ごちそうさまでした
gochisōsama deshita
In Japanese, "thank you chef" is expressed as ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita).
The phrase is used specifically after finishing a meal to show appreciation to the cook or the person who provided the food.
What does it mean word for word?
The root ごちそうさま literally refers to the effort or the feast that was prepared for the speaker, meaning "it was a feast / a great treat".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The full form ごちそうさまでした is the polite version used with staff, hosts or in formal settings. Another formal way to specifically express gratitude for the delicious cuisine prepared by the chef is おいしい料理をありがとうございました.
How do you pronounce it?
gochisōsama deshita
Did you know?
- The word ちそう in ごちそうさま historically referred to the act of running around to buy high-quality ingredients and prepare a feast. It literally described the 'scurry' or effort the cook made before the guests arrived.
- The phrase is often accompanied by a physical gesture of placing your palms together in a 'gassho' pose. This movement mirrors Buddhist traditions to show respect for the life sacrificed to create the meal.
- In Japanese schools and companies, ごちそうさまでした is often shouted in unison as a collective ritual to mark the end of the meal.
Examples in context
- ご馳走さまでした、シェフThank you for the delicious meal, chef.
- ごちそうさまでした。Gochisousama deshita.Thank you for the meal.
- とても美味しかったです。ごちそうさまでした。Totemo oishikatta desu. Gochisousama deshita.It was very delicious. Thank you for the meal.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are finishing a meal at a small restaurant.
- 健太 Kentaあ、ごちそうさまでした！A, gochisousama deshita!Oh, thank you for the meal!
- 陽葵 Himariお腹いっぱいになりましたね。Onaka ippai ni narimashita ne.We are full now, aren't we?
- 健太 Kentaはい、すごく美味しかったです。Hai, sugoku oishikatta desu.Yes, it was very delicious.
- 陽葵 Himariまた来たいですね。Mata kitai desu ne.I want to come here again.
