1. Introduction
Eating in Japan is an experience unlike any other. Not only do you get to enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world, but you also get to take part in a unique and fascinating culture. One of the most important parts of this culture is the etiquette that comes with it, especially when it comes to saying thank you after a meal. In this article, we will discuss what you should say after eating in Japan and how to show your gratitude for the meal.
2. Traditional Japanese Meal Etiquette
Before discussing what to say after eating in Japan, it is important to understand some of the traditional Japanese meal etiquette that goes along with it. It is customary for everyone at the table to bow before beginning a meal as a sign of respect for those who prepared it and those who are sharing it with them. It is also considered polite to finish everything on your plate as leaving food behind can be seen as wasteful or disrespectful.
3. Saying “itadakimasu” Before Eating
The phrase “itadakimasu” (いただきます) is used before beginning a meal as a way of expressing gratitude for all that has been provided for it. This phrase can also be translated as “I humbly receive” or “I am grateful” and is often said with hands placed together in prayer-like fashion at chest level while bowing slightly from the waist. It is important to remember that this phrase should be said before beginning any meal, not just those eaten out at restaurants or other establishments.
4. Saying “gochisousama deshita” After Eating
After finishing a meal, one should express their gratitude again by saying “gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした). This phrase can be translated as “thank you for the delicious food” or simply “thank you for the meal” and is often said with hands placed together in prayer-like fashion at chest level while bowing slightly from the waist once again. As with saying “itadakimasu” before beginning a meal, this phrase should be said no matter where one eats, not just at restaurants or other establishments.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
5. Other Phrases to Use After Eating in Japan
In addition to saying “gochisousama deshita” after eating, there are several other phrases that can be used to express appreciation for the food and hospitality provided by others when dining out in Japan:
• Oishii desu ne – This phrase translates literally as “It’s delicious isn’t it?” and can be used after taking your first bite of food or when complimenting someone else’s cooking/dish
• Gochisou sama – This phrase translates literally as “thankful feast” and can be used both before and after meals
• Arigatou gozaimashita – This phrase translates literally as “Thank You very much!” and can be used both before and after meals
6. How to Show Gratitude for the Meal?
In addition to saying these phrases when appropriate, there are several other ways one can show their gratitude when dining out in Japan:
• Offer compliments on dishes served – Offering compliments on dishes served shows both appreciation for all that has been done to prepare them and respect for those who have cooked them • Offer help cleaning up – Offering help cleaning up shows respect for those who have cooked/served you by helping them tidy up afterwards • Bring small gifts/tokens of appreciation – Bringing small gifts/tokens of appreciation shows respect for those who have cooked/served you by recognizing their efforts
7. What Not to Say After Eating in Japan?
When dining out in Japan there are certain phrases that should not be used when expressing thanks or appreciation:
• Doozo yoroshiku – While this phrase may seem like an appropriate way of expressing thanks due its similarity with arigatou gozaimashita (thank you very much), doozo yoroshiku actually means something closer to please treat me well which could come off as rude if not used appropriately • Sumimasen – While sumimasen may seem like an appropriate way of expressing thanks due its similarity with arigatou gozaimashita (thank you very much), sumimasen actually means something closer too excuse me which could come off as rude if not used appropriately • Gomen nasai – While gomen nasai may seem like an appropriate way of expressing thanks due its similarity with arigatou gozaimashita (thank you very much), gomen nasai actually means something closer too I’m sorry which could come off as rude if not used appropriately
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
8 Final Thoughts on Saying Thank You After a Meal in Japan
Saying thank you after eating in Japan is an important part of showing respect for those who have cooked/served your meal and acknowledging all that has been done for it. By understanding traditional Japanese meal etiquette and knowing what phrases are appropriate (and inappropriate) when expressing thanks, one can ensure they properly express their gratitude every time they eat out in Japan!
9 Conclusion From bowing before beginning your meal, saying “itadakimasu” before eating, saying “gochisousama deshit”a after eating, offering compliments on dishes served,offering help cleaning up,bringing small gifts/tokens of appreciation,avoiding certain phrases such as doozo yoroshiku,sumimasen,gomen nasai etc.All these etiquettes play vital role while dining out.Knowing these etiquettes will help ensure that proper manners are observed during each dining experience.
What Japanese say before and after eating?
Greetings Before and After Eating: Itadakimasu and Kochizouma The Japanese fold their hands in front of their chest before eating and say itadakimasu. When youre done make the same gesture and say kochisousama. These greetings are part of the routine.
What is the meaning of Gochisousama?
Kochisousama means that people used to actually catch fish and harvest food. Gochisousama is used by guests to express their gratitude to the people who have to travel around to collect the harvest and prepare the food that is served to them.
How do you respond to itadakimasu?
The standard pre-meal expression is itadakimasu from the simple form of the verb itadaku to eat and receive. The caterer will reply Douuzomeshiagare which means please help.
How do you say thank you for the food in Japanese after?
Gochisosama
Before eating, you say, Itadakimasu” (いただきます), which means Lets eat or Bon Appétit, and at the conclusion of your meal, you say Gochisosama (ごちそうさま), which means thanks for the delicious meal.
What is Bon Appetit in Japanese?
Itadakimasu is the Japanese way of saying bon appétit.
What is Deshita?
As you learned in Lesson 4 Japanese verbs have non-past tenses for present and future as well as past tense. You can form a negative past tense by combining it with a non-negative past tense (deshita).
