ごちそうさまでした
gochisousama deshita
In Japanese, 'thanks for food' is expressed as ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita).
This phrase is specifically used 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 of the phrase, ごちそう (gochisou), literally refers to a feast or a meal that required great effort to prepare.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ごちそうさまでした is the standard polite version, while ごちそうさま is the informal, shortened version of ご馳走様でした. For a more formal expression of appreciation, you can also use おいしくいただきました, which means 'I received (and ate) the food deliciously.'
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding deshita at the end makes the phrase polite. Dropping the deshita at the end makes the phrase informal, suitable for use with family or close friends.
How do you pronounce it?
gochisousama deshita
When do people say it?
It is common practice in Japan to say this phrase while performing a slight bow or a small hand gesture to signal the end of the meal.
Did you know?
- The word 馳走 (chisou) inside the phrase originally referred to 'running around' to prepare for a guest. It implies the host's physical exertion in running to gather ingredients and prepare the meal.
- Saying ごちそうさまでした is not only for the cook, but is also considered a way to thank the animals and plants that died for the meal.
- The phrase is part of a ritual 'bracket' in Japanese dining, where いただきます begins the meal and ごちそうさまでした ends it.
Examples in context
- お母さん、ごちそうさま！Mom, thanks for the meal!
- 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.
- お母さん、ごちそうさまでした。Okaasan, gochisousama deshita.Mom, thank you for the meal.
Example conversation
Youta and Himari have finished lunch at home.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、ごちそうさまでした。Himari, gochisousama deshita.Himari, thank you for the meal.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くん、満足してくれた？Youta-kun, manzoku shite kureta?Youta, were you satisfied?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、すごく美味しかったよ。Un, sugoku oishikatta yo.Yeah, it was really delicious.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはよかった！Sore wa yokatta!That's good to hear!
