注文

• Reading: ちゅうもん
• Romaji: chuumon
• Kanji breakdown: 注 (chuu) — pour, request; 文 (mon/bun) — writing, sentence
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.moɴ/

Meaning

Order; request. Placing a request to purchase or receive goods or services.

A noun that functions as a suru verb (注文する). Essential for restaurant and shopping contexts: 料理を注文する (to order food), ネットで注文する (to order online). Also used figuratively: 注文が多い (demanding/picky, literally 'many orders'). Related compounds: 注文書 (order form), 特別注文 (special order). One of the most practical N3 vocabulary items.

Examples

1. レストランで料理を注文した。 I ordered food at a restaurant.
2. ネットで本を注文したら翌日届いた。 I ordered a book online and it arrived the next day.
3. あの客は注文が多くて大変だ。 That customer is so demanding — it's exhausting.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, shopping, business

Tone: practical

Origin & History

Compound of 注 (chuu, to pour/request) and 文 (mon, writing/sentence). Originally 'a written request' — a formal document specifying what is needed. Over time, extended to verbal orders as well.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal