Itadakimasu and Gochisosama: Two Small Phrases Around a Meal

Just before eating, you may see people bring their hands together and say itadakimasu. At the end, you may hear gochisosama deshita.

They are familiar Japanese mealtime phrases, but travelers do not need to treat them like compulsory lines in a ceremony.

Itadakimasu comes before eating

Itadakimasu literally comes from a humble form of “to receive.” Around a meal, it expresses appreciation for receiving the food and for the people, ingredients and work behind it.

There is no perfect one-word English translation. “Let’s eat” captures the timing, while “thank you for the meal” captures part of the feeling.

At home or in a group, people often say it together. Someone eating alone may say it quietly or not aloud at all.

Gochisosama closes the meal

Gochisosama deshita is said after eating. It thanks the person who prepared or provided the meal. The shorter gochisosama is common in relaxed settings.

You might say it to a host, to the person who cooked, or to restaurant staff as you leave. In a busy restaurant, a smile and thank you are also perfectly understandable.

Do visitors have to say them?

No. Nobody should expect a traveler to perform Japanese etiquette perfectly. If the phrase feels natural, use it. If pronunciation makes you nervous, a simple arigato gozaimasu still communicates gratitude.

Avoid loudly announcing itadakimasu for a photograph while everyone else is already eating. The phrase is most natural when it belongs to the moment rather than becoming a show.

A small note about gestures

Some people place their palms together; others simply say the words. Practices vary by household, age and setting. Follow the mood of the table rather than searching for one mandatory pose.

The simple version

Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisosama deshita after the meal if you would like to join the custom. Quiet and sincere is enough.

The best travel etiquette rarely depends on perfect pronunciation. Attention, warmth and timing matter more.

Related reading: What Is an Oshibori? / Should You Tip in Japan?