dore desu ka?
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    Which one is the limited edition?
    💡 For special seasonal bowls not on the regular menu.
    Vending MachineTap to flip →
    キャンセルできますか？
    Kyanseru dekimasu ka?
    Vending Machine← Tap to flip
    Can I cancel my selection?
    💡 In case you pushed the wrong button on the ticket machine.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    予約は必要ですか？
    Yoyaku wa hitsuyō desu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is a reservation necessary?
    💡 Most shops are walk-in, but elite shops like Iida Shoten require Omakase bookings.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    ここに並んでもいいですか？
    Koko ni naran demo ii desu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is it okay to line up here?
    💡 Confirming the start of a queue, which can sometimes be across the street.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    最後尾はどこですか？
    Saigo-bi wa doko desu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Where is the end of the line?
    💡 Essential for popular shops with confusing queue systems.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    他の店はありますか？
    Hoka no mise wa arimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Are there other locations?
    💡 If your target shop is too crowded, there might be a 'branch' nearby.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    注文してから並びますか？
    Chūmon shite kara narabimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Do I order before lining up?
    💡 Some shops want you to buy a ticket FIRST, then join the queue.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    切符を先に買うんですか？
    Kippu o sakini kaundesu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Buy the ticket first?
    💡 Useful if you are unsure of the specific shop's protocol.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    喫煙席はありますか？
    Kitsuen-seki wa arimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is there a smoking section?
    💡 Most ramen shops are now non-smoking, but some old🏮 shops still allow it.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    荷物置きはありますか？
    Nimotsu-oki wa arimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is there a place for my bag?
    💡 Small shops often have hooks under the counter or baskets on the floor.
    At the ShopTap to flip →
    コート掛けはありますか？
    Kōto-kake wa arimasu ka?
    At the Shop← Tap to flip
    Is there a coat hanger?
    💡 Essential in winter when bulky jackets can't be worn at narrow counters.
    MiscTap to flip →
    わかりません
    Wakarimasen
    Misc← Tap to flip
    I don't understand
    💡 Simple, direct, and saves time if you really are lost.
    MiscTap to flip →
    書いてください
    Kaite kudasai
    Misc← Tap to flip
    Please write it down
    💡 Useful if the wait time or street address is hard to hear.
    MiscTap to flip →
    ありがとう！
    Arigatō!
    Misc← Tap to flip
    Thanks!
    💡 A casual, friendly way to acknowledge smaller gestures.
    MiscTap to flip →
    ごめんなさい
    Gomen nasai
    Misc← Tap to flip
    I am sorry
    💡 Use if you accidentally take the wrong chopsticks or spill some water.
    MiscTap to flip →
    お先にどうぞ
    O-saki ni dōzo
    Misc← Tap to flip
    Please, go ahead
    💡 Polite to say if someone else is waiting for the same ticket machine button.
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    閉店は何時ですか？
    Heiten wa nan-ji desu ka?
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    What time do you close?
    💡 Careful: Many shops close early if they run out of soup (Supu-gire).
    EtiquetteTap to flip →
    とても満足しました
    Totemo manzoku shimashita
    Etiquette← Tap to flip
    I'm very satisfied
    💡 Giving the chef a big smile while saying this makes their day.

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    Japanese Script & Translation Guide

    Ramen in Katakana (ラーメン) & Katakana Ramen Guide

    In Japanese, foreign loanwords are written using the Katakana (片仮名) phonetic script. The word Ramen is written in Katakana as ラーメン (Ra-A-Me-N with a long vowel bar). Spotting these 3 characters on shop curtains (noren), red lanterns (chōchin), and ticket machines allows you to identify ramen shops instantly anywhere in Japan.

    ラーメンKatakana (Standard)

    The universal modern script used on 95%+ of ticket machines, signs, and menus across Japan.

    拉麺 / 中華そばKanji / Chukasoba

    Traditional Kanji spelling (拉麺) or 'Chukasoba' (中華そば / Chinese noodles) used by classic shoyu shops.

    近くのラーメンChikaku no Ramen

    Type 近くのラーメン (Ramen Near Me) into Google Maps to discover authentic local ramen shops around your current spot.

    How to Search for Ramen on Japanese Google Translate

    When using Google Translate or Google Maps in Japan, copying and pasting the exact Katakana term ラーメン alongside your area name (e.g. 新宿 ラーメン for Shinjuku Ramen) yields 10x more accurate local results than typing in English!