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itadakimasu
What does itadakimasu mean?
A set phrase spoken before a meal expressing gratitude for the food, roughly 'I humbly receive'. Anime characters almost invariably say it, hands together, before eating.
"She clapped her hands and said 'Itadakimasu!' before digging in."
Origin
Japanese いただきます (itadakimasu), the humble form of 'to receive'.
Frequently asked questions
What does itadakimasu mean?
It's a set phrase said before eating in Japan, literally 'I humbly receive', expressing gratitude for the meal — roughly like saying grace or 'let's eat'.
When do you say itadakimasu?
Right before you start eating, often with hands pressed together. In anime it's a near-universal ritual before any meal.
Where does itadakimasu come from?
It's the humble form of the Japanese verb 'to receive' (いただく), reflecting gratitude toward the food and everyone involved in providing it.
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