大盛り

• Reading: おおもり
• Romaji: ōmori
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (big/large) + 盛り (serving/heaping) → large serving
• Pronunciation: /oː.mo.ɾi/

Meaning

A large or extra-large portion size at a restaurant, usually available for free or a small additional charge.

A fundamental part of Japanese dining vocabulary, 大盛り is the standard way to request a larger serving. Most set-meal restaurants, ramen shops, and casual eateries offer 大盛り options for rice or noodles. Some places offer it for free, making it especially popular among students and budget-conscious diners. The culture of portion customization is deeply embedded in Japanese food service.

Examples

1. すみません、ご飯大盛りでお願いします。 Excuse me, I'd like the large portion of rice, please.
2. ここの大盛り、普通の倍くらいあるんだけど。 The large portion here is like double the regular size.
3. 大盛り無料って書いてあったから迷わず頼んだ。 It said 'free large size upgrade' so I ordered it without hesitation.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, ramen shops, ordering food

Tone: practical, direct

Do Say

• 大盛りにしてください。 (Large portion, please.)
• 大盛りにしたけど多すぎた…。 (I got the large but it was too much...)

Don't Say

• 高級レストランで「大盛りで」は場違い (Asking for ōmori at a fine dining restaurant is out of place — portions are set by the chef)

Common Mistakes

• Not knowing that 大盛り availability varies — some restaurants offer it free, some charge extra, and some don't offer it at all

Origin & History

Standard Japanese restaurant terminology that has been used for decades. 大 (large) + 盛り (serving/portion) is the basic system alongside 普通盛り (regular) and 小盛り (small).

Cultural Context

Era: Long-established restaurant terminology

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. One of the first restaurant phrases learners should know.