Itadakimasu
Itadakimasu is a common Japanese phrase used before eating a meal. Literally, it means "I humbly receive" and is often used to thank someone for the meal. Learn how to pronounce itadakimasu and other useful meal time phrases with these free audio examples.
Resources for further reading:
How to pronounce Itadakimasu
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いただき ます
Itadaki masu
I humbly receive (phrase before eating)
Other useful mealtime phrases
If you are a guest at a Japanese dinner table, you might hear the host ask if you would like more to eat or drink:
もっと いかが です か？ / もっと どう です か？
Motto ikaga desu ka? / Motto dō desu ka?
Would you like more (food/drink)?
If you want to decline, you can say:
いいえ、 けっこう です
Iie, kekkō desu.
No thank you / I'm fine
おなか が いっぱい です
Onaka ga ippai desu.
I am full.
Now that you know what to say when you start your meal, what do you say when you have finished eating?
ごちそうさま でした
Gochisōsama deshita
Thank you for this delicious meal.
That's all for today!
Why not check out some more lessons on Japanese phrases next?
- Understanding the basic Japanese phrases so you can blend in with the locals!
- What about learning to say I love you in Japanese.
- Learn tons of Japanese hotel phrases in preparation for your next trip to Japan!
- This list of useful Japanese travel phrases will come in handy!
Sayōnara!
Sayaka Matsuura: Rocket Japanese
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