Meaning
A polite phrase said after finishing a meal, expressing gratitude.
Cultural Background
It is common to join your hands in a prayer-like gesture (gassho) while saying this phrase, though it is less strictly required than with 'Itadakimasu.' The 'Rule of Three' for gratitude: Say it after the meal, at the door, and the next time you meet. Failing to do the third one is a common mistake for foreigners. Children are taught to say this in unison after school lunches (kyushoku) to thank the nutritionists and cooks. People often use the hashtag #ごちそうさまでした when posting photos of empty plates or the end of a nice dinner on Instagram.
The Restaurant Exit
Even if you don't see the chef, shouting a polite 'Gochisousama deshita!' toward the kitchen as you leave is considered very 'kakkoii' (cool) and polite.
Don't forget the 'Deshita'
Dropping 'deshita' with your boss or a stranger can sound a bit too casual or even slightly rude, like saying 'Thanks' instead of 'Thank you very much.'
Meaning
A polite phrase said after finishing a meal, expressing gratitude.
The Restaurant Exit
Even if you don't see the chef, shouting a polite 'Gochisousama deshita!' toward the kitchen as you leave is considered very 'kakkoii' (cool) and polite.
Don't forget the 'Deshita'
Dropping 'deshita' with your boss or a stranger can sound a bit too casual or even slightly rude, like saying 'Thanks' instead of 'Thank you very much.'
The Slang Nuance
If you hear someone say 'Gochisousama' when they aren't eating, look around—they are probably teasing a couple!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to say AFTER you finish your meal at a restaurant.
{食事|しょくじ}が{終|お}わりました。何と{言|い}いますか？
'Gochisousama deshita' is the phrase for after a meal. 'Itadakimasu' is for before.
Fill in the blank to thank your boss for the lunch they bought you yesterday.
{部長|ぶちょう}、{昨日|きのう}は＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
When someone treats you, using 'Gochisousama deshita' is the most appropriate way to show gratitude for the meal.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. {御馳走|ごちそう}さま / 2. {御馳走|ごちそう}さまでした / 3. {御馳走|ごちそう}さん
Full form for superiors, short form for family, 'san' form for casual masculine speech.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Who are you thanking?
People
- • The Chef
- • The Farmer
- • The Host
Nature
- • The Ingredients
- • The Sun/Rain
- • The Animals
Practice Bank
3 exercises{食事|しょくじ}が{終|お}わりました。何と{言|い}いますか？
'Gochisousama deshita' is the phrase for after a meal. 'Itadakimasu' is for before.
{部長|ぶちょう}、{昨日|きのう}は＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿。
When someone treats you, using 'Gochisousama deshita' is the most appropriate way to show gratitude for the meal.
1. {御馳走|ごちそう}さま / 2. {御馳走|ごちそう}さまでした / 3. {御馳走|ごちそう}さん
Full form for superiors, short form for family, 'san' form for casual masculine speech.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes. The phrase thanks the effort of the cook and the sacrifice of the ingredients, not just the taste.
Technically no, but some people jokingly say it to the machine if they are very thirsty!
Many Japanese people still say it quietly to themselves as a form of mindfulness.
It's a great way to practice! If you're at a Japanese restaurant abroad, the staff will love it.
'Deshita' makes it formal and polite. Without it, it's casual and used for friends and family.
If you cooked, say 'Osomatsusama deshita.' If you just ate together, say 'Gochisousama deshita' back.
Not literally, but it implies you are finished eating. To say 'I am full,' use 'Onaka ga ippai desu.'
Yes, it's used for any food or drink, even a small candy or a cup of tea.
Yes, putting your hands together (like praying) and a small bow is traditional.
Because the act of providing and eating the meal is now in the past.
Related Phrases
いただきます
contrastI humbly receive (said before a meal).
お{粗末|そまつ}さまでした
specialized formIt was just a poor meal (host's reply).
{御馳走|ごちそう}する
builds onTo treat someone to a meal.
{美味|おい}しかったです
similarIt was delicious.
