Do you always have to say "itadakimasu"?
In short
Good to know"Itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisosama" afterwards are widespread customs, not laws or rules. Saying them is a nice way to show appreciation.
When does this apply?
At home, at school and in restaurants, many people put their hands together and say "itadakimasu" before a meal. Some say it quietly or silently, and some do not say it at all.
Why?
It is usually explained as thanks to the life of the food, to the people who cooked it and to those who produced the ingredients. It is used apart from any specific religious prayer.
What to do
- Try saying "itadakimasu" along with the people you are eating with
- Say "gochisosama deshita" when you finish
- Say "gochisosama deshita" to the staff when leaving a restaurant
Better to avoid
- Criticise people who do not say it, or pressure them to
Exceptions and differences
Many people skip it when eating alone or at fast-food places, and habits vary by family and region. Visitors who do not say it are not being rude.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
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Which is true about "itadakimasu"?
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Sources
- Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts(opens in a new tab)
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.