いただきます
itadakimasu
The Japanese equivalent of the English phrase "bon appétit" is いただきます (itadakimasu).
いただきます is used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat. If you are a host wishing guests to enjoy their food, a formal alternative is Meshiagare, which encourages someone to eat well and enjoy their meal.
Meaning: used to wish someone enjoyment of the meal they are about to eat (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While いただきます is said before eating, its counterpart ごちそうさま is used after finishing a meal to express thanks.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
In Japan, it is customary to say いただきます before starting a meal, often accompanied by joining one's hands together. The phrase is used to express gratitude for the food and the lives of the plants and animals that were sacrificed for the meal.
Did you know?
- The counterpart ごちそうさま contains a word meaning 'run around'. It refers to the effort the host had to make to gather the ingredients and prepare the feast.
- Although it is used before eating, the verb in いただきます actually means 'I humbly receive'.
- Many Japanese people say いただきます even when eating alone in their room. This transforms the meal into a mindful ritual of gratitude regardless of company.
Example conversation
Misaki and Daiki are sitting down for dinner at home.
- 美咲 Misakiいい匂い！いただきます。Ii nioi! Itadakimasu.Smells great! Let's eat.
- 大翔 Hirotoゆっくり食べてね。Yukkuri tabete ne.Please enjoy your meal.
- 美咲 Misakiこのお味噌汁、とても美味しいです。Kono omishoshiru, totemo oishii desu.This miso soup is very delicious.
- 大翔 Hirotoよかった。たくさん食べてね。Yokatta. Takusan tabete ne.I'm glad. Please eat plenty.
