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Restaurant reading made easier

Restaurant signs: the Japanese that helps before you even sit down.

Restaurants in Japan often tell you a lot before you order: whether the place is open, what is recommended, whether smoking is allowed, whether it is self-service, and what today’s special might be.

Five restaurant signs to know first

えいぎょうちゅう
eigyouchuu
open / currently open
Example: 営業中
Eigyouchuu
When to use it: On restaurant doors and windows.
じゅんびちゅう
junbichuu
preparing / not open yet
Example: 準備中
Junbichuu
When to use it: When a restaurant is temporarily closed before service.
おすすめ
osusume
recommended
Example: おすすめ
Osusume
When to use it: On menus and restaurant boards.
ほんじつのおすすめ
honjitsu no osusume
today’s recommendation
Example: 本日のおすすめ
Honjitsu no osusume
When to use it: On daily specials boards.
きんえん
kin'en
no smoking
Example: 禁煙です。
Kin'en desu.
When to use it: On restaurant rules and entrance signs.

Useful restaurant signs and labels

セルフサービス
serufu saabisu
self-service
Example: セルフサービスです。
Serufu saabisu desu.
When to use it: In casual restaurants and cafés.
いりぐち
iriguchi
entrance
Example: 入口はこちらです。
Iriguchi wa kochira desu.
When to use it: At restaurant entrances and waiting areas.
でぐち
deguchi
exit
Example: 出口はあちらです。
Deguchi wa achira desu.
When to use it: In larger restaurants and food halls.
ほんじつきゅうぎょう
honjitsu kyuugyou
closed today
Example: 本日休業
Honjitsu kyuugyou
When to use it: On restaurant doors or closure notices.