Sushi Vocabulary Explained: 60 Japanese Sushi Terms & How to Order in Japan

Hello, I’m Kodak.

Walking into a sushi restaurant in Japan can feel intimidating when the menu contains unfamiliar words such as:

This guide explains the vocabulary first, then walks you through ordering at three common kinds of sushi restaurant:

Sushi Vocabulary: The 10 Terms to Learn First

The Basic Anatomy of Sushi: Shari, Neta, and Wasabi

Shari: Sushi Rice

シャリ (shari) is the professional sushi term for the vinegared rice used in sushi.

It is more than plain white rice. Its seasoning, temperature, firmness, amount, and balance with the topping are important parts of the finished sushi.

シャリを少なめにできますか。
Shari o sukuname ni dekimasu ka?
Could you make the rice a little smaller?

Neta or Tane: The Sushi Topping

ネタ (neta) means the topping or featured sushi ingredient. The National Federation of Sushi Trade Associations lists タネ (tane) as a traditional word for sushi ingredients; neta is the reversed form widely used today.

今日のおすすめのネタは何ですか。
Kyō no osusume no neta wa nan desu ka?
What topping do you recommend today?

Types of Sushi Explained

For a full comparison, see Nigiri vs Sashimi vs Sushi vs Maki: What’s the Difference?

Common Sushi Fish and Topping Names

Tuna Vocabulary

Fish and Seafood Vocabulary

Cooked and Beginner-Friendly Choices

Sushi Condiments and Side Terms

Gari: Pickled Sushi Ginger

ガリ is thinly sliced ginger pickled in sweetened vinegar. Eat a little between different kinds of sushi to refresh your palate.

See What Is Gari? Sushi Ginger Name, Meaning, Origin & How to Eat It.

Agari: Tea in Sushi-Shop Lingo

あがり is a traditional professional term for tea. As a customer, the safest natural wording is お茶 (ocha).

See What Does Agari Mean at a Sushi Restaurant?

Real and Prepared Wasabi

Fresh 本わさび (hon-wasabi), blends containing real wasabi, and Western-horseradish-based pastes are different products.

See What Does Wasabi Mean? Real vs Fake Wasabi Explained.

Traditional Sushi Lingo: What Customers Should Know

Traditional sushi shops use professional terms called 符牒 (fuchō). These words can help you understand Japanese television, books, menus, and restaurant culture.

However, knowing a professional term does not mean that a customer must use it.

How Sushi Is Counted in Japanese

Nigiri sushi is traditionally counted with 貫 (kan).

まぐろを二貫お願いします。
Maguro o nikan onegai shimasu.
Two pieces of tuna, please.

Menus and restaurants may sell sushi by the piece, pair, plate, set, or serving. Check whether the displayed price refers to 一貫, 二貫, or 一皿 (hitosara, one plate).

Three Common Ways to Order Sushi in Japan

1. Kaitenzushi: Conveyor-Belt Sushi

回転寿司 (kaitenzushi) is generally the easiest starting point for beginners.

二人です。
Futari desu.
There are two of us.

注文用のタブレットはありますか。
Chūmon-yō no taburetto wa arimasu ka?
Is there a tablet for ordering?

英語のメニューはありますか。
Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?
Do you have an English menu?

2. Casual Counter or Neighborhood Sushi Restaurant

At a traditional counter, you may order directly from the chef one or two toppings at a time, choose a set, or ask for recommendations.

今日のおすすめは何ですか。
Kyō no osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend today?

旬の魚は何ですか。
Shun no sakana wa nan desu ka?
What fish is in season?

白身魚を何かお願いします。
Shiromizakana o nanika onegai shimasu.
Please give me a white fish of your choice.

3. Omakase Restaurant

おまかせ (omakase) means entrusting the selection to the chef.

At a high-end sushi restaurant, omakase may include small dishes, sashimi, nigiri, soup, and dessert in a set sequence. Popular restaurants often require advance reservations and may ask about allergies before the visit.

Essential Japanese Phrases for Ordering Sushi

Getting a Table

予約しています。伊藤です。
Yoyaku shite imasu. Itō desu.
I have a reservation. The name is Ito.

二人ですが、入れますか。
Futari desu ga, hairemasu ka?
There are two of us. Do you have space?

カウンター席は空いていますか。
Kauntā-seki wa aite imasu ka?
Is there space at the counter?

Asking for a Menu

メニューをお願いします。
Menyū o onegai shimasu.
The menu, please.

英語のメニューはありますか。
Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?
Do you have an English menu?

Asking for Recommendations

おすすめは何ですか。
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?

今日、一番おいしい魚は何ですか。
Kyō, ichiban oishii sakana wa nan desu ka?
What is the best fish today?

おまかせでお願いします。
Omakase de onegai shimasu.
Chef’s choice, please.

Ordering a Specific Item

まぐろを二貫お願いします。
Maguro o nikan onegai shimasu.
Two pieces of tuna, please.

サーモンとえびを一皿ずつお願いします。
Sāmon to ebi o hitosara zutsu onegai shimasu.
One plate each of salmon and shrimp, please.

刺身の盛り合わせを一人前お願いします。
Sashimi no moriawase o ichininmae onegai shimasu.
One serving of assorted sashimi, please.

Asking the Price

これはいくらですか。
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much is this?

このコースはいくらですか。
Kono kōsu wa ikura desu ka?
How much is this course?

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Food restrictions should be communicated clearly. At reservation-based restaurants, contact the restaurant before the visit because substitutions may not be possible after ingredients have been prepared.

“I Have an Allergy.”

甲殻類アレルギーがあります。
Kōkakurui arerugī ga arimasu.
I have a shellfish allergy.

えびとカニは食べられません。
Ebi to kani wa taberaremasen.
I cannot eat shrimp or crab.

“Does This Contain…?”

これは卵を使っていますか。
Kore wa tamago o tsukatte imasu ka?
Does this contain egg?

この料理に小麦は入っていますか。
Kono ryōri ni komugi wa haitte imasu ka?
Does this dish contain wheat?

“I Don’t Eat Raw Fish.”

生魚は食べられません。
Namazakana wa taberaremasen.
I cannot eat raw fish.

火の通ったものをお願いします。
Hi no tōtta mono o onegai shimasu.
Please give me cooked items.

“I Am Vegetarian.”

ベジタリアンです。魚と肉は食べません。
Bejitarian desu. Sakana to niku wa tabemasen.
I am vegetarian. I do not eat fish or meat.

Do not assume that vegetable sushi is automatically vegetarian. Dashi, sauces, or seasoning may contain fish products.

Wasabi Requests

さび抜きでお願いします。
Sabi-nuki de onegai shimasu.
No wasabi, please.

わさびは別添えでお願いします。
Wasabi wa betsu-zoe de onegai shimasu.
Please serve the wasabi on the side.

わさびは少なめでお願いします。
Wasabi wa sukuname de onegai shimasu.
Less wasabi, please.

How to Ask for Smaller Rice or Smaller Pieces

シャリを少なめにできますか。
Shari o sukuname ni dekimasu ka?
Could you use less rice?

小さめに握っていただけますか。
Chiisame ni nigitte itadakemasu ka?
Could you make the nigiri smaller?

半分に切っていただけますか。
Hanbun ni kitte itadakemasu ka?
Could you cut it in half?

The sushi trade association explicitly notes that customers may request a size they can eat comfortably and may ask for an oversized piece to be cut.

How to Pay at a Sushi Restaurant

Natural Customer Phrase

お会計をお願いします。
Okaikei o onegai shimasu.
The check, please.

Another Common Phrase

お勘定をお願いします。
Okanjō o onegai shimasu.
The bill, please.

Sushi Etiquette in Japan: The Practical Rules

Hands or Chopsticks?

Nigiri may be eaten with clean fingers or chopsticks. Both are acceptable. Sashimi is normally eaten with chopsticks.

How to Use Soy Sauce

Use only a small amount. When dipping nigiri, turn it so that the topping touches the soy sauce rather than soaking the rice.

If the chef has already brushed the sushi with nikiri sauce or seasoned it with salt, additional soy sauce may not be needed.

What to Do with Gari

Eat gari between different pieces or orders as a palate cleanser. It is not normally piled onto each piece as a topping.

Should You Mix Wasabi into Soy Sauce?

At refined sushi restaurants, avoid automatically mixing a large amount into the soy sauce because it can overpower the balance prepared by the chef. Casual restaurants are more relaxed, especially for sashimi, but moderation is still sensible.

Do You Have to Eat Sushi in One Bite?

Many pieces are designed for one bite, but do not force yourself to eat an uncomfortable amount. Ask for smaller rice or request that a large piece be cut.

Do Not Pass Food from Chopsticks to Chopsticks

This resembles a Japanese funeral ritual. Place food on a plate instead.

Do Not Stand Chopsticks Upright in Rice

This also resembles a funeral custom. Place the chopsticks on the rest or beside the dish.

Do Not Return a Conveyor-Belt Plate

Once you take a plate from a kaitenzushi belt, keep it.

Eat Counter Sushi Without Leaving It Too Long

At a chef’s counter, the sushi is prepared to be eaten promptly at its intended temperature and texture.

Photography

Restaurant rules vary. Ask before photographing the chef, other guests, or the preparation area.

写真を撮ってもいいですか。
Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
May I take a photo?

Is There a Correct Order for Eating Sushi?

There is no compulsory order.

A traditional suggestion is to move from lighter, more delicate flavors toward richer or strongly seasoned pieces:

However, the national sushi trade association explicitly says that you do not need to force yourself to follow a strict order. Eat according to your preference, especially at casual restaurants.

Complete Beginner Dialogue: Ordering Sushi in Japan

Entering the Restaurant

Asking for Help

Ordering

Ordering Tea

Paying

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Thinking Sushi Means Raw Fish

Sushi is centered on seasoned vinegared rice. It can use raw fish, cooked seafood, egg, tofu, or vegetables.

Mistake 2: Calling Sashimi Sushi

Sashimi is commonly served at sushi restaurants, but it does not contain sushi rice and is not a type of sushi.

Mistake 3: Using Every Professional Term as a Customer

Understand agari, murasaki, and oaiso, but use ocha, shōyu, and okaikei when speaking naturally.

Mistake 4: Not Mentioning Allergies Until Food Arrives

Tell reservation-based restaurants in advance. A chef may prepare sauces, stock, and marinated items before your arrival.

Mistake 5: Assuming “Vegetable Sushi” Contains No Fish Products

Dashi and sauces may contain fish. Ask specifically when the restriction is important.

Mistake 6: Soaking the Rice in Soy Sauce

Sushi rice absorbs soy sauce quickly and may fall apart. Lightly touch the topping to the sauce instead.

Mistake 7: Treating Gari as a Topping

Gari is normally eaten separately as a palate cleanser.

Mistake 8: Feeling Forced to Follow Every Traditional Rule

Basic respect and clear communication matter. Casual chains and conveyor-belt restaurants are more relaxed than formal counters.

Sushi Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

FAQ: Sushi Terms and Ordering in Japan

What are the most important Japanese sushi terms?

Start with sushi, shari, neta, nigiri, maki, sashimi, wasabi, gari, omakase, and osusume.

How do I order sushi in Japanese?

Name the item and add お願いします (onegai shimasu). For example, まぐろを二貫お願いします means “Two pieces of tuna, please.”

How do I ask for the chef’s recommendation?

Say おすすめは何ですか, meaning “What do you recommend?”

What does omakase mean?

Omakase means entrusting the selection to the chef. The restaurant chooses the ingredients and sequence.

What is the difference between omakase and osusume?

Omakase means the chef controls the selection. Osusume means a recommendation that you may choose to order.

What do shari and neta mean?

Shari is sushi rice, while neta is the topping or featured ingredient.

How is sushi counted in Japanese?

Nigiri is traditionally counted with 貫 (kan): 一貫 is one piece and 二貫 is two pieces. Restaurants may also sell sushi by plate or set.

How do I order sushi without wasabi?

Say さび抜きでお願いします, meaning “No wasabi, please.”

How do I ask for cooked sushi?

Say 火の通ったものをお願いします, meaning “Please give me cooked items.”

How do I tell a sushi restaurant about an allergy?

State the ingredient clearly, such as 甲殻類アレルギーがあります, meaning “I have a shellfish allergy.” Contact reservation-based restaurants in advance.

Can I eat sushi with my hands?

Yes. Nigiri may be eaten with clean fingers or chopsticks. Sashimi is normally eaten with chopsticks.

Should I dip sushi rice in soy sauce?

It is better to lightly dip the topping side because the rice absorbs sauce quickly and may fall apart.

What is the ginger served with sushi called?

It is called gari. It is eaten between different pieces as a palate cleanser.

What is tea called in sushi lingo?

Traditional sushi-shop lingo calls tea agari, but customers should normally ask for ocha.

How do I ask for the check?

Say お会計をお願いします, meaning “The check, please.”

Do I need to use sushi-chef jargon?

No. Ordinary Japanese is clearer and more natural for customers. Learn the jargon for comprehension, not because you must perform it.

Summary: Sushi Vocabulary and How to Order in Japan

References

• Japan National Tourism Organization: Sushi in Japan Guide — sushi rice and toppings, sushi varieties, kaitenzushi, omakase, ordering, etiquette, gari, and tea.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: The Sushi Master Class — seasonal recommendations, counter communication, soy sauce, wasabi, and eating sushi promptly.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Japanese Manners Do’s and Don’ts — general dining etiquette and sushi with hands or chopsticks.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Kaitenzushi Guide — conveyor-belt ordering, plate accounting, condiments, and self-service tea.
• National Federation of Sushi Trade Associations: Sushi-Shop Terms and Eating Guidance — shari, agari, gari, murasaki, namida, counting nigiri with kan, soy sauce, eating order, and size requests.
• Web Japan: Many Varieties of Sushi — makizushi, inarizushi, pressed sushi, chirashizushi, and the history of nigirizushi.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Aburage-zushi / Inari-zushi — vinegared rice in seasoned fried tofu pouches.