1. Introduction
Eating in Japan is a unique experience, and just like any other culture, there are certain etiquette rules that you should follow when dining out. One of the most important aspects of Japanese meal etiquette is how to end a meal. Knowing the proper way to end a meal in Japan will show respect for the culture and make your dining experience more enjoyable. In this article, we will discuss the significance of ending a meal in Japan, common ways to do so, and what not to do when ending a meal in Japan.
2. Traditional Japanese Meal Etiquette
Japanese cuisine is known for its intricate flavors and presentation, which has led to the development of an extensive set of etiquette rules regarding how to eat it properly. This includes everything from how you sit at the table, to how you use chopsticks, and even how you finish your meal. It is important to be aware of these etiquette rules so that you can have an enjoyable dining experience while also showing respect for Japanese culture.
3. The Significance of Ending a Meal in Japan
In Japanese culture, it is important to show gratitude for being able to share a meal with others. This is done by expressing appreciation for the food before finishing the meal. Finishing a meal without expressing gratitude would be seen as impolite and disrespectful in Japanese culture, as it shows that you did not appreciate or enjoy the food that was provided for you.
4. Common Ways to End a Meal in Japan
The most common way to end a meal in Japan is by saying “Gochisousama desu” (ごちそうさまです). This phrase literally means “it was a feast” and is used as an expression of gratitude towards whoever prepared or served the food. Another way to express appreciation at the end of a meal is by saying “Oishii desu” (おいしいです), which means “it was delicious” or “it tasted good”.
5. Saying Goodbye After Eating Out in Japan
When eating out at restaurants or other establishments in Japan, it is customary to say goodbye after finishing your meal before leaving the establishment. This can be done by saying “Arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます), which means “thank you very much” or “I appreciate it” in Japanese. It can also be done by using more casual phrases such as “Ja mata ne” (じゃまたね) which translates into English as “see you later!”
6 What Not To Do When Ending A Meal In Japan
There are also some things that should be avoided when ending meals in Japan so as not to offend anyone or appear rude or disrespectful towards their culture and customs:
• Do not leave food on your plate – this could be seen as wasteful or unappreciative;
• Do not put chopsticks directly on top of each other – this could signify death;
• Do not leave chopsticks sticking up – this symbolizes bad luck;
• Do not blow your nose while eating – this could offend those around you;
• Do not speak too loudly while eating – this could disrupt other diners;
• Do not slurp soup loudly – this could seem rude;
• Do not leave without saying goodbye – this could seem impolite;
• Do not leave without thanking those who prepared/served your food – this could come off as ungrateful;
• Do not take pictures during meals without permission from everyone present–this could come off as intrusive and disrespectful;
•Do not chew with your mouth open–this could seem uncouth and impolite; •Do not reach over someone else’s plate–this could come off as intrusive and rude; •Do not pick up dishes with one hand–this could look careless and sloppy; •Do not start eating before everyone else has been served–this could appear inconsiderate; •Do not touch someone else’s plate–this could seem intrusive and disrespectful; •Do Not talk while chewing–this could seem impolite; •Do Not put too much food into one bite–this might seem greedy or gluttonous; •Do Not drink directly from shared dishes–this might seem unsanitary or inappropriate behavior..
7 Conclusion
Knowing how to properly end meals in Japan will help ensure that your dining experience goes smoothly and shows respect for Japanese culture and customs. By following traditional etiquette rules such as expressing gratitude before finishing your meal, saying goodbye before leaving an establishment, avoiding certain behaviors such as speaking too loudly while eating, picking up dishes with one hand etc., you can ensure that all diners have an enjoyable experience while respecting traditional customs at the same time!
8 FAQs About Ending Meals In Japan
>Q: What Is The Proper Way To End A Meal In Japan?A: The proper way to end a meal in Japan is by expressing gratitude for being able to share it with others before finishing your meal – usually by saying “Gochisousama desu” (ごちそうさまです). You should also say goodbye before leaving any establishment after eating there – usually by saying “Arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます).Q: What Should I Avoid Doing When Ending A Meal In Japan?A: There are several behaviors that should be avoided when ending meals in Japan so as not to offend anyone or appear rude or disrespectful towards their culture and customs: do not leave food on your plate, do not put chopsticks directly on top of each other, do not stick chopsticks up into rice bowls/plates etc., do not blow your nose while eating etc..Q: What Is The Meaning Of “Gochisousama Desu”?A: “Gochisousama Desu” ( ごちそうさまです) literally translates into English as “it was a feast” but it is used more generally as an expression of gratitude towards whoever prepared or served the food – usually said at the end of meals before leaving an establishment..Q: Can I Take Pictures During Meals In Restaurants Or Other Establishments In Japan?A: Taking pictures during meals without permission from everyone present would be considered rude and intrusive behavior – therefore it should always be avoided unless everyone present agrees beforehand..
9 Resources And Further Reading On Japanese Meal Etiquette Tokoyama C R (2021). How To Eat Like A Local In Tokyo [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.japaninsiders.com/how-to-eat-like-a-local-in-tokyo/.Japan Guide (n.d.). Table Manners & Eating Etiquette In Japana [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2045.html#toc_3..Morioka K & Morioka S (2015). The Complete Book Of Sushi [Book]. Tokyo : Kodansha International Ltd..
What do Japanese say at the end of a meal?
After the meal people say gochiso sum deshita which means great feast to once again express their gratitude for the meal.
Is it rude to finish your meal in Japan?
It is considered polite to finish what is on your plate.
What do they say when you leave Japanese restaurants?
gochisosama deshita
Instead, it is polite to say gochisosama deshita (thank you for the meal) when leaving.
How do you respond to itadakimasu?
Itadakimasu/Gochisousama desu The standard pre-meal expression Itadakimasu comes from the word itadaku which is a simple way of speaking eat and take. The person who prepared the food replied: Douzomeshiagare means helping you.
Do Japanese say grace before meals?
Itadakimasu is an important phrase in your Japanese vocabulary. It is often translated as I humbly accept but in a dining setting it is compared to lets eat bon appétit or thank you for the food. Some even compare it to the religious tradition of saying blessings before eating.
Why is tipping rude in Japan?
Tips are not accepted in Japan. Taking pride in ones work is part of Japanese culture. Because the staff have high standards in providing service and dont feel the need to accept a tip to feel valued. In fact as many Japan travel guides say it is disrespectful to try to tip staff.
