How to say "cake" in Japanese
"Cake" in Japanese is ケーキ (kēki). The classic Japanese birthday and Christmas cake is ショートケーキ, a sponge cake with cream and strawberries.
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Ways to say "cake" in Japanese
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| ケーキけーき · kēki | Cake. |
| ショートケーキしょーとけーき · shōto kēki | Strawberry shortcake with cream. |
| お菓子おかし · okashi | Sweets; snacks. |
How to use it
Cake shops are called ケーキ屋 (kēkiya). Slices are counted with 〜個 (ko) or 〜つ (tsu).
A whole cake is ホールケーキ (hōru kēki).
Example sentences
- ケーキを二つください。Kēki o futatsu kudasai.Two pieces of cake, please.
- 誕生日にケーキを買いました。Tanjōbi ni kēki o kaimashita.I bought a cake for a birthday.
- この店のショートケーキは有名です。Kono mise no shōto kēki wa yūmei desu.This shop's strawberry shortcake is famous.
- ケーキとコーヒーのセットをお願いします。Kēki to kōhī no setto o onegai shimasu.The cake and coffee set, please.
- 日本ではクリスマスにケーキを食べます。Nihon de wa kurisumasu ni kēki o tabemasu.In Japan, people eat cake at Christmas.
- お客様にお菓子をお出ししました。Okyakusama ni okashi o o-dashi shimashita.I served sweets to our guests.
Questions
Why do Japanese people eat cake at Christmas?
Christmas in Japan is not a religious holiday for most people. Eating a strawberry shortcake on Christmas Eve became a popular custom in the 20th century.
What is お菓子?
お菓子 (okashi) means sweets or snacks in general, including cookies, chips and Japanese sweets.
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