Ways to Say Thank You for the Food in Japanese

Itadakimasu – (i-ta-da-ki-ma-su)

You can say thank you for the food in Japanese several ways. But first we will focus on the two most direct and formal ways.It is customary to say, “Itadakimasu” (i-ta-da-ki-ma-su), before you eat. This means Let’s eat.

The expression itadakimasu shows you understand and appreciate all the effort that went into preparing the meal you are about to eat. Your appreciation is extended to the cook, time and all the ingredients that went into preparing the meal.

It is important to note though that itadakimasu is not a prayer. You are not praying to these things. Consider it similar to going to the kitchen to thank the chef.

Gochisosamadeshita – (go-chi-so-sa-ma-deshi-ta)

The second thank you comes at the end of the meal. Here you will say, gochisosamadeshita, (go-chi-so-sa-ma-deshi-ta). This means thanks for the delicious meal. Always try to direct it to the provider of the meal. Also note that after saying this, you must not take another bite.

If you are eating out, you do not need to go searching for the chef or restaurant staff to tell them gochisosamadeshita. Saying it to the people you are with is good enough.

Don’t be surprised if you, hangout with Japanese people who do not observe these practices. It is not uncommon for younger Japanese people to forgo traditions with foreigners. After all, they may just like your company because they can relax and be casual with you.

Gochisousama (Go-chi-sou-sa-ma)-

This is a casual form of gochisosamadeshita.

Other  Ways to Say Thank You for the Food in Japanese

Oishii Desu (O-i-shi-i-De-su) –

This is the easiest and most common word to say that the food is “delicious”. If you watch Japanese television shows, you will hear this word a lot when food is being tasted. In fact, I am yet to hear the opposite oishikunai (o-i-shi-ku-nai-i). Oshikunai means that this doesn’t taste good. I don’t expect to ever hear this as Japanese people are known for being polite in public (tatemae) while sharing their true feelings in private (honne). Therefore, if you are trying to make a good impression, you should always say oishii desu.

Oishii is versatile as you can use it in several ways. Here are a few:

Totemo Oishii Desu (To-te-mo- Oi-shi-i De-su) –

Totemo oishii desu means wow it is very delicious.

Sugoii Oishii (Su-goi-i Oi-shi-i) –

This also means very delicious.

You may also ask questions with oishii, such as-

Oishii desu ne–It is delicious, isn’t it?

Answer – Oishii desu yo. Yes, it is delicious.

Also, someone can ask you or you can ask directly if the food is delicious.

Oishii desu ka – Is it delicious?

Answer – Oishii desu or oishii desu yo is a good reply.

Umai (U-ma-i) –

Umai is a multi-meaning word, which means wonderful. When we use it to talk about food, it means tastes good. Special note, males usually use umai more than females. So, if you are a female you might sound strange to Japanese people when you use it.

Kono steak, umai! – This steak is delicious!

Be careful though it’s casual and usually used only with friends.

There are also two variations of umai, uma (u-ma) and ume (u-me). Like umai, they are used with friends.

Say Thank You for the Delicious Food in Japanese Without Saying Thank You

Bento: How to say thank you for Japanese food.

All the above are direct ways to say thank you, but nothing says thank you for the delicious meal like asking for more, and all you have to say is …

Okawari kudasai (O-ka-wa-ri ku-da-sai)–

This means seconds please or refill please. When you go to restaurants in Japan, the servers usually ask,

“Okawari ikaga desuka?” Would you like a refill/ would you like more?

Reply – Okawari kudasai or okawari desu.

You may also hear Okawari wa tada desuyo! Now this is like music to the ear, because they are telling you that it is free to get a refill.

Notable mention:

Meshiagare (Me-shi-aga-re) –

This is not a thank you word, but it is used by the chef to tell you that the food is ready to be eaten. It is not a word you will hear frequently, but it is nice to hear meshiagare from the chef or host.

With all the above words, you can now feel confident telling your friends and meal providers thank you for the meal in Japanese. Meshiagre.

Bonus- My Japanese tamagoyaki recipe –

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar (mirin)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. sesame oil

Recipe:

1. Take a small bowl and combine soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Stir well.
2. Take a medium bowl, crack the eggs and beat well. Add the salt and whisk with
chopsticks or hand whisker. Then add soy sauce mixture and mix well.
3. Take a tamagoyaki pan, pour the oil and heat on medium flame. Pour some mixture of
egg in a pan and spread on the entire pan. When the egg is cook rolled the egg smoothly.
4. Then again pour some egg mixture and when it is half cooked, roll and repeat with the
remaining egg mixture.
5. Then gently transfer into a plate and cut into bite sized. Place into a serving plate and

Enjoy!

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