いただきます
itadakimasu
itadakimasu is the Japanese phrase for "I humbly receive", used specifically before starting a meal.
いただきます is a common phrase used at the beginning of a meal to show gratitude for the food. It is used to express thanks both to the person who prepared the meal and to the ingredients themselves. It is often translated as "I humbly receive".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the humble form of the verb itadaku (to receive), and it literally means "I humbly receive [this food]".
Which one should you use?
While いただきます is said before eating, the phrase gochisousama (or gochisousama deshita) is used after finishing a meal to express thanks.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
The phrase reflects a cultural belief in expressing gratitude to the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
Did you know?
- The verb itadaku is derived from the word for 'forehead'. Using it implies that the speaker is lifting the food up toward their forehead as a sign of deep respect.
- When saying いただきます, it is customary to place your hands together in a prayer-like position known as gassho and bow slightly. This physical gesture is just as important as the words themselves in showing respect.
- While often used as a general expression of gratitude, the phrase is deeply rooted in Shinto and Buddhist concepts of animism. It acknowledges that even inanimate-looking vegetables and animals possess a spiritual essence that is being sacrificed.
Examples in context
- ご飯を食べる前には、「いただきます」を言ってから食べるのがマナーだからね。It's polite to say "itadakimasu" before eating one's meal.This sentence is useful for learning the etiquette of saying いただきます before eating a meal.Tatoeba #1131390 by bunbuku, translation #2674353 by WestofEden
- いただきます。itadakimasu.Let's eat.
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Alright, let's eat!
Example conversation
A young couple is sitting down to eat a homemade dinner at home.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、準備できたよ。いただきます。Hiroto-kun, junbi dekita yo. Itadakimasu.Hiroto, it's ready. Let's eat.
- 大翔 Hirotoいただきます。今日も美味しそうだね。Itadakimasu. Kyou mo oishisou dane.Let's eat. It looks delicious today, too.
- 陽葵 Himariたくさん食べてね。Takusan tabete ne.Eat plenty.
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、ありがとう。Un, arigatou.Yeah, thanks.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
