Quick Definition
English Term: Itadakimasu
Japanese (Kanji): 頂きます
Hiragana: いただきます
Romaji: Itadakimasu
Short Definition: A Japanese expression meaning "to humbly receive." It is most commonly spoken before eating, but the phrase also appears in other contexts where a person respectfully receives something or begins an action after receiving permission.
Concept
The verb いただく (itadaku) is a humble form meaning "to receive."
In Japanese honorific language, it expresses the idea that something is being respectfully accepted from someone else.
Because of this meaning, the phrase appears in several situations:
- before eating a meal
- when receiving something from another person
- when humbly accepting permission to act
The underlying concept remains the same:
something is received, not simply taken.
Cultural Context
The most familiar use of いただきます occurs before meals.
In this context, the phrase expresses recognition that the food exists because of many different contributions.
These include:
- the people who prepared the food
- the farmers and producers
- the animals and plants that became the meal
Because of this idea, children in Japan are often taught to say いただきます before eating from an early age.
The phrase acts as a brief cultural pause before the meal begins.
Linguistic Origin
The verb いただく originates from the word 頂く, which literally means "to place something above one's head."
Historically, when receiving something valuable from a person of higher status, people would raise the object slightly toward their forehead as a gesture of respect.
From this gesture, いただく developed into a humble verb meaning:
"to respectfully receive."
The modern expression いただきます preserves this idea of respectful acceptance.
Structural Role
The phrase functions as a ritual marker in several situations.
Meal Opening
Before eating, it marks the beginning of the meal and expresses acknowledgment of what is being received.
Receiving Something
When accepting food, gifts, or help.
Example:
ありがとうございます。いただきます。
Meaning: "Thank you. I will accept this."
Accepting Permission
Sometimes used when beginning an action after receiving approval.
Example:
では、いただきます。
Meaning: "Alright, I'll begin."
Additional Cultural Note
Another idea sometimes associated with いただきます is the concept of receiving life.
The phrase can imply that the meal exists because animals and plants have become food.
In this sense, the expression acknowledges that life itself has been taken in order to sustain human life.
This idea does not always focus only on gratitude.
Instead, it recognizes the reality that nourishment comes from other living beings becoming part of the meal.
For this reason, some people interpret いただきます as an acknowledgment that we are receiving life through food.
Examples
Before eating
いただきます。
Meaning: "Thank you for the meal."
Receiving something
それでは、ありがたくいただきます。
Meaning: "I will gratefully accept this."
Beginning after permission
では、いただきます。
Meaning: "Alright, I'll begin."
Why It Matters
Understanding いただきます reveals an important perspective in Japanese culture.
Food is not simply consumed.
It is received.
The phrase reflects a worldview in which nourishment is connected to effort, life, and the relationships that made the meal possible.
Dictionary Classification
Primary Alphabet Index: I
Primary Kana Index: あ行（い）
Primary Category: Cultural Expression
Secondary Categories:
- Japanese Language
- Food Culture
- Social Customs