食べる
To consume food by chewing and swallowing. This is one of the most fundamental actions in daily life and a core verb for beginners.
Examples
3 of 5りんごを食べます。
I eat an apple.
一緒に昼ご飯を食べませんか。
Would you like to eat lunch together?
これ、食べていい？
Can I eat this?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Table' (tabe-) where you sit to eat.
Quick Quiz
パンを（ ）。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 食べます
Examples
りんごを食べます。
everydayI eat an apple.
一緒に昼ご飯を食べませんか。
formalWould you like to eat lunch together?
これ、食べていい？
informalCan I eat this?
動物が餌を食べる速度を計る。
academicMeasure the speed at which animals eat food.
会食で現地の料理を食べます。
businessWe will eat local cuisine at the business dinner.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
いただきます
I humbly receive (said before eating)
お腹いっぱい食べる
to eat until full
食べ歩き
food tour / eating while walking
Often Confused With
Taberu is the neutral standard form, while Meshiagaru is the honorific form used for someone else.
Usage Notes
Used with the particle 'o' (を) to indicate what is being eaten. In polite speech, use 'tabemasu'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget to use the particle 'o' or use 'taberu' when referring to drinking liquids like soup.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Table' (tabe-) where you sit to eat.
Word Origin
Derived from the classical Japanese word 'tabu', which meant to receive something from a superior.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Japanese people always say 'Itadakimasu' before they start eating to show gratitude for the ingredients and the cook.
Quick Quiz
パンを（ ）。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 食べます
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Food & Cooking words
飲む
A1To swallow a liquid or medicine. It is also used in Japan for things like soup or even smoking (archaic usage).
果物
A1The sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food.
肉
A1The flesh of an animal (mammal or bird) used as food. A staple ingredient in many cuisines.
ご飯
A1Cooked rice, or a meal in general. It is the core staple of Japanese cuisine.
美味しい
A1Having a pleasant or agreeable taste. The most common way to compliment food.
おいしい
A1To describe food or drink that has a pleasant, good taste. It is the most common way to compliment food.
作る
A1To make, produce, or prepare something. In a food context, it specifically means to cook or prepare a meal.
卵
A1An egg, typically from a chicken, used as a basic ingredient in many dishes.
パン
A1A staple food prepared from a dough of flour and water, usually by baking. In Japan, it includes a wide variety of sweet and savory buns.
飲み物
A1Any liquid intended for human consumption, such as water, tea, juice, or alcohol. It is a common word used when ordering at restaurants.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free