If you love Japanese culture, travel, anime, or simply enjoy Japanese food, you’ve probably heard the famous expressions “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama deshita.” These phrases are deeply rooted in Japanese etiquette, tradition, and gratitude. But what do they really mean? When should you say them? And how do you pronounce them correctly?
In this article, you’ll learn how to say thank you for the meal in Japanese, the cultural meaning behind it, variations, pronunciation, examples, and when to use each phrase like a native.
🍽 What is the Japanese Thank You for the Meal?
There are two main expressions used to thank for a meal in Japanese:
| Moment of Use | Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Before eating | いただきます (Itadakimasu) | “I humbly receive” / thanks before the meal |
| After eating | ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) | “Thank you for the meal” after eating |
👉 1. Saying Thank You Before Eating: Itadakimasu
Itadakimasu (いただきます) is said before eating a meal.
It is more than just “let’s eat.” It expresses gratitude to:
- The person who cooked the meal
- Farmers and food suppliers
- Nature and life that provided the food
Pronunciation:
Ee-ta-da-ki-ma-su
When to say “Itadakimasu”:
- At home before meals
- In restaurants or school cafeterias
- When your friend treats you to food
- In anime scenes before characters start eating
Example sentence:
いただきます！ (Itadakimasu!)
Thank you for the meal / Let’s eat!
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👉 2. Saying Thank You After Eating: Gochisousama deshita
Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is said after finishing the meal.
This is the direct translation of “thank you for the meal” in Japanese.
Pronunciation:
Go-chi-so-u-sa-ma de-shi-ta
It shows appreciation for the meal, effort, ingredients and hospitality.
Polite variations:
| Phrase | Level | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ごちそうさま (Gochisousama) | Casual | Used with friends, family |
| ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) | Polite | Standard polite form |
| ごちそうさまでございます (Gochisousama de gozaimasu) | Very formal | Restaurants / elders |
Japanese Meal Etiquette Tips
To sound respectful and culturally aware, here are small gestures to accompany the phrases:
✔ Put your hands together while saying Itadakimasu and Gochisousama
✔ Finish your plate to show appreciation
✔ Compliment the cook:
とても美味しかったです！ (Totemo oishikatta desu!) – It was very delicious!
Why These Phrases Matter in Japan
In Japanese culture, food is not just sustenance; it’s a connection to life and harmony. The expressions reflect:
- Gratitude over consumption
- Respect for nature
- Mindfulness and appreciation
- Connection between people
This is why you hear these phrases frequently in anime, dramas, restaurants, and traditional Japanese homes.
Quick Summary
| Before Eating | After Eating |
|---|---|
| いただきます – Itadakimasu | ごちそうさまでした – Gochisousama deshita |
Both phrases show gratitude and are essential for meals in Japan.
Final Words
Using Itadakimasu and Gochisousama deshita is an easy way to embrace Japanese culture and show respect while dining. Next time you enjoy sushi, ramen, or any Japanese dish, say it confidently—you’ll sound more like a native and show sincere appreciation.