Culture & Etiquette

Q: How do you say "I humbly receive (before a meal)" in Japanese?

"いただきます" (Itadakimasu) — I humbly receive (before a meal). Say this before eating, even when dining alone. It's a grateful phrase, not religious.

Q: How do you say "Thank you for the meal (after eating)" in Japanese?

"ごちそうさまでした" (Gochisousama deshita) — Thank you for the meal (after eating). Say this after finishing. Staff may respond with a bow. It shows appreciation for the cook's effort.

Q: How do you say "Please" in Japanese?

"お願いします" (Onegai shimasu) — Please. All-purpose polite request word. Use after stating what you want (e.g., 'Mizu wo onegai shimasu').

Q: How do you say "Please go ahead / Here you go" in Japanese?

"どうぞ" (Dōzo) — Please go ahead / Here you go. Used when offering something or inviting someone to go first. Extremely versatile and polite.

Q: How do you say "I'm sorry (personal apology)" in Japanese?

"ごめんなさい" (Gomen nasai) — I'm sorry (personal apology). Use 'Sumimasen' for minor inconveniences. 'Gomen nasai' is more personal and sincere.

Question 1

いただきます

Itadakimasu

How do you say "I humbly receive (before a meal)" in Japanese?

Say this before eating, even when dining alone. It's a grateful phrase, not religious.

Question 2

ごちそうさまでした

Gochisousama deshita

polite

How do you say "Thank you for the meal (after eating)" in Japanese?

Say this after finishing. Staff may respond with a bow. It shows appreciation for the cook's effort.

Question 3

お願いします

Onegai shimasu

polite

How do you say "Please" in Japanese?

All-purpose polite request word. Use after stating what you want (e.g., 'Mizu wo onegai shimasu').

Question 4

どうぞ

Dōzo

How do you say "Please go ahead / Here you go" in Japanese?

Used when offering something or inviting someone to go first. Extremely versatile and polite.

Question 5

ごめんなさい

Gomen nasai

How do you say "I'm sorry (personal apology)" in Japanese?

Use 'Sumimasen' for minor inconveniences. 'Gomen nasai' is more personal and sincere.