Casual — to friend
Cultural · Dining
いただきます！食事の前にこう言うんですね。素敵な習慣だと思います。 — Itadakimasu!' You say this before eating, right? I think it's a wonderful custom. (Cultural · Dining, Casual — to friend, JLPT N5)
You
いただきます！食事の前にこう言うんですね。素敵な習慣だと思います。
いただきます！しょくじのまえにこういうんですね。すてきなしゅうかんだとおもいます。
Itadakimasu!' You say this before eating, right? I think it's a wonderful custom.
Romaji: Itadakimasu! Shokuji no mae ni kou iu n desu ne. Suteki na shukan da to omoimasu. / Reply Romaji: Sou desu yo. Kansha no kimochi wo komete iu n desu. Gochisousama mo wasurezu ni!
Reply
そうですよ。感謝の気持ちを込めて言うんです。ごちそうさまも忘れずに！
そうですよ。かんしゃのきもちをこめていうんです。ごちそうさまもわすれずに！
That's right. It's said with a feeling of gratitude. Don't forget 'gochisousama' at the end!
Gesture & etiquette
Press your hands together in front of you (as in a small prayer gesture) and bow your head slightly; it can be said simultaneously with everyone at the table or quietly as you pick up your chopsticks; always say 'gochisousama deshita' at the end.
いただきます' (I humbly receive) acknowledges gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the food to the table — the farmers, cooks, and all living things; 'ごちそうさまでした' (it was a feast) at the end of the meal equally shows appreciation and completes the ritual.