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What Itadakimatsu means? 2008/3/24 22:12
I Just want to know when i can use it and why i should use it.
by Zordiark  

... 2008/3/25 13:41
itadakimaSU i believe, not -matsu. It basically means "lets eat" or "bon apetite". From what I understand though, and I may be mistaken as this is secondhand knowledge from my native Japanese teacher, it is more or less a reflex to say this before a meal, and the meaning is not really considered (literally "I receive").
by bgalfond rate this post as useful

... 2008/3/25 14:23
"Itadakimasu" is "I humbly and thankfully receive (this meal)," so it is something people say before a meal, and is meant to be an expression of gratitude to the ones who cooked it, to the food, to nature that provided the food to you :)
by AK rate this post as useful

Adding a little 2008/7/5 19:55
If you are in a formal situation, it is expected for you to say Itadakimasu before beginning to eat (just as a courtesy i think). So amongst the Japanese, do say it before eating to make a good impression of yourself :P
by Fufu rate this post as useful

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