Question
I’m planning a trip to Japan and I absolutely love Japanese cuisine. I heard that it is common to say a phrase before eating. Could you tell me what to say before starting a meal and what it means in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
いただきます。
Itadakimasu.
Thank you for the food.
When dining in Japan, it’s customary to say “itadakimasu” before you start eating. This phrase is often translated as “I humbly receive” and is a way to express gratitude to everyone involved in the preparation of the meal, from the farmers who grew the ingredients to the chef who cooked the food. Saying “itadakimasu” is a reflection of Japanese culture’s emphasis on respect for food and the effort it takes to bring it to the table.
This expression nests deeply into the cultural practice of showing appreciation and is quite similar to saying grace before meals in other cultures. Don’t forget to say “itadakimasu” on your culinary adventures in Japan!
