Ordering food for delivery in Japan offers a world of convenience at your doorstep. It could be a steaming bowl of ramen from a local shop brought by the restaurant’s own staff (出前, demae), or a pizza ordered through a modern app like Uber Eats (デリバリー, deribarī). While the methods differ, knowing a few essential phrases for Japanese food delivery will ensure your hot meal arrives without a hitch.
This guide will give you all the Japanese you need to order food for home delivery with the confidence to order over the phone, navigate an online portal, and interact with the delivery person when they arrive at your door.
First Steps: Essential Delivery Vocabulary (基本単語 – Kihon Tango)
Before you pick up the phone or open an app, familiarizing yourself with these core words is the first step. This basic vocabulary for Japanese food delivery forms the foundation for placing any order.
Essential Delivery Vocabulary
出前 (でまえ) – Demae – Food delivery (often from a local restaurant)
デリバリー (でりばりー) – Deribarī – Food delivery (modern, app-based)
注文 (ちゅうもん) – Chūmon – Order
配達 (はいたつ) – Haitatsu – Delivery/shipping
住所 (じゅうしょ) – Jūsho – Address
電話番号 (でんわばんごう) – Denwa bangō – Phone number
現金 (げんきん) – Genkin – Cash
クレジットカード (くれじっとかーど) – Kurejitto kādo – Credit card
配達料 (はいたつりょう) – Haitatsuryō – Delivery fee
The Traditional Way: Ordering by Phone (電話での注文)
For many local neighborhood restaurants, a phone call is still the primary way to order *demae*. Don’t be intimidated! A phone conversation follows a predictable pattern: state your purpose, place your order, give your details, and confirm.
1. Starting the Call & Placing Your Order
Begin by clearly stating that you’d like to place a delivery order. Then, list the items you want and the quantity of each. Using Japanese counters like ひとつ (hitotsu) and ふたつ (futatsu) is most natural.
もしもし、出前の注文をお願いしたいのですが。
もしもし、でまえのちゅうもんをおねがいしたいのですが。
Moshi moshi, demae no chūmon o onegai shitai no desu ga.
Hello, I would like to place a delivery order.
カツ丼を一つと、天ぷらそばを二つお願いします。
かつどんをひとつと、てんぷらそばをふたつおねがいします。
Katsudon o hitotsu to, tenpura soba o futatsu onegai shimasu.
One Katsudon and two Tempura Soba, please.
一つ (ひとつ) = one item
二つ (ふたつ) = two items
2. Giving Your Details & Confirming
The restaurant will need your name, address, and phone number. After providing your information, it’s a good idea to ask for the total price and the estimated delivery time.
お名前とご住所、お電話番号をお願いします。
おなまえとごじゅうしょ、おでんわばんごうをおねがいします。
Onamae to gojūsho, odenwa bangō o onegai shimasu.
(They will ask) Your name, address, and phone number, please.
合計はいくらですか。
ごうけいはいくらですか。
Gōkei wa ikura desu ka.
What is the total price?
どのくらいかかりますか。
どのくらいかかりますか。
Dono kurai kakarimasu ka.
How long will it take?
The Modern Method: Apps and Websites (アプリとネット)
Using platforms like Demae-can (出前館) or Uber Eats is very common and often requires minimal Japanese speaking skills, though reading is essential. Look for these key terms when navigating the checkout process. A particularly useful option is 置き配 (okihai), or contactless delivery.
Online Ordering Vocabulary
カートに入れる (かーとにいれる) – Kāto ni ireru – Add to Cart
注文に進む (ちゅうもんにすすむ) – Chūmon ni susumu – Proceed to Checkout
お支払い方法 (おしはらいほうほう) – Oshiharai hōhō – Payment Method
配達先住所 (はいたつさきじゅうしょ) – Haitatsusaki jūsho – Delivery Address
注文を確定する (ちゅうもんをかくていする) – Chūmon o kakutei suru – Confirm Order
備考欄 (びこうらん) – Bikōran – Notes / Special Requests Section
アレルギーがあるので、ネギ抜きでお願いします。
アレルギーがあるので、ねぎぬきでおねがいします。
Arerugī ga aru node, negi nuki de onegai shimasu.
I have an allergy, so please leave out the green onions. (Useful for the 備考欄)
玄関の前に置いてください。
げんかんのまえにおいてください。
Genkan no mae ni oite kudasai.
Please leave it in front of the door. (For 置き配, contactless delivery)
The Final Step: Receiving Your Food (商品の受け取り)
When the delivery driver arrives, they will typically announce themselves with the name of the service or restaurant. If you’re paying with cash (現金払い, genkin-barai), it’s helpful to have the exact amount ready, although they can always make change.
Receiving Delivery Phrases
はい、どうぞ。(Hai, dōzo.) – Yes, come in. / Here you go. (When answering the door or handing over money)
ご苦労様です。(ごくろうさまです。) – Gokurōsama desu. – Thank you for your hard work. (A polite way to thank the driver)
ちょうどあります。(ちょうどあります。) – Chōdo arimasu. – I have the exact amount.
お釣りは要りません。(おつりはいりません。) – Otsuri wa irimasen. – I don’t need the change.
Cultural Notes: The Charm of Demae
While modern delivery apps are efficient, there’s a unique charm to traditional *demae*. The term evokes an image of a delivery person on a Honda Super Cub scooter, skillfully balancing a tower of stacked trays of soba or ramen. One of the most interesting aspects of *demae* is the dishes. Often, the food arrives in sturdy, reusable ceramic bowls (器, utsuwa) belonging to the restaurant.
Don’t be alarmed if this happens! It’s customary to quickly rinse the bowls after you finish your meal and place them outside your door for the restaurant staff to collect later in the day. This sustainable practice is a hallmark of neighborhood eateries and a delightful aspect of Japanese food culture that connects you directly with the local community.
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