How to translate Japanese menus on iPhone

A small Japanese menu you can read now

The following are illustrative editorial translations. They are not recorded Translate Us outputs and do not establish ingredients or portion sizes.

• 焼き魚定食 1,200円 → Grilled fish set meal, ¥1,200.
• 味噌汁 → Miso soup.
• 本日のおすすめ → Today's recommendation.
• 売り切れ → Sold out.

Keep columns, headings and prices together

Photograph the dish line straight on with enough space to include its price and heading. For vertical writing, keep the full column. Retake glare, tiny print or handwriting rather than trusting a strange-looking result.

Compare recognizable numbers and repeated characters in the result with the original. If a price is attached to the wrong item, show staff the original line instead of ordering from the English alone.

Translate a question for staff

Ask ‘What is included in this set meal?’ or ‘Which fish is used?’ as separate questions. Keep the dish name visible so staff know which item you mean.

For an allergy or dietary restriction, ask about the actual recipe and cross-contact. ‘Miso soup’ or ‘grilled fish’ is a name, not a complete ingredient list. If the answer is unclear, the app has not established that the dish meets your need.

Check unfamiliar charges before ordering

JNTO notes that some Japanese restaurants have table charges, including the appetizer often served at izakaya. If a translated menu shows a charge you do not understand, ask staff what it covers before ordering.

Install Translate Us before your Japan trip to try a clear sample menu and a short staff question. Keep the original Japanese and a written backup of any essential dietary request.