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What do Japanese people say before they start eating a meal?

Itadakimasu. (いただきます。)

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  1. Gochisoosama deshita. (ごちそうさまでした。)
  2. Hajimemashite. (はじめまして。)
  3. Itadakimasu. (いただきます。) ✔

Why: Itadakimasu expresses thanks to those who prepared the meal. After eating you say gochisoosama deshita. Hajimemashite is for first meetings.

Huh, didn't know that: NHK translates it as 'let's eat', and also 'I'll have some' when you accept a bite of food.

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I said itadakimasu to my ramen. It was a noodle-ly pleasant moment.
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References

Answer: Itadakimasu. (いただきます。). Itadakimasu expresses thanks to those who prepared the meal. After eating you say gochisoosama deshita. Hajimemashite is for first meetings.

  1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese, Lesson 24 www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/en/lessons/24.html
    Itadakimasu. Let's eat.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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