Question
I’m traveling to Japan for business and I’ve been invited to a business dinner. I want to make sure I thank the host appropriately at the end of the meal. How can I say “Thank you for the wonderful dinner” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
素晴（すば）らしい夕食（ゆうしょく）をありがとうございました。
Subarashii yuushoku o arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you for the wonderful dinner.
This phrase is a polite way of expressing gratitude after a meal. Subarashii means “wonderful” or “excellent,” and yuushoku means “dinner.” The phrase arigatou gozaimashita is a formal and respectful way to say “thank you.” You can use this expression at the end of any meal to show appreciation for the host’s hospitality, making it particularly useful in business settings.
Remember, dinner etiquette in Japan also involves other customary phrases. You might also hear or want to use, “Gochisousama deshita,” which is another traditional way to thank the host at the end of a meal.
