What is 定食?
定食 (ていしょく) refers to a fixed-price set meal commonly found in Japanese restaurants. It usually includes a main dish, rice, miso soup, and one or more side dishes. This word is often used when ordering lunch or dinner in casual dining settings.
Usage and Nuance
When you say 定食, you imply a complete meal rather than just a single dish. It is a convenient and economical choice, especially popular among office workers and students. The price is fixed, so you know exactly what you will pay.
Common Collocations
- 定食を注文する: to order a set meal
- 定食屋: a restaurant specializing in set meals
- 日替わり定食: daily special set meal
- 定食にはご飯と味噌汁がつく: set meals come with rice and miso soup
Register and Politeness
定食 is a neutral term suitable for everyday conversation and restaurant menus. It is neither formal nor casual but widely used in spoken and written Japanese.
Learner Tips
A common mistake is confusing 定食 with just a single dish or thinking it means any meal. Remember, 定食 specifically means a set meal with multiple components served together at a fixed price.