🇯🇵 How to say

“to eat” in Japanese

食べるたべる
Illustration of "to eat" in a Japanese cultural setting
In a cozy kitchen, a family gathers around the dinner table, each person holding chopsticks. A mother serves a steaming bowl of rice to her child, who eagerly picks up a piece of sushi and smiles before taking a bite.

Usage note

食べる (たべる) is a basic verb meaning 'to eat'. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when talking about meals. Remember it by associating it with 'taberu time', which sounds like 'dinner time'.

Examples

  • 私は朝ごはんを食べます。

    I eat breakfast.

  • 彼はラーメンを食べています。

    He is eating ramen.

  • 子供たちはおやつを食べる。

    The children eat snacks.

Quick check

What does "食べる" mean?

  • A. to eat
  • B. to walk
  • C. to sell
  • D. to write

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