いただきます
itadakimasu
The Japanese phrase for "happy eating" is いただきます (itadakimasu).
いただきます is a phrase said before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is almost always used in its polite form, even in casual settings, as a set ritualistic expression.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
いただきます means "I humbly receive". It is said by everyone at the table before starting a meal to show gratitude to the plants, animals and people involved in preparing the food. It is customary to press one's hands together in a prayer-like position while saying this phrase.
Did you know?
- The word いただきます literally refers to the action of bringing something up to one's forehead. This originates from the ancient custom of lifting a food offering high to show respect.
- Japanese children are often taught that いただきます acknowledges the 'life' of the ingredients. This includes a specific thank you to the fish or vegetable for sacrificing its life to sustain the human.
- The phrase いただきます is also used when receiving a gift or a favor. In these cases, it functions as a very formal way to accept something from a superior.
Examples in context
- 食事を楽しんでください。Please enjoy your meal.
- ごゆっくり召し上がってください。Please savor your meal.
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!All right, let's eat!
- いただきます。とても美味しそうです。itadakimasu. totemo oishisou desu.I'll eat now. It looks very delicious.
Example conversation
A couple is sitting down at the dining table to have lunch.
- 美咲 Misakiいただきます！itadakimasu!Let's eat!
- 陽太 Yotaいただきます。itadakimasu.Thank you for the food.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、これ美味しいよ。Yota-kun, kore oishii yo.Yota, this is delicious.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ、美味しいね。Hontou da, oishii ne.You're right, it is delicious.
