いただきます
itadakimasu
いただきます (itadakimasu) is the Japanese way to say "I humbly receive" and is used to express gratitude before starting a meal.
The phrase いただきます is used immediately before eating a meal. It serves as a way to show gratitude for the food itself and for the effort taken to prepare it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is in the polite masu form.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
Saying いただきます often involves placing one's hands together in a prayer-like position known as gassho and bowing slightly.
Did you know?
- While many people think いただきます is only for thanking the cook, it is also a way to thank the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
- The word いただく is the humble version of 'to receive', but it also means 'the top' or 'the peak' of a mountain.
- The phrase can be used in a metaphorical sense to show that one is accepting a task or a responsibility with great humility and respect.
Examples in context
- おすそ分けいただきました。本当にありがとうございます。I humbly received a share. Thank you very much.
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Alright, let's eat!
Example conversation
Hina and Kenta are sitting down for dinner.
- 陽葵 Himari健太、準備できたよ。Kenta, junbi dekita yo.Kenta, it is ready.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。いい匂いだね。Arigatou. Ii nioi da ne.Thanks. It smells great.
- 陽葵 Himariいただきます。Itadakimasu.I humbly receive this meal.
