Japanese · Food & Drink
美味しい
oishii
Delicious / Tasty
Beginneradjective
Definition
Used to express that food tastes good. One of the most commonly used adjectives at mealtimes in Japan.
Example
この料理は本当に美味しいですね！
This dish is really delicious, isn't it!
Etymology
The word 美味しい (oishii) combines 美 (bi) meaning 'beauty' and 味 (aji) meaning 'taste.' It has origins in classical Japanese and has been widely used to describe food since ancient times.
How & Where It’s Used
美味しい (oishii) is used informally in everyday conversations, as well as in restaurant reviews and culinary discussions. It’s a versatile term used across all regions of Japan.
Literary Heritage
The term appears frequently in culinary and gastronomic literature and is often used in traditional Japanese sayings about food appreciation.