ごちそうさまでした
gochisōsama deshita
In Japanese, the phrase to say "the food was great" is ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita).
The phrase ごちそうさまでした is used to thank a host or cook after finishing a meal. It serves as a respectful way to thank the person who prepared the meal and express that the food was delicious.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ごちそう (gochisō) within the phrase literally refers to a feast or the hospitality provided through food.
Which one should you use?
You might use 美味しかったです to say "it was delicious" or 素晴らしい料理でした to say "the food was splendid".
How do you pronounce it?
gochisōsama deshita
Did you know?
- The word ちそう (chisō) in ごちそうさまでした originally referred to the act of running around to gather ingredients and prepare a meal. It reflects the physical effort the cook exerted rather than just the taste of the food.
- Japanese people often say ごちそうさま (gochisōsama) while placing their hands together in a prayer-like gesture called 合掌 (gasshō). This is a lingering influence from Buddhist traditions of showing gratitude.
- The phrase is part of a ritual loop of gratitude. While ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita) is said at the end, it is traditionally paired with いただきます (itadakimasu) at the beginning to honor the life of the ingredients.
Examples in context
- Totemo Oishikatta Desu ( とても美味しかったです )It was extremely delicious.
- Kono Sushi wa Honto ni Oishikatta ( この寿司は本当に美味しかった )This sushi was truly delicious.
- ごちそうさまでした。Gochisousama deshita.The food was great.
- おいしかったです。ごちそうさまでした。Oishikatta desu. Gochisousama deshita.It was 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
Hiyori is finishing dinner at Kenta's house.
- 健太 Kentaお腹いっぱいになった？Onaka ippai ni natta?Are you full?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、ごちそうさまでした。Hai, gochisousama deshita.Yes, the food was great.
- 健太 Kentaよかった。また作ってあげるよ。Yokatta. Mata tsukutte ageru yo.I'm glad. I'll cook for you again.
- 陽葵 Himariお願いします！Onegaishimasu!Please do!
