いただきます
itadakimasu
The phrase "let's eat" in Japanese is translated as いただきます (itadakimasu).
The phrase いただきます is a standard expression used before starting a meal to express gratitude. It serves as a way to say "let's eat" or "thank you for the meal" while showing appreciation for the food.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is the humble form of the verb "to receive", which literally means "I humbly receive [this food]".
Which one should you use?
While いただきます is the standard expression of gratitude before a meal, the casual phrase 食べよう can be used to mean "let's eat" in an informal context.
How do you pronounce it?
itadakimasu
When do people say it?
In Japan, it is customary to express appreciation for food by bowing the head slightly or by placing your hands together. It is a ritual performed to show gratitude to the ingredients, the cook and the provider of the meal. It is customary to join hands (pressing palms together) while saying いただきます before starting a meal.
Did you know?
- The word いただきます can also be used in non-food contexts when receiving a gift or a favor from a superior to show extreme humility.
- The phrase いただきます is not just a thanks to the chef, but a recognition of the sacrifice of the plants and animals that died to provide the meal.
- While いただきます is said before eating, there is a separate, equally important phrase ごちそうさま said after the meal to signal it is finished.
Examples in context
- さあ、いただきます！saa, itadakimasu!Now, let's eat!
Example conversation
Two siblings are sitting down at the dining table to eat lunch.
- 陽葵 Himariいただきます！itadakimasu!Let's eat!
- 陽太 Yotaいただきます。itadakimasu.Let's eat.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、これ美味しいよ。Hinata-kun, kore oishii yo.Hinata, this is delicious.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね、陽葵姉さん。Hontou da ne, Himari-neesan.It really is, Himari.
