Itadakimasu: Meaning Behind Japan’s Pre-Meal Expression
Understanding the Meaning of Itadakimasu いただきます in Japanese
When you visit Japan or dine at a Japanese restaurant, one phrase you’re sure to hear before the meal begins is:
“itadakimasu いただきます .”
But what does it mean, and why is it so important to Japanese dining culture?
In this article, we will explain the origin of saying itadakimasu, its usage, and its importance in life in Japan.
Itadakimasu Meaning || Itadakimasu Meaning
Itadakimasu Meaning || Gochisousama
Itadakimasu Meaning || Mindful Moment
Itadakimasu Meaning || Zen Mind in Japanese Life
Itadakimasu Meaning || FAQs
Itadakimasu Meaning || Itadakimasu Meaning
At its core, “itadakimasu” means “I humbly receive.” In Japanese, itadaku ( 頂く いただく ) is a humble language used when receiving something, especially from someone of higher status or position.
You might already know that in Japanese there are honorifics (敬語 けいご ).
There are three types of honorifics:
尊敬語 そんけいご Honorific language
謙譲語 けんじょうご Humble language
丁寧語 ていねいご Polite language.
その赤いのをいただきます。
そのあかいのをいただきます。Sono akai no wo itadakimasu.
I’ll buy that red one.
“Itadakimasu” is often used in situations where deference is shown, highlighting a sense of humility and gratitude.
When combined with masu ます , the verb becomes more polite, thus making it a respectful acknowledgment before consuming food.
In Japan, food is not merely sustenance but something to be bestowed from Heaven.
By saying itadakimasu, the speaker is expressing gratitude not only to the person who prepared the meal but also to all the other elements involved in the process—farmers who grew the ingredients, animals or plants that provided the food, and even the natural elements like rain and sunlight.
This sentiment aligns with Shinto and Buddhist beliefs that emphasize respect for all living things. In this sense, itadakimasu can also be viewed as an acknowledgment of life—whether animal or plant—that was sacrificed to sustain one’s own.
In kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools, it is customary for the food to be served to everyone in the class at lunchtime and for everyone to say Itadakimasu in unison before starting to eat.
Even in modern, fast-paced Japanese life, where many traditional customs are evolving, itadakimasu retains its significance.
Whether eating at home, dining out with friends, or grabbing a quick meal alone, the phrase is still commonly spoken, reinforcing a sense of mindfulness and respect. So if you are eating in Japan, don’t forget to say itadakimasu.
15 Japanese Tongue Twisters with Romaji and Audio 🗣️
Want to improve your Japanese pronounciation and have fun doing it? Check out these 15 Japanese tongue twisters with accompanying videos.
Itadakimasu Meaning || Gochisousama
After finishing a meal, it is customary to say gochisousama ごちそうさま , which can be loosely translated as “thank you for the meal” or “that was a feast.” While itadakimasu is said before the meal to express gratitude for what’s about to be received, gochisousama reflects thanks for what was consumed.
Gochisou (ご馳走 ごちそう ) means a feast.
Go is a polite suffix. Chisou means running around and getting ready for something. So the expression means Thank you for taking such great effort to prepare the meal.
You are supposed to say this after the meal. However, you can also say this if you have received sweets or other souvenirs and have just received them but have not eaten them yet.
This is an expression used to thank the other person for their efforts, so it can be used even if you haven’t actually eaten yet, but it should not be used if you have received something other than food.
おみやげのクッキーです
These are souvenir cookiesどうもごちそうさま
Thank you very muchItadakimasu Meaning || Mindful Moment
One of the most beautiful aspects of itadakimasu is how it encourages mindfulness.
In today’s fast-paced world, where many people eat on the go or while distracted by screens, saying itadakimasu serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate what’s in front of you. It fosters a deeper connection between the individual, the food, and the environment that produced it.
This moment of reflection can transform eating into a more mindful act, making one more aware of how fortunate they are to have access to food, and the many hands involved in bringing it to the table.
Gochisousama after the meal also can provide a moment to settle down.
It is often mistakenly said that Japan is a non-religious country. It is true that there are not many people in Japan who believe in monotheism or a specific religion.
However, polytheistic and animistic beliefs in nature and all things are still deeply rooted in the lives of Japanese people.
Japanese Greetings // 31 To Use For Daily Life in Japanese
Japanese Greetings // Want to learn Japanese? These greetings in Japanese can range from casual ones with your friends and also more formal greetings.
Itadakimasu Meaning || Zen Mind in Japanese Life
Zen (禅 ぜん ) is a school of Buddhism that originated in China as Chan Buddhism and was later introduced to Japan, where it evolved into what we now know as Zen.
Zen is often associated with meditation, mindfulness, and serene temples, but in Japan, it extends far beyond religious practice. Rooted in simplicity, discipline, and mindfulness, Zen philosophy permeates various aspects of daily life.
Part of Zen wisdom is setting boundaries in time and space and trying to secure a sacred area.
For example, in Japan, we take off our shoes at the entrance to distinguish between the inside and outside of the house. In many shrines and temples, it is also forbidden to enter with shoes on.
This is one way of maintaining the sanctity of a space. Saying itadakimasu and gochisousama before and after meals can also be seen as an expression of the awareness of distinguishing mealtime as a sacred time.
In Zen, everyday life itself is considered a form of training.
For example, in Japanese schools, students clean their own classrooms. This may seem strange to foreigners, but it is based on the Zen idea of maintaining the order and harmony of one’s living space with one’s own hands.
The key to gaining a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture is to learn about this Zen way of thinking. Even if you haven’t had the chance to come to Japan yet, why not try practicing the Zen way of life?
That’s all for this article. Is there anything similar to ‘itadakimasu’ in your country? Share with us here!
Itadakimasu Meaning || FAQs
When do you say “itadakimasu?”
It is said before a meal, but can also be used as an expression of gratitude when receiving sweets.
What does “itadakimasu” mean?
“Itadakimasu” literally means “I humbly receive.”
Do I not have to say “itadakimasu”?
You have to say “itadakimasu” without fail. Until the end of junior high school, Japanese people start eating lunch by saying “Itadakimasu” together with the whole class. In this way, everyone in Japan always says “Itadakimasu” before eating.
What should I say when finishing a meal?
At the end of a meal, you are supposed to say “gochisousama.”
Even in this fast-paced age, do you still bother to say “itadakimasu?”
Yes, even outlaws in Japan say these words before and after meals. That is how deeply rooted this expression is in Japanese life.
Want More From LTL?
WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? Check out our online Japanese courses here.
We offer a 7-day free trial to all new students where you can study 24/7.
What about studying Japanese in Japan instead? We’ve got your back. Our Japanese courses in Tokyo can either be taken in small groups of no more than 5 students or individually for a more tailored experience.
We even offer incredible homestay experiences in Tokyo as well.
Come and be a part of this amazing community.