ごちそうさま

expression

expression after eating

See also: いただきます (before eating)

1. expression said after eating

A set phrase said after finishing a meal to express gratitude. Literally related to 馳走(ちそう) meaning 'feast' or 'to run around (preparing food).'

ごちそうさまでした。

Thank you for the meal.

Polite form

ごちそうさま！おいしかった。

Thanks for the meal! It was delicious.

Casual form

食(た)べ終(お)わったら、ごちそうさまと言(い)いましょう。

When you finish eating, let's say 'gochisousama.'

とてもおいしかったです。ごちそうさまでした。

It was very delicious. Thank you for the meal.

お母(かあ)さん、ごちそうさま。今日(きょう)のカレーは本当(ほんとう)においしかったよ。また作(つく)ってね。

Mom, thanks for the meal. Today's curry was really delicious. Please make it again.

ごちそうさま is the standard expression said after finishing a meal, expressing gratitude to whoever prepared or provided the food.

FORMS:

ごちそうさま: casual
ごちそうさまでした: polite (most common in daily life)

ETYMOLOGY:
From ご馳走(ちそう) — 馳走(ちそう) historically meant 'running around' to gather ingredients and prepare food for guests. The ご prefix adds politeness.

MEALTIME PAIR:

いただきます: said before eating
ごちそうさま(でした): said after eating

USAGE:
Said to the cook, the host, or anyone who treated you to a meal. Children learn both expressions early as basic table manners.

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:14 · Revised 2026.4.1 8:52

00500/00929_gochisousama