How to say "sweets" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

菓子かしJLPT N3approx.Common
nounThe neutral, general word for sweets and confectionery, including candy and cakes. Typical in writing, shop names, and formal contexts where the polite お菓子 is not needed.
この菓子かしを自由じゆうにお取とり下ください。↗
Please help yourself to these cakes.
キャンディCommon
nounCovers the narrower sense of 'sweets' as candy — hard or soft sugar-based confections. When an English speaker says 'sweets' meaning candy, this is the word.
このキャンディーは８０セントです。↗
This candy costs eighty cents.
お菓子おかしJLPT N5approx.Common
nounThe everyday, politely prefixed word for sweets, snacks and treats. The usual choice in conversation about eating or buying sweets, e.g. with friends or family.
お菓子かしで赤あかちゃんが窒息ちっそくするところだった。↗
The baby almost choked on a piece of candy.
甘味あまみCommon
nounSweets in the sense of a sweet course or dessert, especially sweet dishes served after a meal or at a teahouse. It is not the everyday word for sweets as snacks; 'dessert' is often closer.

Use 菓子 or 「お菓子」 for sweets generally (「お菓子」 politer/everyday), 「キャンディ」 for candy specifically, and 甘味 when you mean sweet things as a dessert course.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

Say it right, write it right