Question
I’m traveling for business in Japan, and I’ll be attending a formal dinner with my Japanese colleagues. I want to make sure I express my gratitude appropriately. How do I say “Thank you for this meal” in Japanese before and after eating?
Japango Editor Team
いただきます。
Itadakimasu.
Thank you for the meal (before eating).
ごちそうさまでした。
Gochisoosama deshita.
Thank you for the meal (after eating).
In Japan, expressing gratitude for a meal is an important part of dining etiquette. Before eating, use “itadakimasu,” which conveys appreciation to everyone who contributed to the meal, including the cook and those who produced the ingredients.
After finishing the meal, say “gochisoosama deshita,” to thank those present for treating you or for sharing the meal. These phrases are not only polite but also show your respect and cultural understanding during your business interactions.
