JLPT N5 Food Vocabulary: Useful Phrases for Ordering Food

Learning food-related vocabulary is crucial for daily conversation in Japanese. In this guide, we cover essential JLPT N5 food words, how to order in restaurants, ask about ingredients, and express preferences. Perfect for beginners or travelers.

1. Common Food Vocabulary

Kanji	Hiragana	Meaning
ご飯	ごはん	Cooked rice / Meal
パン	ぱん	Bread
魚	さかな	Fish
肉	にく	Meat
野菜	やさい	Vegetables
果物	くだもの	Fruits
水	みず	Water
お茶	おちゃ	Tea
牛乳	ぎゅうにゅう	Milk
卵	たまご	Egg

2. Useful Phrases for Ordering

• これをください。 — Please give me this.
• 〜を一つください。 — One (item) please.
• 〜を二つください。 — Two (items) please.
• お勧めは何ですか？ — What do you recommend?
• 〜はありますか？ — Do you have ~?
• 飲み物は何がありますか？ — What drinks do you have?
• 〜をください。 — Please give me ~.
• お会計お願いします。 — Check / Bill, please.

3. Asking About Ingredients and Preferences

• これは何ですか？ — What is this?
• 辛いですか？ — Is it spicy?
• 甘いですか？ — Is it sweet?
• 好きです / 嫌いです — I like / dislike it.
• アレルギーがあります。 — I have allergies.
• 肉を使っていますか？ — Does it contain meat?

4. Tips for Using Food Vocabulary

• Memorize the kanji and readings together for easier recognition in menus.
• Practice the phrases aloud to improve pronunciation.
• Combine vocabulary with counters: りんご一つ, みかん二つ.
• Try role-playing: pretend to order in a restaurant to reinforce learning.

5. Practice Questions

1. How do you say “I want one bread” in Japanese?
2. Translate: “Do you have fish?”
3. Form a sentence: “I like vegetables.”
4. How to ask for the bill politely?
5. Ask someone what they recommend at a restaurant.