【Reading】りゃん

【English Name】Ryang (Sushi counter term for two)

Ryan is a slang term in sushi-restaurant jargon (fucho) meaning the number "2."

The etymology derives from the Chinese numeral, said to come from the Chinese "liǎng" (両), which represents two. At a sushi counter, there is a custom of using distinctive jargon so that exact numbers and amounts are not directly conveyed to the customer when chefs exchange orders and accounting information. Ryan is one part of that system, often used as a pair with "pin," which means "1."

For example, "ryanko" refers to two pieces (two kan), used to confirm the number ordered or the number remaining. Such number jargon was adopted from multiple languages and cultures, including Chinese and gambling terminology, and similar slang is found not only at sushi restaurants but throughout the culinary industry.

In recent years, with changes in counter culture, the number of shops that routinely use such jargon is on the decline, but it can still be heard at long-established and traditional sushi restaurants.