How to Say ‘Thank you for the meal (after eating)’ in Japanese
ごちそうさまでした
go chisou sama deshi ta
[goh chee-SOH sama deh-shee tah]
🇯🇵 In Japan: Say it to your host after a meal, or to restaurant staff as you leave; it's a warm touch they'll appreciate.
Phrase Breakdown
ご
go
[goh]
polite prefix (adds respect)
Honorific prefix used to make a noun more polite. Common in neighbor-related phrases to sound considerate.
ご近所の方には、いつでも言ってくださいと伝えました。
I told the neighbors, “Please tell me anytime.”
ちそう
chisou
[chee-SOH]
feast; treat
A meal or hospitality offered to someone; originally 'running around' to prepare food.
ちそうをいただきました。
I was treated to a feast.
さま
sama
[sama]
honorable title; respectful suffix
さま is a very respectful suffix attached to a person or revered being.
おきゃくさまがきました。
The guest has come.
でし
deshi
[deh-shee]
was (polite) part
Part of でした, the polite past form of です.
昨日はだめでした。
It was no good yesterday.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
This ending completes the polite past tense form.
空席がございまし た。
There were vacant seats.
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