Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Japanese

 Meal in Japanese can be translated to “食事”（しょくじ, shokuji) or “ご飯”（ごはん, gohan）。The term "食事" or "ご飯" in Japanese encompasses more than just the act of consuming food; it also signifies a significant time when people come together to share and enjoy meals while communicating. Dining with family and friends provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds and a means to share culture and traditions.

 The meaning behind the word "ご飯"（gohan） goes beyond just food; it also represents the warm moments built alongside human relationships.

To refer to "breakfast" in Japanese, you would say "朝食" (ちょうしょく, choushoku) or 朝ごはん（あさごはん, asagohan）

The term "朝食" is a direct translation of "breakfast." It is composed of two kanji characters:

• "朝" (ちょう, chou) means "morning" or "dawn.”
• "食" (しょく, shoku) means "meal" or "to eat.”

Therefore, when you say "朝食" (choushoku), you are specifically referring to the morning meal, which is breakfast. Choushoku itself is a formal way to say breakfast.

The term "朝ごはん" is an informal and commonly used way to say "breakfast" in Japanese.

• "朝" (あさ, asa) still means "morning."
• "ごはん" (gohan) can also mean "rice," but it is frequently used to refer to a meal in general.

When combined, "朝ごはん" (asagohan) essentially means "morning meal" or "breakfast." It's a friendly and everyday way to talk about the first meal of the day.

The term "あさめし" is another informal and casual way to say "breakfast" in Japanese.

• "朝" (あさ, asa) still means "morning."
• "飯" (めし, meshi) is also similar to “gohan.” It can mean "rice," but it is frequently used to refer to a meal in general.

Combined, "朝飯" (asameshi) literally has same meaning with “asagohan." It means "morning meal" or “breakfast.”

The word for "lunch" in Japanese is "昼食" (ちゅうしょく, chuushoku), "お昼" (おひる, ohiru), "昼飯" (ひるめし, hirumeshi)  . It also can be expressed using katakana “ランチ”（らんち, ranchi）.

The term "昼食" is a direct translation of "lunch." It is composed of two kanji characters:

• "昼" (ちゅう, chuu) means "daytime" or "noon."
• "食" (しょく, shoku) means "meal" or "to eat."

When you say "昼食" (chuushoku), you are specifically referring to the midday meal, which is lunch.

The term "ランチ" is a borrowed word from English and is written in katakana, a Japanese script primarily used for foreign words and names. When you see or hear "ランチ" (ranchi), it is immediately recognizable as referring to "lunch." This term is commonly used in casual and everyday conversation.

御昼 (おひる, o-hiru) in Japanese also refers to "lunch" or the midday meal. The term "御" (o) is an honorific prefix that adds a sense of politeness or respect. Whilst the term of o-hiru is often used, the terms of o-asa or o-yoru aren't widely used as people usually eat lunch more frequently outside compared to breakfast and dinner.

昼飯 (ひるめし, hirumeshi) is the Japanese term for "lunch." Unlike the more formal 御昼 (o-hiru), 昼飯 is a casual and straightforward term that simply refers to the midday meal. 

Lunch options in Japan are diverse, and one of the most popular choices are Bento which is a pre-prepared meal set that includes rice, side dishes, and pickles in one box.

Many workers and students often make it at home and bring it with them. You can also find them sold near train stations and in supermarkets. Other choices are Ramen, Curry Rice, Udon & Soba and so on. These are just a fraction of the lunch options available in Japan. The country's lunch culture, rich in diversity and regional specialties, is truly vast.

To say "dinner" in Japanese, you would use the term "夕食" (ゆうしょく, yuushoku), “夕飯 (“ゆうはん”, yuuhan)” , or "晩ご飯" (ばんごはん, bangohan).  It also can be expressed using katakana “ディナー”（でぃなー, dinaa）.

The term "夕食" is a direct translation of "dinner." It is composed of two kanji characters:

• "夕" (ゆう, yuu) means "evening" or "dusk."
• "食" (しょく, shoku) means "meal" or "to eat."

When you say "夕食" (yuushoku), you are specifically referring to the evening meal, which is dinner.

The term "夕飯" is an informal and commonly used way to say "dinner" in Japanese.

• "夕" (ゆう, yuu) still means "evening."
• "飯" (はん, han) can also mean "rice" but is frequently used to refer to a meal in general.

When combined, "夕飯" (yuuhan) essentially means "evening meal" or "dinner." It's a friendly and everyday way to talk about the last meal of the day.

Similar to "夕飯," "晩ご飯" is another informal term for "dinner."

• "晩" (ばん, ban) means "night" or "evening."
• "飯" (ごはん, gohan) as mentioned before, refers to a meal.

Similar to "夕飯," and “晩ごはん”, "晩飯" is another informal term for "dinner."

• "晩" (ばん, ban) still means "night" or "evening."
• "飯" (めし, meshi) as mentioned before, refers to a meal.

The term "ディナー" is a borrowed word from English and is written in katakana, a Japanese script used for foreign words and names. When you see or hear "ディナー" (dinaa), it is immediately recognizable as referring to "dinner." This term is commonly used in more formal or Western-style dining contexts.

Picture yourself sitting down to a tasty hot pot or enjoying the elegance of a Japanese kaiseki course meal. Japanese dinners are more than just nourishment; they are a celebration of culinary craftsmanship.

 Now that we've explored the different meal times, let's take a look at the broader term for "food" itself. In Japanese, "food" is referred to as “食べ物”（たべもの, tabemono）or "食品" (しょくひん, shokuhin). This term includes the various ingredients and dishes that make up the Japanese gastronomic landscape.

When it comes to the protein-rich element of Japanese cuisine, the word for "meat" is "肉" (にく, niku). From succulent slices of wagyu beef to savory bites of yakitori, meat holds a special place in Japanese culinary culture, adding depth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

The rich culinary world of Japanese cuisine wouldn't be complete without the freshness and diversity of vegetables. To refer to "vegetables" in Japanese, you would use the term "野菜" (やさい, yasai). Explore the harmony of flavors and textures in dishes like salad, stir-fried vegetables, tempura vegetables or the colorful assortment of pickled vegetables known as "tsukemono."

"いただきます" (Itadakimasu) and "ごちそうさま" (Gochisousama) are phrases used in the context of meals in Japanese culture.

いただきます (Itadakimasu): This phrase is said before starting a meal. In English, it can be directly translated as "I will receive." However, the deeper sentiment behind it is expressing gratitude for the food and all the effort that went into preparing it, from the harvest to the cooking. It's a way of showing appreciation not just for the meal, but also for the nature and people who made the meal possible.

ごちそうさま (Gochisousama): This phrase is said after finishing a meal. It can be translated to "It was a feast," but its meaning goes beyond that. It's also an expression of gratitude and appreciation for the meal one has just enjoyed, similar to saying "Thank you for the meal" in English.

Both expressions reflect the deep sense of gratitude and mindfulness towards food that is ingrained in Japanese culture.