N5 · Phrase guide
Gochisousama — After-Meal Gratitude
ごちそうさま
ごちそうさま
Thank you for the feast / that was a great meal
Nuance
Mirrors いただきます after eating. Acknowledges effort and ingredients—not flattery about taste alone.
Cultural note
Say once when finished, especially when leaving a restaurant or someone's home. ごちそうさまでした is safer with hosts.
Examples
ごちそうさまでした。
Thank you for the meal.
Leaving a friend's dinner
ごちそうさま。
Thanks for food.
Casual with close friends
Common mistakes
- Saying it before eating (that is いただきます)
- Skipping it when someone cooked for you
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