いただきます

A set phrase said before eating or drinking, expressing gratitude for the food and for those who prepared or provided it; often translated as “let’s eat,” “thank you for the meal,” or “I gratefully receive.”

Etymology

From the polite form of いただく, the humble verb meaning “to receive” or “to eat/drink”; originally conveying respectful acceptance.

Character Breakdown

Collocations

Polite humble form of いただく: to receive, accept, eat, or drink something respectfully.

Etymology

From いただく, written 頂く or 戴く in kanji, literally “to place on top of the head,” hence “to receive respectfully.”

Character Breakdown

Collocations