In Japanese culture, it is considered polite to express gratitude or give a brief expression before starting a meal. This small gesture shows appreciation for the food, the person who prepared it, and the opportunity to eat together. In this guide, we will delve into the different ways to say “before eating” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s explore these phrases along with various tips and examples.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you are in a formal setting, such as a business meeting or a dinner with esteemed guests, these expressions will come in handy. Use them to display respect and politeness:
Itadakimasu (いただきます): This is the most common and widely used expression before eating in Japan. It translates to “I humbly receive” and carries a sense of gratitude towards the food and the person who prepared it. While saying it, join your hands together as if praying, or simply place them in front of your chest.
Note: It is customary to wait until everyone is ready to eat before saying “itadakimasu.” Pay attention to your dining companions and follow their lead.
Informal Expressions:
In more casual and relaxed settings, such as with friends or family, the following expressions can be used:
Maji de (マジで): This expression, which translates to “seriously,” is commonly used among friends. While not as formal as “itadakimasu,” it conveys a genuine excitement and appetite for the meal ahead.
Note: Keep in mind that the level of informality depends on the relationship and setting. It is essential to adapt your language accordingly to avoid any unintended offense.
Additional Tips:
Here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding and usage of these phrases:
Variations based on regional dialects:
Japanese has various regional dialects, and some expressions before eating may vary depending on the region. However, rest assured that expressing your gratitude and appreciation through “itadakimasu” is universally understood and accepted across Japan.
Pairing “itadakimasu” with other phrases:
You can combine “itadakimasu” with other expressions to convey more specific meanings:
- Sumimasen, itadakimasu (すみません、いただきます): This translates to “Excuse me, I will start eating.” Use it in situations where you need to start eating before others.
- Oishii desu (おいしいです): After saying “itadakimasu,” you can express your enjoyment of the food by adding “oishii desu,” which means “it’s delicious.”
Non-verbal expressions:
Remember that non-verbal expressions also play a significant role in Japanese culture. Bowing slightly before and after saying “itadakimasu” is an excellent way to show respect and appreciation. Similarly, maintaining good table manners, such as using chopsticks correctly, is highly valued.
Examples:
Let’s take a look at some examples that showcase the usage of these phrases in different contexts:
Example 1:
Formal Setting:
Host: ごちそうさまです (gochisousama desu). Here’s the meal.
Guest: いただきます (itadakimasu). Thank you very much.
Example 2:
Informal Setting with Friends:
Friend 1: パスタ作ったよ (pasta tsukutta yo). I made pasta!
Friend 2: マジで、いただきます (maji de, itadakimasu). Seriously, thank you! I’m excited!
Conclusion:
Now that you are equipped with various ways to say “before eating” in Japanese, both formal and informal, you can confidently engage in conversations over meals and show your respect and appreciation. Remember to adapt your expressions based on the setting and relationship, and always be mindful of non-verbal cues to enhance your dining experience. Enjoy your meals and delve further into the rich cultural nuances of the Japanese language!
