Photos by Shoji Kudaka ()
In Japan during mealtime, we often say “itadaki masu,” which literally means: “I have this meal with gratitude.” It’s a phrase to thank those who cook the meal, and also a Japanese way of saying “let’s eat.”
Likewise, once done eating, they would say “gochiso sama deshita,” which means “thank you for the meal.”
So next time you have a meal with your Japanese families and friends, try these phrases:
“Itadakimasu”
“Gochiso sama deshita”
(“Itadakimasu” – the verbs “itadaku (receive)” + “shimasu (I do～)”, “Gochiso” – a fancy meal, “sama” – a suffix to address a person with an honorific title or a polite way of referring to an object)
OK, stay safe and see you in the next episode of Speakin’ Japanese.
