JLPT N5
Gratitude After a Meal
Japanese
ごちそうさまでした
Gochisousama deshita
Lesson & Usage
- [English equivalent: "That was a great meal" or "Thank you for the food."] Said after finishing a meal. Like "Itadakimasu," it is accompanied by placing the hands together. Saying this to restaurant staff as you leave is considered very polite and signals that you respected the service and enjoyed the food provided.
Culture & Etiquette
- "Chisou" (馳走) originally meant "to run around" or "to make a great effort." In the days before supermarkets, the host literally had to run to the fields, mountains, and markets to gather ingredients for a guest. By saying "Gochisousama," you are thanking the host for the invisible effort and "running around" they did to prepare the feast for you.
