ごちそうさま

ごちそうさま
expression
expression after eating
greeting
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.

Related words

  • 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. Said jokingly, it also answers someone who keeps gushing about their partner: 'I've heard enough of your romance.'

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Greetings and Set Phrases for Everyday Life
basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:14 · Revised 2026.9.23 21:23
00500/00929_gochisousama