お弁当(べんとう)

お弁当(べんとう) is a Japanese boxed lunch, a key part of Japanese food culture.

Forms

The お prefix is optional and polite. 弁当(べんとう) is the plain form.

Common expressions

• お弁当(べんとう)を作(つく)る: to make a bento
• お弁当(べんとう)を持(も)っていく: to bring a bento
• お弁当(べんとう)を買(か)う: to buy a bento

Types

• 駅弁(えきべん): train station bento (regional specialties)
• 幕(まく)の内(うち)弁当(べんとう): traditional multi-item bento
• キャラ弁(べん): character-themed bento (cute designs)
• 日替(ひが)わり弁当(べんとう): daily special bento

Cultural note

Making お弁当(べんとう) for family members, especially children, is a common practice in Japan.