Why Japanese People Say This Before Every Meal
To say I gratefully receive (said before eating) in Japanese, say いただきます (itadakimasu).
Wait — you ate without saying this? In Japan that's a little awkward.
いただきます
itadakimasu
I gratefully receive (said before eating)
In this video
- いただきます！ Itadakimasu! Before you eat in Japan — say THIS first.
- 「いただきます」は食べる前に言います。 “Itadakimasu” wa taberu mae ni iimasu. “Itadakimasu” is what you say right before eating.
- 「いのちをいただきます」という意味なんです。 “Inochi wo itadakimasu” to iu imi nan desu. It literally means 'I humbly receive this life' — gratitude for the food.
- レストランでも、コンビニのおにぎりでも、オッケー。 Resutoran demo, konbini no onigiri demo, okkē. Fancy restaurant or a convenience-store rice ball — same phrase works.
- 次のごはん、言ってみて！ Tsugi no gohan, itte mite! Try it at your next meal. Tell me how it felt 👇
Why this phrase
Teach a tourist the one phrase to say before eating in Japan. Explain the gratitude behind it without lecturing. Make them want to try it.
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