いただきます

expression

expression before 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 said before eating any meal, expressing gratitude to those who prepared the food, the farmers, and all living things that gave their life for the meal. It's a fundamental Japanese custom. Children are taught this phrase from a young age. The verb いただく is the humble form of もらう (to receive).

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:25 · Revised 2026.2.21 10:10

00500/00946_itadakimasu