ファミレス

ふぁみれす
noun
family restaurant
1. family restaurant
A casual chain restaurant offering a wide variety of affordable dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere. Major chains include Gusto, Denny's, Saizeriya, and Royal Host.
ファミレスで()べよう。
Let's eat at a family restaurant.
試験(しけん)(まえ)にファミレスで勉強(べんきょう)する学生(がくせい)(おお)い。
Many students study at family restaurants before exams.
深夜(しんや)まで()いているファミレスは()()わせにも便利(べんり)だ。
Family restaurants that are open late at night are also convenient for meeting up.

USAGE:
A fixture of Japanese suburban and urban life. ファミレス are known for their extensive menus (Japanese, Western, Chinese dishes all on one menu), drink bars (ドリンクバー), and long operating hours. They serve as casual dining spots, study spaces, and meeting places.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ファミレスに()く (go to a family restaurant)
  • ファミレスのドリンクバー (family restaurant drink bar — unlimited refills)
  • ファミレスチェーン(ちぇーん) (family restaurant chain)

ETYMOLOGY:
Abbreviation of ファミリーレストラン (family restaurant), itself a Japanese coinage from English words. The abbreviated form ファミレス is far more common in everyday speech.