おまけ

• Reading: おまけ
• Romaji: omake
• Pronunciation: /o.ma.ke/

Meaning

A free extra; bonus item; something thrown in with a purchase; freebie.

Typically written in hiragana. Refers to a small gift or discount given by a shopkeeper, or a bonus item included with a product. Also used figuratively to mean 'on top of that' or 'to make matters worse' (おまけに). Common in shopping, children's culture, and marketing.

Examples

1. このお菓子を買うとおまけにシールがもらえる。 When you buy this snack, you get a sticker thrown in for free.
2. 八百屋のおじさんがりんごを一つおまけしてくれた。 The guy at the produce stand threw in an extra apple for free.
3. おまけに雨まで降り出して最悪の一日だった。 On top of everything, it started raining too — it was the worst day.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, marketing, daily conversation

Tone: friendly

Origin & History

From the verb 負ける (makeru, to lose/discount), with the honorific prefix お. Originally meant a price reduction given by a merchant, later extended to mean any free extra.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal