What Do “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama” Actually Mean? (The Words of Gratitude)

Receiving the Gift of Life

Before taking the first bite of a meal, Japanese people seamlessly clasp their hands together and say “Itadakimasu.” It is often loosely translated as the French “Bon Appétit” or “Let’s eat,” but the true meaning is far more profound. The word literally translates to “I humbly receive.” Rooted deeply in Buddhist and Shinto animism, it is a direct expression of gratitude toward the plants and animals that sacrificed their lives to become your food. You are acknowledging that to sustain your own life, you are humbly receiving the life energy of the ingredients in front of you.

The Invisible Village of Labor

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But the gratitude doesn’t stop at the ingredients! “Itadakimasu” is also a massive “thank you” to the invisible village of people who made the meal possible. It is a moment to appreciate the farmers who grew the rice, the truck drivers who transported the vegetables, the supermarket staff, and finally, the chef or family member who spent time cooking it. Saying this phrase is a mental reset, shifting your mindset from hunger to profound appreciation for the entire supply chain and the human effort required just to put a single bowl of food on the table.

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The Ultimate Humble Reply

When the meal is finished, you say “Gochisosama deshita.” The Kanji characters for this phrase (御馳走) literally mean “running around on horseback,” referring to the intense effort the host went through to gather the ingredients and prepare the feast. However, the most uniquely Japanese part is how the cook replies! Instead of saying “You’re welcome,” the chef or mother will often reply with “Osomatsusama deshita,” which translates to “It was a poor, meager meal.” Even if they spent five hours cooking a luxury feast, they will downplay their own effort. It is a brilliant linguistic dance of mutual respect and extreme Japanese humility!