1.
boxed lunch, bento
A meal packed in a box, typically eaten for lunch.
お弁当を作る。
To make a boxed lunch.
お弁当を持ってきた。
I brought a boxed lunch.
駅でお弁当を買った。
I bought a boxed lunch at the station.
母が毎朝お弁当を作ってくれる。
My mother makes a boxed lunch for me every morning.
遠足のときは、いつもお弁当を持っていく。
I always bring a boxed lunch on field trips.
お弁当 is a Japanese boxed lunch, a key part of Japanese food culture.
FORM:
The お prefix is optional and polite. 弁当 is the plain form.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- お弁当を作る: to make a bento
- お弁当を持っていく: to bring a bento
- お弁当を買う: to buy a bento
TYPES:
- 駅弁: train station bento (regional specialties)
- 幕の内弁当: traditional multi-item bento
- キャラ弁: character-themed bento (cute designs)
- 日替わり弁当: daily special bento
CULTURE:
Making お弁当 for family members, especially children, is a common practice in Japan.