Meaning

Primary

Ramen

Alternative

Ramen Noodles

Word Type

noun

Explanation

If you're going to abduct some noodles, make sure it's everybody's favorite noodles, ramen! The other meaning of the first kanji actually makes more sense here though, because you pull the dough to stretch it when you make ramen noodles. Choose whichever meaning helps you remember it best!

This word is mostly written in kana, usually as ラーメン, but sometimes らーめん. You'll see the kanji version pretty often on packaging and menus, though, so it's worth knowing! The word is also occasionally written as らー麺 or ラー麺.

Reading

らーめん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
ラーメン
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Both of these kanji take the on'yomi, but the first one has a slightly irregular reading, because it's based on the modern Chinese reading. To remember that it's a long らー, just think how excited you are about these ramen! Raaaaaa! Raaaamen! So exciting!

Context

Context Sentences

鮭拉麺なんて初めて食べるよ。

This is my first time eating salmon ramen.

小さな会社が成長するのに必要なのは、拉麺です。

What small companies need in order to grow is ramen.

股間に拉麺の汁をこぼしてしまった。

I spilled ramen soup on my crotch.

Kanji Composition