How to Say McDonald’s in Japanese: From Big Mac to Teriyaki Burger

In Japan, the ubiquitous fast-food chain McDonald's is referred to as マクドナルド (Makudonarudo). This is a transliteration of the English name into katakana, a script in the Japanese writing system often used for foreign words and names.

mcdonald's-sign


Ever wondered how the golden arches of McDonald's translate over in Japan? Well, you're in for a treat (and we're not just talking about a Big Mac)!

McDonald's, the global fast food giant, has not only made its mark on Japan's urban landscapes but also its linguistic landscape.

But why the different name? How do you even pronounce "Makudonarudo"? And what should you say to order a cheeseburger in Tokyo? Don’t worry, we've got you covered!

In this fun-filled guide, we'll answer all these questions and more. We're diving deep into the world of Japanese lingo, regional dialects, and of course, burgers!

So buckle up, it's gonna be an exciting ride!

Also learn: How to say Starbucks in Japanese?

How to Pronounce McDonald’s in Japanese?

There are several ways you can say "McDonald's" in Japanese. Two of the most common are "Makudonarudo" and "Makku".

The Standard Pronunciation: “Makudonarudo”

The standard pronunciation for McDonald's in Japanese is "Makudonarudo" (マクドナルド).

You're basically reading it as it's spelled, but remember, the 'r' in "Makudonarudo" is a tad softer than the robust 'r' we're used to in English.

The Common Abbreviation: “マック” (Makku)

To make things easier (and cuter!), many Japanese folks often shorten "Makudonarudo" to just "Makku" (マック).

It's the equivalent of saying "Maccy D's" in the UK or "Mickey D's" in the US. So, next time you're in Japan and craving those golden fries, just ask for "Makku"!

How Different Regions in Japan Say McDonald’s

japanese-street-at-night


Language in Japan is as diverse as its beautiful landscapes, and the name McDonald's is no exception. Let's dive in and explore how different regions pronounce this beloved fast food joint!

Kantou Area (around Tokyo)

In the bustling metropolis of Tokyo and the surrounding Kantou area, you'll often hear the abbreviation "Makku" (マック) thrown around. It's short, sweet, and rolls off the tongue easily, fitting perfectly with the fast-paced lifestyle of the city-goers.

Other Regional Variations

As you venture further from Tokyo, the dialects start to dance with the local flavor of the areas. In the chilly north of Hokkaido, you might hear "Makkudo" (マックド), a fusion of the standard pronunciation and the common abbreviation.

Isn't it fascinating how one brand name can have so many different interpretations? It's a lovely testament to the richness and variety of Japan's regional dialects.

So, wherever you are in Japan, remember, there's more than one way to say McDonald's!

Tips for Ordering at McDonald’s in Japan

Now that you know how to say McDonald's in various Japanese dialects, let's amp up your 'fast food lingo' and dive into some common phrases and key vocabulary you'll need when ordering at a Makku in Japan.

Common Phrases

When it comes to ordering, here are some phrases that will come in handy:

  • 注文はお決まりですか? (Chuumon wa okimari desu ka?) – Have you decided on your order?
  • これをください (Kore o kudasai) – I would like this, please.
  • 持ち帰りですか、こちらでお召し上がりですか? (Mochikaeri desu ka, kochira de omeshiagari desu ka?) – Is this for takeout or for eating here?

Remember, politeness is key, so don't hesitate to use the phrase ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) - thank you, every chance you get!

Key Vocabulary of McDonald’s Menu in Japan

japanese-mcdonald's-menu

Photo by ryotaro takao 

To navigate the menu like a pro, here's some useful vocabulary:

EnglishJapanese
McDonald'sマクドナルド (Makudonarudo)
Big Macビッグマック (Biggu Makku)
Cheeseburgerチーズバーガー (Chīzubāgā)
Hamburgerハンバーガー (Hanbāgā)
French Friesフライドポテト (Furaido Poteto)
Chicken McNuggetsチキンマックナゲット (Chikin Makku Nagetto)
Filet-O-Fishフィレオフィッシュ (Firē O Fisshu)
Happy Mealハッピーセット (Happī Setto)
Cokeコカコーラ (Koka Kōra)
Spriteスプライト (Supuraito)
Iced Coffeeアイスコーヒー (Aisu Kōhī)
Teriyaki Burgerテリヤキバーガー (Teriyaki Bāgā)
Double Cheese Big Macダブルチーズビッグマック (Daburu Chīzu Biggu Makku)
Bacon Lettuce Burgerベーコンレタスバーガー (Bēkon Retasu Bāgā)
Shrimp Fillet Burgerエビフィレオ (Ebi Fureo)
Hash Potato and Egg Muffinハッシュポテトとエッグマフィン (Hashu Poteto to Eggu Mafin)
Shaka-shaka Chickenシャカシャカチキン (Shaka Shaka Chikin)

So there you have it! With these phrases and vocabulary in your arsenal, you're all set to order your McDonald's meal in Japan like a local. Remember, confidence is key.

Practice Scenario: Ordering at a Japanese McDonald’s

Now that you know all the important words and phrases, let's give them a spin with a practice scenario. Imagine this: you step up to the counter at McDonald's in Japan and it's your turn to order!

Cashier:

注文はお決まりですか? (Chuumon wa okimari desu ka?) - Have you decided on your order?

You respond with:

はい、チーズバーガーとフライドポテトとコーラをください。(Hai, cheezubaagaa to furaidopoteto to koora o kudasai.) - Yes, I would like a cheeseburger, fries and a cola.

The cashier smiles and says:

1000円になります。(1000-en ni narimasu.) - That'll be 1000 yen.

You reply with:

はい、どうもありがとうございます (Hai, doumo arigatou gozaimasu) - Yes, thank you very much.

And that's it! You've successfully ordered McDonald's in Japanese. All that's left to do is wait for your meal and enjoy it! Bon appetit!

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