お通(とお)し

おとおし
noun
appetizer; cover charge dish
politeconsumptionfood
1. appetizer; small dish served automatically
A small dish served automatically when you sit down at an izakaya or similar establishment, typically charged as part of a cover fee. Also called つきだし.
お通(とお)しは断(ことわ)れますか？
Can I refuse the appetizer?
今日(きょう)のお通(とお)しは枝豆(えだまめ)だった。
Today's appetizer was edamame.
お通(とお)しは一人(ひとり)300円(えん)の席料(せきりょう)に含(ふく)まれています。
The appetizer is included in the 300 yen per person cover charge.

お通(とお)し is a standard practice at izakaya and some bars in Japan.

Cultural note

  • The appetizer is automatically served and charged, which can surprise visitors unfamiliar with the custom.
  • It functions similarly to a cover charge (席料(せきりょう)).
  • Some establishments allow you to decline it, but this varies.

Related words

  • つきだし: another word for appetizer (more casual)
  • 席料(せきりょう): seating charge
  • チャージ: cover charge

Related Words

Related: 突(つ)き出(だ)し (another word for appetizer)
Related: チャージ (cover charge)
Compare: 小鉢(こばち) (small bowl)
general
Added 2026.2.3 16:18 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09500/09728_otooshi