🇯🇵 Japanese phrases

How to Say "Enjoy your meal" in Japanese

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
いただきます
"Enjoy your meal" in Japanese · say it like ee-tah-dah-kee-mas

The most natural way to say "Enjoy your meal" in Japanese is いただきます. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

ごちそうさま
used after finishing a meal to thank for the food
おいしくいただきます
a more expressive way to say you will enjoy the meal

When to use it

You say this phrase before starting your meal. It shows appreciation for the food and those who prepared it. It is a common practice in Japanese culture and is used in both casual and formal settings.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Enjoy your meal" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Japanese

JapaneseEnglish
いただきます!Let's eat!
この料理は美味しそうですね。いただきます!This dish looks delicious. Let's eat!
Common mistake
Some learners forget to say it before eating, which is an important cultural practice.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear いただきます, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Japanese with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to say it every time I eat?

Yes, it is customary to say it before every meal as a sign of respect.

Learn Japanese by speaking it

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