放題(ほうだい)

ほうだい
suffix
as much as one wants, unlimited
1. as much as one wants, all-you-can, unlimited
Suffix attached to verb stems to indicate doing something without limit or restriction.
食(た)べ放題(ほうだい)のレストランに行(い)った。
I went to an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
飲(の)み放題(ほうだい)は二時間(にじかん)です。
All-you-can-drink is for two hours.
言(い)い放題(ほうだい)に言(い)う。
To say whatever one wants.
Can have negative nuance

FORMATION: Verb stem + 放題(ほうだい)

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 食(た)べ放題(ほうだい) (all-you-can-eat)
  • 飲(の)み放題(ほうだい) (all-you-can-drink)
  • 使(つか)い放題(ほうだい) (unlimited use)
  • 見(み)放題(ほうだい) (watch as much as you want)
  • 歌(うた)い放題(ほうだい) (sing as much as you want - karaoke)

NUANCE: When describing someone's behavior (like 言(い)い放題(ほうだい)), it often carries a negative connotation of being unrestrained or inconsiderate.

CULTURAL NOTE: 食(た)べ放題(ほうだい) and 飲(の)み放題(ほうだい) are extremely popular in Japan, especially at izakaya (居酒屋(いざかや)) and buffet restaurants.

general
Added 2026.1.11 21:01 · Revised 2026.1.19 20:37
03000/03151_houdai