When leaving a Japanese restaurant, a common and polite phrase to say is "Gochisousama deshita".
Upon exiting the establishment, directing this phrase towards the kitchen or staff area is a customary way to express your gratitude for the meal you've enjoyed. As stated in common etiquette guidelines, saying "Gochisousama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) directly translates to "Thank you for the meal."
Understanding "Gochisousama Deshita"
This phrase is more than just a simple "thank you for the food." It carries a deeper meaning, implying gratitude towards the staff who prepared the meal, the ingredients used, and the overall effort that went into providing your dining experience.
Here's a breakdown:
- Gochisou (ごちそう): Originally referred to the act of running around to gather ingredients, highlighting the effort involved in preparing a feast.
- sama (さま): An honorific suffix showing respect.
- deshita (でした): The past tense of です (desu), indicating the meal is finished.
Putting it together, it acknowledges the "feast" that was prepared with effort and expresses respectful thanks after consuming it.
How and When to Say It
According to dining etiquette, you typically say "Gochisousama deshita" as you are leaving the restaurant.
- Timing: As you stand up to leave your table or as you are walking out the door.
- Direction: It's common to direct the phrase towards the kitchen or the staff who served you, as mentioned in etiquette guides. Even if they don't directly hear you, it's the intention and tradition that matters.
- Volume: Say it clearly enough to be heard if staff are nearby, but it doesn't need to be shouted.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronouncing the phrase correctly shows respect.
| Phrase | Meaning | Pronunciation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gochisousama deshita | Thank you for the meal | Go-chee-so-sah-ma desh-ta (stress on 'so' and 'sh') |
(Note: Japanese vowels are generally short and crisp. 'chi' is like 'chee' in 'cheese', 'sou' is like 'so' with a slight elongation, 'sah' is like 'sa' in 'father', 'ma' is like 'ma' in 'mama', 'desh' is like 'desh' in 'dishwasher', 'ta' is like 'ta' in 'taco').
Other Considerations
While "Gochisousama deshita" is the primary phrase for thanking staff after the meal, remember basic courtesies like:
- Saying Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you) when staff assist you during the meal.
- Being polite and respectful to all staff members.
Using "Gochisousama deshita" is a key part of the dining experience in Japan and a wonderful way to show appreciation for the hard work that went into your meal.
