いただきます。 — I gratefully receive this. (said before eating) (Cultural · Dining, Universal, JLPT N5)

Gesture & etiquette

Place palms together in front of your chest (gassho), bow the head slightly, and say the phrase. Or simply place both hands flat on the table. This ritual pause signals the meal is beginning and everyone eats together.

Itadakimasu has no direct English equivalent. It acknowledges gratitude toward everyone who made the meal possible — the cook, the farmers, and even the ingredients themselves. Eating without saying it is considered impolite, like sitting down to a family dinner and not acknowledging anyone.