替(か)え玉(だま)

かえだま
noun
extra serving of noodles; substitute person
foodramendeception
1. extra serving of noodles
an additional serving of noodles added to ramen broth, typically offered at ramen shops after the customer finishes the first portion
替(か)え玉(だま)をお願(ねが)いします。
Extra noodles, please.
この店(みせ)は替(か)え玉(だま)無料(むりょう)だ。
This shop offers free extra noodles.
博多(はかた)ラーメンは替(か)え玉(だま)で有名(ゆうめい)だ。
Hakata ramen is famous for its extra noodle system.
2. substitute; stand-in; body double
a person who takes another's place, often for deceptive purposes such as taking an exam for someone else
試験(しけん)で替(か)え玉(だま)を使(つか)うのは犯罪(はんざい)だ。
Using a substitute to take an exam is a crime.
替(か)え玉(だま)受験(じゅけん)で逮捕(たいほ)された。
He was arrested for having someone else take the exam in his place.
彼(かれ)は替(か)え玉(だま)を立(た)てて出席(しゅっせき)したふりをした。
He used a stand-in to pretend he was in attendance.

Forms

替(か)え (replacement) + 玉(だま) (ball, portion) → replacement portion

Sense 1 - ramen culture

Originating from Hakata/Fukuoka-style tonkotsu ramen, 替(か)え玉(だま) allows customers to order more noodles to add to remaining broth. The thin, straight noodles used in Hakata ramen are designed for this system.

Typical prices: 100-200 yen per serving, sometimes free.

Sense 2 - substitution

This sense has negative connotations, as it typically refers to fraudulent substitution:

Usage

In ramen contexts, the word is entirely positive and common. In other contexts, it implies deception.

Related Words

Compare: 身代(みが)わり (substitute)
general
Added 2026.1.26 8:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08000/08309_kaedama