The Same but Different, This is the Difference between the Words Oishii and Umai!

If you watch Japanese anime or drama, maybe these 2 words are very familiar to our ears. When Japanese people feel "delicious," "delicious," and the like, they often express "oishii" or "umai," although of course there are many other expressions for such feelings, but these are probably the two most popular. 

Although the meanings of "oishii" and "umai" seem similar, there is a slight difference between the two. What's that? Come on, watch it to the end.

Let's first look at the meaning of "oishii" and "umai"

What does "oishii" mean?

"Oishii" is a word that is often used when enjoying a delicious or delicious meal. But not only that, oishii can also be used for pleasant feelings, you know. Like these examples: 

“Okaasan no ryori wa itsumo oishii.”

お母（かあ）さんの料理（りょうり）はいつも美味（おい）しい。

Mom's cooking is always delicious.

“Totemo oishii desu.”

とても 美味（おい）しい です。

It's so delicious.

“Oishii hanashi”

おいしい話（はなし）

good conversation.

What does "umai" mean?

"Umai" also means something that tastes good or a favorable situation, so it has a similar meaning to "oishii" and is used in a similar way. In addition, it is sometimes pronounced by removing the letter "ai" and replacing it with "ee" to become "umee".

“Kono sakana umai!”

この 魚（さかな）、うまい！

This fish is delicious!

“Nani kore ume —!”

なに これ、うめー。

What's this? Nice!

“Sonna umai hanashi ga aruwake nai!”

そんな うまい 話（はなし） が、あるわけない！

There can't be such a good story!

What is the difference between "oishii" and "umai"?

So, what's the difference between the two? "Oishii" is a common way to express and used by both men and women of all ages, making it a more general expression. On the other hand, "Umai" is more casual than "oishii" and used in relaxed situations, and it sounds like a more masculine way of speaking. However, some women also often use it when talking with friends or on social media. Of course, "Oishii" is used in formal settings, but there are many cases where it's perfectly fine for a man to say "umai." Both are used with the same meaning, but the nuance can differ due to the mentioned differences above.

What other Japanese words do you think are similar but different?