いただきます
itadakimasu
In Japanese, "good eating" is expressed as いただきます (itadakimasu).
いただきます is a phrase used to express gratitude immediately before beginning to eat a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the humble form of the verb itadaku, meaning "I humbly receive".
How does it change in a sentence?
いただきます is a fixed expression and does not change based on the person you are eating with.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
The phrase expresses gratitude not only to the cook but also to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'bon appétit' to others, いただきます is almost always said by the person who is about to eat, rather than the host.
- The phrase is deeply connected to Shintoism and the belief that spirits inhabit all natural objects, from a bowl of rice to a piece of fish.
- When saying いただきます, it is customary to press your hands together in a prayer-like position, known as gassho, to show respect.
Examples in context
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Alright, let's eat!
Example conversation
Himari and Ren are sitting down for lunch at home.
- 陽葵 Himariわあ、いい匂い！いただきます。Waa, ii nioi! Itadakimasu.Wow, it smells great! Let's eat.
- 蓮 Renゆっくり食べてね。Yukkuri tabete ne.Please take your time eating.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます。Arigato gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 蓮 Renいただきます。Itadakimasu.I'll dig in too.
