召し上がれ
meshagare
The English phrase "eat well" can be translated into Japanese as 召し上がれ (meshagare).
召し上がれ is used to tell someone to enjoy their meal. This phrase is specifically used by the person providing the food, such as a host or a chef, to the person receiving the meal. It is not a phrase used by the person who is about to eat.
How do you pronounce it?
meshagare
Did you know?
- The root of the honorific verb in 召し上がれ comes from the word for 'summons', reflecting a historical time when the nobility's actions were described as divine commands.
- While 召し上がれ is the host's phrase, the guest's response いただきます is a gesture of gratitude not just to the cook, but to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
- If you use 召し上がれ with someone of much higher social status, such as a superior at work, it might actually sound condescending because it functions as a command.
Examples in context
- さあ、召し上がれ。Saa, meshiagare.Now, eat well.
- 温かいうちに、召し上がれ。Atatakai uchi ni, meshiagare.Eat well while it's still warm.
- 手作りのお菓子、召し上がれ！Tezukuri no okashi, meshiagare!Enjoy these homemade sweets!
Example conversation
A woman serves a homemade meal to a man at home.
- 美咲 Misaki今日はハンバーグを作ったよ。Kyou wa hanbaagu o tsukutta yo.I made hamburgers today.
- 陽太 Yotaわあ、美味しそう！Waa, oishisou!Wow, they look delicious!
- 美咲 Misaki熱いから、召し上がれ。Atsui kara, meshiagare.They're hot, so eat well.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、いただきます。Arigatou, itadakimasu.Thank you, I'll eat now.
