いただきます

expression

expression before eating

See also: ごちそうさま (after eating)

1. expression said before eating

A set phrase said before eating to express gratitude for the food. Literally means 'I humbly receive.'

いただきます。

I humbly receive this food. (said before eating)

Standard usage

おいしそう！いただきます！

Looks delicious! Let's eat!

手(て)を合(あ)わせていただきます。

I put my hands together and say 'itadakimasu.'

Common gesture before eating

母(はは)が「いただきます」と言(い)って、食(た)べ始(はじ)めました。

My mother said 'itadakimasu' and started eating.

日本(にほん)では食事(しょくじ)の前(まえ)に「いただきます」と言(い)います。みんなそう言(い)います。

In Japan, we say 'itadakimasu' before meals. Everyone says it.

いただきます is a set phrase said before eating, expressing gratitude for the food. It is one of the most fundamental customs in Japanese daily life.

ETYMOLOGY:
From the humble verb いただく (to humbly receive), which is the humble form of もらう. Literally means "I humbly receive."

CULTURE:
The gratitude extends to everyone involved: the person who prepared the food, the farmers who grew the ingredients, and the plants and animals that gave their life. Children are taught this phrase from a very young age.

USAGE:

Often accompanied by pressing the palms together (手(て)を合(あ)わせる)
Said at both formal and casual meals
Paired with ごちそうさまでした (said after eating)

NOTE:
いただきます can also be used when receiving a gift or favor, not just food, as a polite form of "I'll take it" or "thank you for this."

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:25 · Revised 2026.4.1 8:52

00500/00946_itadakimasu