べんとう弁当bentou
1.

A meal prepared in a container, designed to be easily transported and consumed outside of the home, often including a variety of ingredients like rice, meat, and vegetables.

2.

A single serving of food neatly arranged in a portable box, commonly purchased from shops or ordered from catering services for consumption during meetings or outings.

3.

A type of meal presentation where food is served in a compartmentalized container, reflecting traditional Japanese dining aesthetics and often enjoyed during picnics or travel.

4.

A convenient pre-packaged meal that embodies both practicality and artistry, typically showcasing seasonal ingredients and culinary techniques, suitable for various occasions.

Example:

私たちは学校で早めに弁当を食べた。

oべんとう弁当bentou
1.

A traditional Japanese meal packed in a single-portion container, typically consisting of rice, fish or meat, and a variety of vegetables, often beautifully arranged and served as a convenient takeaway or picnic meal.

2.

A meal in a compartmentalized box, often prepared at home or purchased from shops, designed for consumption on the go, reflecting seasonal ingredients and cultural aesthetics.

3.

A wholesome and visually appealing lunch box that represents a balanced diet, usually enjoyed during outings or at work, showcasing the care and creativity of the person preparing it.

Example:

彼は今日、お弁当を持って来た。

べんとうばこ弁当箱bentoubako
1.

A container specifically designed to hold a variety of prepared meals, typically used for transporting food to school or work.

2.

A compartmentalized box that allows for the organized packing of rice, vegetables, and side dishes, often popular in Japanese culture for home-cooked meals on the go.

3.

A portable food carrier that maintains the freshness of its contents, commonly used for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Example:

今やノート型コンピューターは弁当箱と同じくらいが一般的だ。

べんとうや弁当屋bentouya
1.

A place that specializes in preparing and selling various types of bento boxes, often featuring a balanced selection of rice, protein, and vegetables for convenient meals on-the-go.

2.

A shop or stand where pre-packaged meals, typically consisting of a combination of rice, meat, and side dishes, are available for purchase, catering to customers looking for quick and ready-to-eat options.

3.

An establishment that offers a range of homemade or commercially prepared lunch boxes, designed for individual servings and often reflecting seasonal ingredients and traditional Japanese cuisine.

Example:

弁当屋さんを始めたってむだだよ。ざらにあるからね。

てべんとう手弁当tebentou
1.

The act of bringing a homemade lunch to work or an event, which signifies self-sufficiency and personal effort in meal preparation.

2.

The practice of personally financing one’s meal expenses while engaging in work or activities, often highlighting an informal or voluntary contribution to a communal effort.

3.

A term used to describe the situation where one provides their own food for a work-related task, indicating a lack of external support or compensation.