MENU TRANSLATION · JAPAN
Translate a Japanese menu into English before you order
A Japanese menu translator helps you read dish names, but ordering also means understanding the format of the meal. In Piggy Nose, select English and scan the menu with its headings and prices. Compare the English explanation with the original Japanese, then check whether you are choosing a single item, a rice bowl or a set.
Menu examples: from local text to an informed choice
These common labels help you distinguish a dish from a meal format. The same ingredient can appear in a bowl, as a separate plate or in a set.
| On the menu | In plain English | Before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| 定食teishoku | A set meal: a main dish served with accompaniments, often rice, soup and small sides. | Read the listed contents; the set varies by restaurant. |
| 親子丼oyakodon | A rice bowl commonly topped with chicken and egg. | Check the serving size and any listed additions. |
| 天ぷらtempura | Battered, fried ingredients such as vegetables or seafood. | Read which ingredients are included in this particular order. |
| 大盛りōmori | A larger serving, often referring to rice or noodles. | Look for an additional price beside the size option. |
Decide between a single dish and a set
A low price for a single item is not directly comparable with a full set meal. Keep the section heading in your scan and look for rice, soup or side dishes listed below the main item. Japan’s national tourism organization describes teishoku as a meal-set format, but the actual contents come from the restaurant’s menu.
Photograph a board straight on
Small handwritten specials and decorative lettering can be harder to recognize than printed menus. Move close enough to read the text yourself in the photo, avoid reflections, and scan one section at a time. If a name or price is unclear, ask staff instead of relying on a guessed translation.
Keep ticket-machine choices separate
If the restaurant uses a ticket machine, translate the visible item names and confirm the correct button and portion before buying a ticket. Piggy Nose helps interpret an image; it does not operate the machine or handle payment. A menu photo can also help you match a dish to a button with the same Japanese name.
Ask about the whole preparation
A picture shows appearance, not every ingredient. A dish that looks vegetable-based can include ingredients in stock, sauces or toppings that the short title does not mention. Use the English explanation to identify questions, then confirm your requirements with restaurant staff.
Try your own menu, before you order.
10 free scans a day after sign-in. No download or card required for free scans. Internet required.
Continue with GoogleQuestions before your trip
Can Piggy Nose read Japanese menu photos without an app download?
Yes. Open Piggy Nose in your phone browser, select English, sign in and take or upload a menu photo. Internet access is required. You can try 10 scans per day with a free account.
Are Japanese yen prices converted into dollars?
The menu keeps the printed prices and detected currency. Treat these as the restaurant’s local prices, not a live USD, GBP or EUR conversion. Check sizes and any restaurant charges before ordering.
Further reading
Official travel resources for the food and ordering context in this guide; they do not endorse Piggy Nose.