You're at a Japanese convenience store register with a bento box or onigiri, and the cashier says something you don't quite catch. Are they asking if you want it warmed up?
This page explains what the question means, how to answer it, and what kinds of food can actually be heated.
The 15-Second Answer
「温めますか？」(Atatame masu ka?) means "Would you like this warmed up?"
- Yes: Say "はい、お願いします" (hai, onegaishimasu) or "Yes, please" — or just nod.
- No: Say "いいえ、大丈夫です" (iie, daijoubu desu) or "No, thank you" — or shake your head.
- Didn't catch it? Point to your item and say "Warm?" — they'll understand.
Why convenience stores offer this
Japanese convenience stores have a microwave at or near the register, and heating purchased food on the spot is a standard part of the service. This is unique to Japan's convenience store culture — it's not something you'd typically find at a convenience store in most other countries.
The system is simple: if your item is eligible, the cashier will ask. You say yes or no. They heat it while you finish paying, and hand it back warm.
What can be warmed up?
Not everything is eligible — only certain chilled or room-temperature items are heated by microwave at the register.
Typically eligible for heating
- Bento boxes (お弁当) — the most common item to be heated
- Some onigiri (rice balls) — usually those labeled as suitable for heating
- Chilled pasta, gratin, and similar packaged meals
- Some sandwiches and hot sandwiches
Local note: Nikuman (steamed pork buns) and anman (sweet bean buns) are already warm — they're sold from a heated case near the register, not by microwave. You won't be asked about warming these.
Phrases you might hear
Staff at different convenience stores may phrase the question slightly differently — but they all mean the same thing.
Common ways cashiers ask
- 温めますか？ (Atatame masu ka?) — "Shall I warm this up?"
- お温めしますか？ (Oatatame shimasu ka?) — slightly more formal version
- レンジしますか？ (Renji shimasu ka?) — "Shall I microwave it?" (casual)
All three mean the same thing. If you hear any of these, it's the warming question.
Step-by-step: how to respond
step
1Say "はい、お願いします" (hai, onegaishimasu) or simply "Yes, please." A nod works too. The cashier will take your item and heat it while you wait — usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on the item.
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2Say "いいえ、大丈夫です" (iie, daijoubu desu) or "No, thank you." Shaking your head is also understood. The transaction continues as normal.
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3Smile and say "Sorry?" to have it repeated, or point to your item and say "Warm?" — staff will understand the question and respond accordingly.
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4The cashier will hand your warmed item back separately, usually in a small paper bag or on top of your other purchases. Wait near the register — it only takes a moment.
Bottom line
「温めますか？」is one of the most common things you'll hear at a Japanese convenience store register. It's a simple yes or no — and a nod or shake of the head works just as well as words.
If you're buying a bento or a chilled meal and you'd like it warm, say yes. It's one of the small conveniences that makes Japan's convenience stores genuinely convenient.
