デパ地下(ちか)

でぱちか
noun
department store basement; food hall
1. department store basement food hall
the basement floor(s) of Japanese department stores that contain high-quality food shops, delicatessens, and confectioneries
デパ地下(ちか)でお弁当(べんとう)を買(か)った。
I bought a bento at the department store food hall.
デパ地下(ちか)のスイーツは美味(おい)しい。
The sweets at the department store basement are delicious.
夕方(ゆうがた)のデパ地下(ちか)は混(こ)んでいる。
The department store food hall is crowded in the evening.

ETYMOLOGY:
デパ地下(ちか) = デパート (department store) + 地下(ちか) (basement). It's a blend word (portmanteau) coined to describe the food floors in Japanese department stores.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND:

  • 惣菜(そうざい) - prepared foods, deli items
  • 弁当(べんとう) - bento boxes
  • 和菓子(わがし) / 洋菓子(ようがし) - Japanese/Western confections
  • 精肉(せいにく) / 鮮魚(せんぎょ) - meat/fish
  • 名店(めいてん) - famous restaurant branches
  • 手土産(てみやげ) - gift items

CULTURAL NOTES:

  • デパ地下(ちか) is known for high-quality but often expensive food
  • 閉店(へいてん)セール (closing time sales) offer discounts on perishables before closing
  • Popular for buying 手土産(てみやげ) (gifts) when visiting someone
general
Added 2026.1.28 23:45
08500/08828_depachika