Japanese Phrases for Eating: What to Say Before, During & After a Meal

Hello, I’m Kodak.

Imagine that you are having dinner with a Japanese family for the first time.

The food arrives, everyone pauses, and you suddenly wonder:

This beginner-friendly guide follows the entire dining experience—from feeling hungry and ordering food to eating politely and thanking the cook.

Essential Japanese Phrases for Eating: The Beginner’s Short List

What to Say Before Eating in Japanese

いただきます (Itadakimasu): The Main Phrase Before Eating

The standard phrase said immediately before eating is いただきます.

それでは、いただきます。
Sore dewa, itadakimasu.
Well then, let’s eat.

The phrase expresses appreciation for the food and for the people and natural resources involved in bringing the meal to the table.

Learn more: Itadakimasu Meaning in English, Origin and Meme Usage

Do You Have to Put Your Hands Together?

Many people place their palms together and make a small bow when saying いただきます, especially at home or school.

However, there is no need to perform an exaggerated pose. Some people simply say the phrase or make a small nod.

おいしそう (Oishisō): “It Looks Delicious”

Before tasting the food, say おいしそう, not おいしい, when you are reacting to its appearance or smell.

わあ、おいしそう！ いただきます。
Wā, oishisō! Itadakimasu.
Wow, it looks delicious! Thanks for the food.

乾杯 (Kanpai): What to Say Before Drinking

When a group raises glasses, the standard toast is 乾杯.

みんなそろったので、乾杯しましょう。
Minna sorotta node, kanpai shimashō.
Everyone is here, so let’s make a toast.

How to Say “I’m Hungry” Before the Meal

Learn more: Onaka Suita and Harapeko Meaning

Japanese Restaurant Phrases for Ordering Food

すみません (Sumimasen): Getting the Staff’s Attention

In many Japanese restaurants, customers use すみません to call a server. Say it clearly but not aggressively.

おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa Nan Desu ka?): Asking for a Recommendation

おすすめは何ですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?

この店のおすすめは何ですか？
Kono mise no osusume wa nan desu ka?
What is this restaurant’s specialty?

これをお願いします (Kore o Onegaishimasu): Ordering an Item

これは何ですか？ (Kore wa Nan Desu ka?): Asking What Something Is

これは何ですか？
Kore wa nan desu ka?
What is this?

これは辛いですか？
Kore wa karai desu ka?
Is this spicy?

これは肉が入っていますか？
Kore wa niku ga haitte imasu ka?
Does this contain meat?

Useful Allergy and Dietary Phrases

Japanese Phrases to Use While Eating

おいしい (Oishii): “Delicious”

この料理、とてもおいしいです。
Kono ryōri, totemo oishii desu.
This dish is very delicious.

Learn more: Oishii Meaning and Oishii vs Umai

うまい (Umai): A More Casual “This Is Great!”

おかわり (Okawari): Asking for Another Serving

おいしい！ おかわりしてもいいですか？
Oishii! Okawari shite mo ii desu ka?
It is delicious! May I have another serving?

もう十分です (Mō Jūbun Desu): Politely Saying You Have Enough

辛い・甘い・しょっぱい: Describing the Taste

What to Say After Eating in Japanese

ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama Deshita)

The standard polite phrase said after a meal is ごちそうさまでした.

ごちそうさまでした。とてもおいしかったです。
Gochisōsama deshita. Totemo oishikatta desu.
Thank you for the meal. It was very delicious.

The word 馳走 originally referred to running around and making arrangements for a guest. The phrase therefore recognizes not only the food but also the effort and hospitality behind it.

Learn more: Gochisousama Deshita Meaning and Pronunciation

おいしかったです (Oishikatta Desu): “It Was Delicious”

ありがとうございました (Arigatō Gozaimashita)

You can also directly thank the host, cook, or restaurant staff.

今日はありがとうございました。ごちそうさまでした。
Kyō wa arigatō gozaimashita. Gochisōsama deshita.
Thank you for today. I really appreciated the meal.

How to Ask for the Check in Japanese

A Complete Japanese Restaurant Conversation

A Complete Conversation at a Japanese Home

Japanese Dining Etiquette Phrases and Their Actions

Basic Japanese Table Manners for Beginners

1. Wait Until Everyone Is Ready

When eating with a group, it is generally polite to wait until everyone has been served before beginning.

2. Use the Oshibori for Your Hands

An おしぼり (oshibori) is a wet towel provided before the meal. It is primarily for cleaning your hands.

3. Avoid the Two Major Chopstick Taboos

These actions resemble practices connected with Japanese funerals and are especially important to avoid.

4. Other Chopstick Actions to Avoid

5. Noodle Slurping Is Allowed, Not Required

Slurping ramen, soba, or udon is generally accepted in Japan. You do not need to imitate it if it feels uncomfortable.

6. Sushi Can Be Eaten with Chopsticks or Your Hands

Both methods are acceptable in many sushi settings. At formal restaurants, observe the atmosphere and follow the chef’s presentation.

7. Take Shared Food onto Your Own Plate

When dishes are shared, use serving chopsticks or utensils if provided and move your portion to your own plate before eating it.

8. Try Not to Waste Food, but Do Not Ignore Your Health

Finishing what you order is generally appreciated. Order realistic portions and communicate allergies or dietary limits clearly.

9. Do Not Assume You Need to Tip

Tipping is generally not customary. Expressing thanks verbally is usually the most natural response.

How Formal Should Your Eating Phrases Be?

Anime Phrases for Eating: Which Ones Are Safe to Copy?

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Saying Gochisousama Before Eating

Mistake 2: Saying Oishii Before Tasting When You Mean “Looks Delicious”

Mistake 3: Using Umai or Hara Hetta in a Formal Setting

These expressions are useful, but they are casual. Use おいしいです and お腹がすきました when politeness matters.

Mistake 4: Translating Every Phrase Word for Word

いただきます and ごちそうさまでした perform cultural and social functions that do not map perfectly onto one English sentence.

Mistake 5: Believing Every Japanese Person Follows One Identical Ritual

Habits vary by family, region, age, restaurant, and situation. Learn the respectful default, then observe the people around you.

Mistake 6: Treating Etiquette as More Important Than Communication

A sincere thank-you, awareness of other diners, and willingness to follow the situation matter more than performing every custom perfectly.

Japanese Eating Phrases by Situation

FAQ About Japanese Phrases for Eating

What do Japanese people say before eating?

They commonly say いただきます (itadakimasu). Its literal core is “I humbly receive,” while natural English translations include “Thanks for the food” and “Let’s eat.”

What do Japanese people say after eating?

They commonly say ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita), meaning “Thank you for the meal.”

Is itadakimasu required for foreigners?

No. Visitors are not required to say it, but using it naturally before a shared meal is generally appreciated.

How do you say “It looks delicious” in Japanese?

Say おいしそう (oishisō) before tasting the food.

How do you say “This is delicious” in Japanese?

Say おいしいです (oishii desu) politely or おいしい casually.

What is the difference between oishii and umai?

Both can mean that food tastes good. おいしい is neutral and polite-friendly, while うまい is more casual, direct, and energetic.

How do you say “I’m hungry” in Japanese?

Say お腹すいた (onaka suita) casually or お腹がすきました politely.

How do you say “I’m full” in Japanese?

Say お腹いっぱいです (onaka ippai desu).

How do you ask for more food?

Say おかわりしてもいいですか？ (“May I have another serving?”) or もう少しいただけますか？ (“Could I have a little more?”).

How do you politely refuse more food?

Say もう十分です。ありがとうございます (“I have enough, thank you”) or お腹いっぱいです (“I’m full”).

How do you ask for the check in Japanese?

Say お会計をお願いします (okaikei o onegaishimasu).

Is slurping noodles rude in Japan?

Slurping noodles is generally accepted, but it is not required. Eating quietly is also fine.

Can you eat sushi with your hands?

Yes. Sushi may be eaten with chopsticks or with the hands, depending on the setting and personal preference.

What are the biggest chopstick mistakes?

Avoid placing chopsticks vertically in rice and passing food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks. Also avoid pointing with them or using them to drag dishes.

Do you tip at Japanese restaurants?

Tipping is generally not customary. Verbal thanks such as ありがとうございました and ごちそうさまでした are natural ways to show appreciation.

Summary: Japanese Phrases for Eating and Dining Etiquette

References

• Japan National Tourism Organization: Japanese Manners Do’s and Don’ts — itadakimasu, gochisousama, group dining, noodle slurping, sushi, and useful expressions.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Japanese Food Etiquette Guide — table manners, communal dishes, chopstick etiquette, and drinking customs.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Japanese Customs and Etiquette — oshibori use, fragrances, ordering, tipping, and general consideration.
• Japan National Tourism Organization FAQ — common questions on itadakimasu, gochisousama, noodle slurping, and dining atmosphere.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: The Meaning of Itadakimasu and Gochisousama — gratitude toward nature, living things, cooks, and food producers.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Dining Manners and Food Education — consideration for food, cooks, and dining companions.
• Japan National Tourism Organization: Sushi in Japan Guide — sushi and chopstick etiquette.