ごちそうさまでした
gochisōsama deshita
The English phrase "compliments to the chef" is expressed in Japanese as ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita).
This phrase is used to express gratitude and satisfaction after finishing a meal. For instance, 食事、絶品でした can be used to say "The meal was exquisite," while the informal すごくおいしかった or おいしかったよ can be used to say "It was really delicious" or "It was delicious."
How do you pronounce it?
gochisōsama deshita
Did you know?
- The phrase ごちそう originally referred to the effort of 'running around' to gather ingredients and prepare a feast. It literally describes the hustle of the people who gathered the food before it reached the table.
- While ごちそうさまでした is said after a meal, its mirror phrase いただきます is said before eating to acknowledge the sacrifice of the plants and animals that provided the food.
- If you are eating at a restaurant, saying ごちそうさまでした is not just a polite way to thank the staff, but is also seen as a way to show respect to the ingredients themselves.
Examples in context
- ご馳走様でした。この料理は本当に美味しかったです。Thank you for the feast. This dish was truly delicious.
- ごちそうさまでした。Gochisousama deshita.Thank you for the meal.
- 本当に、ごちそうさまでした。Hontou ni, gochisousama deshita.Truly, thank you for the delicious meal.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota have finished dinner at a restaurant.
- 陽太 Yotaどうだった？おいしかった？Dou datta? Oishikatta?How was it? Was it delicious?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、最高だった。ごちそうさまでした。Un, saikou datta. Gochisousama deshita.Yes, it was the best. Compliments to the chef.
- 陽太 Yotaよかった。店員さんに伝えよう。Yokatta. Ten-in san ni tsutaeyou.Glad to hear that. Let's tell the staff.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね。行こう。Sou da ne. Ikou.You're right. Let's go.
