They’re easy to learn, easy to use, and they show good manners too. No surprise, because these expressions come up in everyday life, not just in textbooks.
What Japanese people say before and after eating
Imagine a narrow alley in Tokyo. You step into a tiny diner, the kind with seven counter seats and a steam-covered window, and everyone says the same thing before eating. The phrase is itadakimasu, and after the meal comes gochisousama deshita.
These aren’t just casual filler words. They’re part of daily meal culture in Japan, and they carry respect, gratitude, and a small but real sense of ritual. If you’re learning Japanese, these are some of the first phrases worth memorising, right alongside arigato and sumimasen.
Let’s be honest: plenty of learners skip this kind of language because it doesn’t show up in grammar drills very often. That’s a mistake. These phrases are short, common, and extremely practical, so you’ll hear them at home, in schools, in restaurants, and even in old anime scenes from the 1990s.
My tip is simple: don’t just learn the words, learn the timing. Say itadakimasu just before you start eating, and gochisousama deshita when you’re done. It sounds simple, because it is.
itadakimasu and gochisousama deshita in real life
Picture this: you’re at a family meal in Osaka, and everyone waits for the same moment before touching the food. That shared pause is exactly why itadakimasu matters. It’s often translated as “I humbly receive”, but that’s only part of the picture. It can express thanks for the food, the people who made it, and even the life of the ingredients.
Speaking of which, gochisousama deshita is the matching phrase after eating. The word gochisou originally connects to effort, running around, and preparing a feast. So when you say it, you’re thanking the cook, the host, or the staff for the meal you just enjoyed.
On a related note, if you’re eating with friends in Japan, these phrases are usually said together, almost like a small ceremony. You won’t need to overthink it. Just say it clearly, smile a little, and join in. It’s a tiny habit, but it can make you sound much more aware of Japanese culture.
How to pronounce them
For itadakimasu, the rhythm matters more than perfection. Try: i-ta-da-ki-masu. Keep it smooth, not rushed.
For gochisousama deshita, say it as a polite, connected phrase. You’ll hear shorter versions too, like gochisousama, especially in casual settings. Here’s the catch: in formal or first-time situations, the longer version feels safer.
Sounds weird, but it's true: even if your Japanese level is still basic, these two phrases can make you sound more respectful than a learner who knows more grammar but ignores meal etiquette.
Why these phrases matter for JLPT and speaking practice
Ever wondered why JLPT study can feel strong on paper but weak in real conversation? Meal phrases are a great example. They’re not flashy, but they help you build spoken reflexes, and that’s exactly what many learners need when moving from memorising to speaking.
For JLPT purposes, you won’t usually get tested directly on cultural set phrases like these in the same way you’d get grammar or kanji questions. But they still help a lot. They train your ear, improve your confidence, and give you natural sentence rhythm. If you already know basic politeness forms, these expressions fit neatly into your speaking practice.
Oh, and almost forgot: they also teach you about context. In Japanese, not everything is about literal translation. Sometimes the real skill is knowing what to say, when to say it, and how formal it should sound. That’s a big part of speaking like a real person, not a word list.
Fun fact: Japanese schools often teach these expressions early, because they’re part of daily classroom life. Children say itadakimasu before lunch and gochisousama deshita afterwards, which means learners can copy them with confidence. No surprise, because they’re reinforced so often.
Simple practice ideas for learners
Try this at home. Before eating breakfast, say itadakimasu out loud, even if you’re alone. After finishing, say gochisousama deshita. It may feel a bit silly at first, but repetition like this helps the phrases stick.
You can also practise with anime, drama, or YouTube food videos. Pause when characters start eating, and repeat the phrase with them. If you want extra listening practice, search for restaurant vlogs from Tokyo or Kyoto, because you’ll often hear the same pattern in natural settings. Once you notice it, you’ll hear it everywhere.
What I especially like is that this is low-pressure Japanese. You don’t need complex grammar, and you don’t need perfect kanji. You just need timing, a polite tone, and the willingness to join in.
Polite Japanese, daily habits, and what to remember
These two phrases are small, but they open a window into Japanese daily habits. Meals are often treated as a shared moment, whether it’s a quick bento at work, a home-cooked dinner, or a late-night bowl of ramen near Shibuya Station. The language reflects that social rhythm.
If you remember only one thing, make it this: itadakimasu is for before eating, gochisousama deshita is for after eating. That’s the core pattern. Once you’ve got that down, you can focus on when a shorter, casual version feels natural, and when a more polite form is better.
My verdict: these are must-know phrases for anyone who wants their Japanese to feel real, not just studied. They’re easy, useful, and deeply tied to everyday culture. And honestly, once you start using them, you’ll feel the difference right away.
For more Japan-related reading, check out more Japan news on jpnerd.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you say these meal phrases?
You say the first one before eating and the second one after finishing the meal.
Are they used only in formal situations?
No, they are part of everyday life and are used in homes, schools, and restaurants.
Do I need them for the JLPT?
They are not a main test focus, but they are very useful for speaking, listening, and cultural understanding.
