いただきます
itadakimasu
In Japanese, "I will eat well" is expressed as いただきます (itadakimasu).
いただきます is a polite phrase used before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the humble form of the verb meaning "to receive", translating literally to "I humbly receive".
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
Did you know?
- While many people think the phrase is just for the cook, it is actually a way to thank the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal. The phrase expresses gratitude to the life essence within the ingredients themselves.
- When saying いただきます, it is customary to press your hands together in a prayer-like position known as 手を合わせ (te o awaseru). This gesture is often accompanied by a slight bow to show respect.
- The phrase is also used in non-food contexts to mean 'I humbly receive' something, such as a gift or even an instruction, reflecting its humble origin as a verb of receiving.
Examples in context
- いただきます。itadakimasu.I will eat well.
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Alright, let's eat!
- 手を合わせて、いただきます。te o awasete, itadakimasu.I say a prayer and say, "I will eat well."
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are sitting down for a homemade dinner.
- 健太 Kentaおいしそうな料理ですね。oishisou na ryouri desu ne.The food looks delicious.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、いただきます。hai, itadakimasu.Yes, let's eat.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんの料理は最高です。misaki-san no ryouri wa saikou desu.Misaki, your cooking is the best.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
