Japanese word

メイン

Pronunciation

Romajimein

Meaning

  • nounmain

Example

この店のメインは魚です。ko no mise no me i n wa sakana de su

The main dish at this restaurant is fish.

Illustration for メイン (main)

More examples

今日はメインを先に決めましょう。kyō wa me i n o saki ni ki me ma shō

Let's decide on today's main dish first.

Core concept

Identifies what forms the main focus of a whole, such as the principal dish served in a meal.

Common phrases

  • メインにするme i n ni su ru

    make ___ the main dish

Similar words

主菜shusai: The main dish in a meal, especially when contrasted with side dishes.
メインコースmeinkōsu: The main course of a meal, often ordered from a restaurant menu.
メインディッシュmeindisshu: The main dish served during a meal, especially in a restaurant.

Definition in Japanese

全体の中で、中心となる主なもの。zen tai no naka de chū shin to na ru omo na mo no

Word origin

メイン (mein) is borrowed from English main, which developed from Old English mæġen, "strength" or "power," to mean what is chief or central.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, main commonly modifies a noun, while main course names the principal dish of a meal and is widely used in restaurants.

Opposites

Word lists with this word