The Meaning of Itadakimasu in Japanese and How to Use It

In Japanese culture, you must give thanks before eating your meal. It’s called itadakimasu, which is both a phrase and a cultural ritual that’s undertaken before you consume a meal. So when you’re eating at a Japanese friend’s house or dining out at a restaurant in Japan, don’t forget to give a hearty Itadakimasu.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about what this expression means, where it comes from and how to use it correctly. 

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What Does Itadakimasu Mean?

いただきます (itadakimasu) is a Japanese phrase used before meals as an expression of thanks and acknowledgment for the food about to be eaten.

Literally, itadakimasu translates to “I will humbly receive.” There aren’t any direct equivalents to this uniquely Japanese expression, but the French “bon appétit” has a similar use. You can think of it as saying “Thank you for the meal” before you take that first bite. 

Itadakimasu is derived from the verb 頂く (itadaku), which signifies receiving or accepting. In this context, it carries a deeper meaning of expressing gratitude for the food being received.

The phrase consists of three parts:

• 頂 (itada) — to receive, to get
• き (ki) — stem form of the verb くる (kuru), meaning “to come”
• ます (masu) — a polite suffix indicating present tense

The phrase “itadakimasu” has historical ties to Buddhism, where the act of receiving and consuming food is considered a sacred and appreciative gesture. It reflects the humility of acknowledging the effort and lives sacrificed in bringing the meal to the table.

This connection to gratitude and humility has been ingrained in Japanese culture, making itadakimasu a significant part of mealtime etiquette.

You can see some examples of itadakimasu in use from the FluentU program, below:

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How to Use Itadakimasu

Using the expression itadakimasu is about more than just saying it out loud. To do it properly means performing a series of gestures to show your gratitude.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Maintain a proper posture. 
• Place your hands together in front of your chest, palms facing each other and finger aligned. Keep your elbows close to your body.
• Bow your head slightly. The depth of the bow can vary, but it’s typically a small bow.
• Say “itadakimasu” out loud.
• Pause for a moment in this position. Use this time to reflect on the gratitude and appreciation for the meal.
• Dig in!

If you’re eating in a relaxed or casual situation, you can skip the more formal gestures, and simply bow lightly and say Itadakimasu!

Remember that the key is to approach the ritual with a sense of sincerity and respect. While these steps provide a structured guide, the exact mannerisms may vary based on personal and regional customs. The overarching goal is to express gratitude for the meal and the efforts involved in its preparation.

How to Use Gochisousama Deshita

Finished with your meal? There’s a phrase for that, as well: ごちそうさまでした (gochisousama deshita). This expression translates to “It was a feast” and is used to say thanks after finishing a meal.

Some people accompany the phrase with a small bow as well, but this isn’t as standard as bowing for itadakimasu.

Regional Variations 

The phrases itadakimasu and gochisousama deshita are the standard phrases used all across Japan. But as in many other cases, there are several regional variations you’ll hear in different areas of the country. 

For example in the Kansai-ben dialect, used in cities like Osaka and Kyoto, itadakimasu may be pronounced as follows:

• いただきませ (itadakimasē)
• いただきまはる (itadakimaharu)

And gochisousama deshita may be pronounced as:

• ごちそうさまでしたや (gochisousama deshita ya)
• ごちそうさまでしたわ (gochisousama deshita wa)

So if you’re traveling around Japan, you might hear variations on these phrases—but they’ll probably still be recognizable. When in doubt, you can use the standard versions and be understood just fine!

Beyond Meals: Other Uses of Itadaku

I’ve already mentioned it earlier, but the verb いただく (itadaku) is a humble and respectful way of saying “to receive” or “to accept” in Japanese. It’s commonly used in situations where the speaker wants to express gratitude or humility regarding receiving something.

Here are some more contexts in which you can use the verb itadaku, besides giving thanks for your meal:

• Accepting a gift from someone:

  いただきます。本当にありがとうございます。 (Itadakimasu. Hontōni arigatō gozaimasu.) — I humbly receive this. Thank you very much.

• Accepting a favor or help:

  手伝っていただき、ありがとうございます。 (Tetsudatte itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.) — Thank you for helping me.

• Acknowledging a gesture of kindness, such as someone holding the door for you:

  ご親切にいただき、ありがとうございます。 (Goshinsetsu ni itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.) — Thank you for your kindness.

• Expressing gratitude in a polite manner:

  ご指導いただき、感謝しております。 (Goshidou itadaki, kansha shite orimasu.) — I am grateful for your guidance.

Here are some more examples of itadaku being used in ways other than to receive food:

In general, itadaku is a versatile verb that can be employed in various situations where the speaker wants to convey a sense of appreciation and humility. Its usage aligns with the cultural emphasis on politeness and respect in Japanese communication.

Next time you’re eating at your favorite Japanese restaurant, don’t forget to give thanks for the food with a heartfelt Itadakimasu!

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