Japanese for Ramen Refills: Ask for 替え玉 or More Broth Without Assuming
Learn to ask for extra noodles (替え玉) or more broth (スープのおかわり) at a ramen shop, and how to check if these options are available.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
You've finished the noodles in your ramen bowl, but there's still plenty of broth left. In many Japanese ramen shops, especially Hakata-style tonkotsu shops, you can order a noodle refill called 替え玉 (kaedama). But policies vary: some shops offer free refills, some charge, and some don't offer them at all. This lesson teaches you how to ask for a noodle refill, how to ask about a broth refill, and how to check whether these services are available. You'll learn the key terms 替え玉, スープ, and おかわり, and the difference between adding noodles and adding broth. The focus is on asking politely rather than assuming, so you can navigate any ramen shop with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a noodle refill using 替え玉をお願いします.
- ask if a broth refill is possible using スープのおかわりはできますか.
- check whether a shop offers noodle refills by asking 替え玉はありますか.
- distinguish between 替え玉 (noodle refill) and スープのおかわり (broth refill).
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
替え玉をお願いします。
A noodle refill, please.
Kaedama o onegaishimasu.
Use this when you want another portion of noodles. Common in Hakata-style shops. 替え玉 literally means 'replacement ball' (of noodles); 玉 here refers to a portion of noodles.
スープのおかわりはできますか。
Can I get a broth refill?
Sūpu no okawari wa dekimasu ka.
Ask this if you want more broth. おかわり means 'refill' or 'second helping'. スープ is 'soup' or 'broth'. Note that many shops do not offer broth refills.
替え玉はありますか。
Do you have noodle refills?
Kaedama wa arimasu ka.
Use this to check if the shop offers noodle refills at all. It's a neutral way to ask about availability. ありますか asks whether something exists or is available.
麺だけ追加できますか。
Can I add just noodles?
Men dake tsuika dekimasu ka.
Use this in shops that don't use the term 替え玉. It means 'Can I add only noodles?' だけ means 'only', and 追加 means 'addition'. It is generally understood, though some shops may still not offer it.
おかわりは無料ですか。
Is the refill free?
Okawari wa muryō desu ka.
Ask this to check if there's a charge. 無料 (muryō) means 'free of charge'. Policies vary by shop, and おかわり can refer to either noodles or broth depending on context.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern [item] をお願いします ([item] o onegaishimasu) is a polite way to order or request something. For example, 替え玉をお願いします (Kaedama o onegaishimasu) means 'A noodle refill, please.' You can also use スープをお願いします (Sūpu o onegaishimasu) to ask for more broth, though スープのおかわりはできますか is more common for checking availability. To ask if something is possible, use [item] はできますか ([item] wa dekimasu ka). For instance, スープのおかわりはできますか (Sūpu no okawari wa dekimasu ka) means 'Can I get a broth refill?' This pattern works for many requests. Note that お願いします is a general polite request form, while できますか asks specifically about possibility or availability.
When to use it
Use 替え玉をお願いします when you've finished your noodles but still have broth, and you want more noodles. It's typical in Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen shops. In other regions, the term 替え玉 might not be used; instead, ask 麺だけ追加できますか (Men dake tsuika dekimasu ka) to see if you can add just noodles. For broth, ask スープのおかわりはできますか (Sūpu no okawari wa dekimasu ka). Note that some shops may not offer broth refills, and some may charge for noodle refills. Always ask rather than assume. If you're unsure, start with 替え玉はありますか (Kaedama wa arimasu ka) to check availability. In Hakata-style shops, 替え玉 is usually ordered after you finish the first portion of noodles, and the new noodles are added to the remaining broth.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、替え玉をお願いします。
Excuse me, a noodle refill please.Sumimasen, kaedama o onegaishimasu.はい、替え玉ですね。少々お待ちください。
Yes, a noodle refill. Please wait a moment.Hai, kaedama desu ne. Shōshō omachi kudasai.あの、スープのおかわりはできますか。
Um, can I get a broth refill?Ano, sūpu no okawari wa dekimasu ka.申し訳ありません、スープのおかわりはやっていないんです。
I'm sorry, we don't do broth refills.Mōshiwake arimasen, sūpu no okawari wa yatte inai n desu.A little context goes a long way
In Japan, ramen shops often have specific rules about refills. 替え玉 is a common term in Hakata-style shops, where thin noodles are served and refills are popular. However, outside of these shops, the term might not be understood. It's always best to ask politely. Also, some shops offer free refills, while others charge a small fee. Don't assume; ask おかわりは無料ですか (Okawari wa muryō desu ka) if you're unsure. Additionally, broth refills (スープのおかわり) are less common than noodle refills, so be prepared for a 'no'. Respect the shop's policy and enjoy your meal. Note that practices vary widely by shop and region, so what applies in one shop may not apply in another.
One thing to watch for
Assuming that 替え玉 means a broth refill.
Try this instead: 替え玉 specifically means a noodle refill. If you want more broth, ask スープのおかわりはできますか (Sūpu no okawari wa dekimasu ka). Using 替え玉 for broth may confuse the staff. Also note that おかわり alone can mean a refill of either noodles or broth, so specify スープのおかわり for broth.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You want more noodles. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
替え玉をお願いします。
This is the standard way to ask for a noodle refill. In shops that don't use 替え玉, you can say 麺だけ追加できますか (Men dake tsuika dekimasu ka).
2You want to know if the shop offers broth refills. How do you ask?
Show a sample answer
スープのおかわりはできますか。
This politely asks if a broth refill is possible. If you want to check if it's free, add おかわりは無料ですか (Okawari wa muryō desu ka). Note that many shops do not offer broth refills.
3You're not sure if the shop uses the term 替え玉. How can you ask for just noodles?
Show a sample answer
麺だけ追加できますか。
This means 'Can I add just noodles?' and is generally understood. It's a good alternative if 替え玉 isn't used, though availability still depends on the shop.
Remember: 替え玉 is for noodles, スープのおかわり is for broth. Always ask politely and check availability rather than assuming. Use お願いします to order and できますか to ask if something is possible. Note that policies vary by shop, so asking first is always best.
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