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These phrases will help you in restaurants. Most Japanese will be familiar with the English word 'vegetarian', prounounced 'bejitarian' in Japanese. But that doesn't mean they know what it means. A lot of people don't realise fish, meat/fish stock, lard and other animal ingredients are unsuitable for vegetarians. Some people think being 'vegetarian' means that you only eat vegetables, so they'll ask you if you can eat tofu or seaweed etc. Most people don't know what 'vegan' means, so you'll have to say you're vegetarian and then say you also can't eat dairy food (nyuuseihin) or eggs (tamago), etc. In some rural areas, if they don't understand the word 'vegetarian', you could try using the Japanese word, 'saishoku shugi.' I'm vegetarian - Watashi wa bejitarian desu. I cannot eat (meat) or (fish) - (Oniku) to (sakana) ga taberarenai Is there (meat) in it? - (Oniku) ga haitteimasuka? Do you have any dishes without (meat)? (Oniku) ga haitteinai ryouri wa arimasuka? Can you make it without (ham)? - (Hamu) nuki de dekimasuka? Without (fish flakes), please. - (Katsuobushi) nashi de onegaishimasu. I'm allergic to (shellfish) - (Kai) no arerugi ga arimasu. Tofu is OK - (Toufu) wa daijoubu desu. Egss are not OK - (Tamago) wa dame desu. For a comprehensive list of animal ingredients, see the What Not To Eat section.
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What to say 
