(Illustration by Yukiyo Oda/Stripes Japan)

In Japan during mealtime, we often say “itadaki masu,” which literally means: “I have this meal with gratitude.” It’s a phrase to thank those who cook the meal, and also a Japanese way of saying “let’s eat.”

Likewise, once done eating, they would say “gochiso sama deshita,” which means “thank you for the meal.”

So next time you have a meal with your Japanese families and friends, try these phrases:

“Itadakimasu”

“Gochiso sama deshita”

(“Itadakimasu” – the verbs “itadaku (receive)” + “shimasu (I do～)”, “Gochiso” – a fancy meal, “sama” – a suffix to address a person with an honorific title or a polite way of referring to an object)

OK, stay safe and see you in the next episode of Speakin’ Japanese.