Japanese word

うまい

Pronunciation

Romajiumai

Meaning

  • i-adjectivedelicious

Example

この料理はうまいです。ko no ryō ri wa u ma i de su

This dish is delicious.

Illustration for うまい (delicious)

More examples

焼きたてのパンは、何もつけなくてもうまいです。ya ki ta te no pa n wa nan mo tsu ke na ku te mo u ma i de su

Freshly baked bread is delicious even without anything on it.

Core concept

Marks something as satisfying or admirable, whether it tastes delicious, works well, or shows that someone is skillful.

Common phrases

  • うまいものu ma i mo no

    tasty food

  • うまい料理u ma i ryō ri

    delicious food

  • うまいラーメンu ma i rā me n

    delicious ramen

Similar words

おいしいoishii: Says that food or drink tastes good in a neutral or polite way.

Definition in Japanese

食べ物や料理の味がよく、食べて満足できる。ta be mono ya ryō ri no aji ga yo ku ta be te man zoku de ki ru

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective うまし (umashi, "delicious") is the older form from which modern うまい (umai) developed.

Usage tips

  • The food sense of うまい (umai) is casual, whereas おいしい (oishii) is the neutral form often used in polite conversation.

Other meanings

  • goodi-adjective
  • skillfuli-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • うまさumasadeliciousnessnoun

Word lists with this word