いただきます
itadakimasu
In Japanese, the English phrase "have a nice meal" is often associated with いただきます (itadakimasu).
The phrase いただきます is used by the person who is about to eat a meal to express gratitude. It can be loosely translated as "I humbly receive."
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use いただきます to mean "Bon appétit" (wishing others a good meal), but it is actually said by the person eating to express their own gratitude.
Did you know?
- The phrase いただきます is an expression of gratitude not just to the cook, but to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
- In many households, it is customary to join your hands together in a prayer-like gesture while saying いただきます.
- While いただきます is said before eating, the meal is traditionally concluded with ごちそうさまでした, which thanks everyone involved in the meal's preparation.
Examples in context
- さあ、いただきます。saa, itadakimasu.All right, let's eat.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are sitting at the dining table.
- 陽太 Yota料理がおいしそうだね。Ryouri ga oishisou da ne.The food looks delicious.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、たくさん食べてね。Un, takusan tabete ne.Yeah, please eat a lot.
- 陽太 Yotaいただきます。Itadakimasu.I'll enjoy the meal.
