いただきます
itadakimasu
The Japanese phrase for "dig in" is いただきます (itadakimasu).
The expression いただきます is used before a meal to signify gratitude and to mark the beginning of eating.
Meaning: begin eating (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the humble form of the verb itadaku, which means "to receive". It literally translates to "I humbly receive".
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
Performing this phrase is a standard ritual performed before starting a meal to express gratitude to both the ingredients and the cook. When acting as a host and wanting to invite others to start eating or to offer food to someone, you may use 召し上がれ, which means "enjoy your meal".
Did you know?
- The verb itadaku refers to the act of receiving something from a superior. In ancient times, it described the action of lifting a gift above one's head to show respect, which is why the phrase sounds so humble.
- In some traditional settings, いただきます is viewed as a way to apologize to the ingredients for taking their lives, making it a phrase of both gratitude and mourning.
- When saying いただきます, many Japanese people press their palms together in a prayer-like gesture called gassho. This reflects the influence of Buddhism and expresses gratitude to the spirits of the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
Examples in context
- いただきます。itadakimasu.Let's eat.
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Alright, let's dig in!
- 料理を作りました。いただきます。ryouri o tsukurimashita. itadakimasu.I made some food. Let's eat.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are sitting down for dinner at home.
- 蓮 Ren美咲、料理ができたよ。Misaki, ryōri ga dekita yo.Misaki, dinner is ready.
- 美咲 Misakiわあ、おいしそう！Waa, oishisō!Wow, it looks delicious!
- 蓮 Ren冷めないうちにいただきます。Samenai uchi ni itadakimasu.Let's dig in before it gets cold.
- 美咲 Misakiうん、いただきます！Un, itadakimasu!Yeah, let's dig in!
