Meaning
A humble expression used by the host after a meal, self-deprecating.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a pillar of 'Omotenashi.' It ensures the guest feels no 'Giri' (social debt) by claiming the service was poor anyway. The focus on 'somatsu' (coarseness) aligns with Zen aesthetics that find beauty in the simple, the worn, and the unpretentious. You use humble language for your 'Uchi' (family/self). If your spouse cooks and a guest praises it, you (the partner) should say 'Osomatsusama.' Younger Japanese people use 'Osomatsusama' with emojis to appear 'traditionally cool' or 'humbly talented' on Instagram.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a modest smile. If you say it with a straight face, it might sound like you actually think your food is bad!
Restaurant Staff
If you are a customer, never say this to the waiter. It sounds like you are mocking their restaurant's food.
Meaning
A humble expression used by the host after a meal, self-deprecating.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a modest smile. If you say it with a straight face, it might sound like you actually think your food is bad!
Restaurant Staff
If you are a customer, never say this to the waiter. It sounds like you are mocking their restaurant's food.
The 'Uchi' Rule
If your family member cooked, you can say this on their behalf to a guest. It shows family unity in humility.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue between a host and a guest.
Guest: 「とても{美味|おい}しかったです。ごちそうさまでした！」 Host: 「いいえ、__________。」
The standard response to 'Gochisosama' from a host is 'Osomatsusama deshita.'
In which situation is it CORRECT to say 'Osomatsusama deshita'?
Choose the correct scenario:
You can only use this phrase when you are the one who provided the food.
Fill in the missing kanji for the humble word 'coarse'.
お{__末|そまつ}さまでした。
The kanji for 'somatsu' is {粗末|そまつ}.
Which variation is the most formal?
Select the most formal version of the phrase:
'De gozaimashita' is the hyper-formal version of 'deshita.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGuest: 「とても{美味|おい}しかったです。ごちそうさまでした！」 Host: 「いいえ、__________。」
The standard response to 'Gochisosama' from a host is 'Osomatsusama deshita.'
Choose the correct scenario:
You can only use this phrase when you are the one who provided the food.
お{__末|そまつ}さまでした。
The kanji for 'somatsu' is {粗末|そまつ}.
Select the most formal version of the phrase:
'De gozaimashita' is the hyper-formal version of 'deshita.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsUsually, no. It's too formal. Just say 'Glad you liked it' or 'It was nothing.'
Yes! In fact, the more expensive the food, the more important it is to be humble and say 'Osomatsusama.'
Yes, it works for drinks too, though 'Osomatsusama' for just a drink can feel a bit heavy. 'Douzo' is often enough.
You can still use it! You are the 'host' of the occasion.
A little bit, but in a 'classy' way. It shows you have good manners.
Related Phrases
{ごちそうさまでした|Gochisosama deshita}
contrastThank you for the meal (said by guest).
{何|なに}もございませんが
similarWe have nothing to offer, but...
{つまらないものですが|Tsumaranai mono desu ga}
similarThis is a boring thing, but (please accept it).
{失礼|しつれい}いたしました
builds onI have been rude / Excuse me.
