Izakaya
/ˌiːzəˈkaɪə/noun
A Japanese establishment serving alcoholic drinks and small dishes, typically for casual dining.
Did you know?The name reflects a historical shift from liquor shops where customers drank standing or seated briefly into social gathering places serving food and alcohol together.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Japanese
Japanese
居る (iru)
“To be present, remain, or stay”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
酒 (sake)
“Alcoholic drink, especially rice wine”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
屋 (ya)
“House, shop, or establishment”
Edo Period
Japanese
居酒屋 (izakaya)
“A place where customers could remain while drinking; later, a food-and-drink establishment”
20th Century
English
izakaya
“An establishment in Japan serving drinks and small dishes”
Modern English
English
izakaya
“A Japanese-style pub or informal dining bar”