1. Introduction
Eating is a common ritual that is shared by people all over the world, and Japan is no exception. But what makes the Japanese dining experience unique is the set of customs and traditions that come along with it. One of the most important parts of a meal in Japan is what people say after they eat, which can range from simple expressions of gratitude to more elaborate phrases of appreciation. In this article, we’ll take a look at what do Japanese say after they eat as well as other ways to show respect for the meal in Japan.
2. Common Japanese Expressions After Eating
The most common phrase used by Japanese people after eating is “Gochisousama” (ごちそうさま). This phrase literally translates to “thank you for the meal” and is used to express gratitude for the food that was served. It can also be used as an expression of appreciation for someone’s hospitality or cooking skills.
Another phrase commonly used after eating in Japan is “Oishikatta desu” (おいしかったです). This phrase literally translates to “it was delicious” and can be used to express one’s enjoyment of a meal. It can also be used as an expression of thanks for someone’s cooking skills or hospitality.
3. Other Ways to Express Appreciation After Eating
In addition to saying “Gochisousama” or “Oishikatta desu,” there are other ways that people in Japan show their appreciation after eating a meal. For example, it is common for people to bow their heads slightly when expressing their gratitude or appreciation for a meal. This gesture conveys respect and humility, which are both important values in Japanese culture.
It is also common for people in Japan to thank those who prepared the food before they leave the table or room where they ate their meal. This gesture shows respect for those who took time out of their day to prepare a delicious meal and expresses one’s appreciation for their efforts.
4. How to Show Respect for the Meal in Japan
In addition to expressing gratitude after eating, there are certain customs that must be followed when partaking in a meal in Japan in order to show respect for it. The most important custom involves saying “Itadakimasu” (いただきます) before taking your first bite of food at every meal you eat while in Japan (even if you are not actually partaking in it). This phrase literally translates to “I humbly receive this food,” and expresses one’s respect and gratitude towards those who prepared it as well as nature itself which provided the ingredients used in its preparation.
5. The Meaning Behind the Tradition of Saying “Itadakimasu” Before Eating
The tradition of saying “Itadakimasu” before eating has its roots in Shintoism, an ancient religion native to Japan which focuses on nature worship and reverence towards ancestors and deities alike. In Shintoism, it is believed that life comes from nature itself so by saying this phrase before eating, one expresses their appreciation towards nature and acknowledges its role in providing sustenance through plants and animals alike. Additionally, by expressing thanks before partaking in a meal one also acknowledges those who prepared it with care as well as those who shared it with them at the table.
6 How to Respond When Someone Says “Gochisousama” After Eating in Japan
When someone says “Gochisousama” after eating in Japan, it is customary for everyone else at the table or room where they ate their meal to respond with either “Domo arigatou gozaimasu” (どうもありがとうございます) or “Arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます), both of which translate roughly into English as “Thank you very much.” It should be noted however that these responses should only be said if everyone else at the table has finished eating; if not then simply nodding your head slightly while saying “Hai!” (はい) will suffice instead until everyone has finished their meals before responding with either “Domo arigatou gozaimasu” or “Arigatou gozaimasu.”
7 Other Ways To Show Gratitude After A Meal In Japan
In addition to expressing verbal gratitude after meals there are other ways that people can show appreciation towards those who prepared them such as leaving behind small gifts like flowers or fruits on tables or counters where meals were served; this gesture conveys one’s sincere thanks without having them say anything out loud but still gets across how grateful they are nonetheless! Additionally, many restaurants will offer customers special discounts when paying cash instead of using credit cards; this gesture shows respect towards customers’ wallets while still allowing them enjoy great food without breaking bank!
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, showing gratitude after meals is an important part of dining etiquette throughout much of Asia but especially so within Japanese culture due its strong emphasis on respecting others and showing humility whenever possible! From simple phrases like “Gochisousama” & “Oishikatta desu,”to more elaborate gestures like bowing one’s head slightly & leaving behind gifts on tables/counters-there are many different ways that people can express thankfulness & appreciation towards those who prepared & served them meals! Hopefully this article has given readers some insight into how best do so while keeping within cultural norms!
What do Japanese say before and after eating?
Greetings before and after meals: Itadakimasu and Gochisosama Before meals the Japanese clap their hands on the chest and say Itadakimasu. When they are done they make the same gesture and say Gochisosama. These greetings are part of everyday life.
What is the meaning of Gochisousama?
Meaning of Kochisousama In the old days people literally had to run to eat hunt fish and even gather. Kochisousama was used by guests to express great appreciation to those who needed to gather and prepare food in a hurry.
Why do Japanese say Itadakimasu?
So saying itdakimasu means that one is grateful to the animals and plants that gave their lives to provide us with food. Thanks also to everyone involved in our newsletter. Finally there is a deeper understanding of assessment. For the younger generation they keep saying come on we say itdakimasu.
How do you respond to Itadakimasu?
The preposition ittakimasu comes from the verb ittakimasu before meal. The person who prepares the food returns it to the dojomesiagre.
How do Japanese end their meals?
End the meal with the phrase Kochisma Teshita (thank you for the meal) which includes thanking not only the cook but also the ingredients.
What is Bon Appetit in Japanese?
Itadakimasu The Japanese way of saying bon apétit. It is an important part to say itdakimasu before eating. Try saying it before eating for Japanese etiquette.
