ごちそう
gochisō
The Japanese phrase for "good meal" is ごちそう (gochisō).
ごちそう refers to a feast or a special, high-quality meal. It is used to describe a meal that is not just an ordinary one, but something luxurious or prepared with great effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ごちそうさま is the standard set phrase used to express gratitude after finishing a meal.
How do you pronounce it?
gochisō
When do people say it?
When expressing gratitude after a meal using ごちそうさまでした, it is customary to place your hands together in front of you and slightly bow your head.
Did you know?
- The word ごちそう is thought to originate from the verb 馳走, which means 'to run around'. It evokes the image of someone running to different places to gather many ingredients for a feast.
- The word ごちそう can be used to describe something other than food, such as a 'feast for the eyes' when seeing a beautiful view.
- The phrase ごちそうさま is used not only for people but also as a way to thank the gods or nature for the food provided.
Examples in context
- 今日は豪華なごちそうですね。Kyō wa gōka na gochisō desu ne.Today is a luxurious feast, isn't it?
- お母さんのごちそうが大好きです。Okāsan no gochisō ga daisuki desu.I love my mother's special meals.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are sitting at a fancy restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaすごいごちそうだね！Sugoi gochisō da ne!What a feast!
- 結衣 Yuiうん、とても豪華だね。Un, totemo gōka da ne.Yeah, it's very luxurious.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、たくさん食べてね。Yui, takusan tabete ne.Yui, please eat a lot.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、健太さん。Arigatō, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
