What is Itadakimasu mean in Japanese?

1. Japanese word/phrase:
いただきます (itadakimasu)

2. Meaning in English:
"I humbly receive" / Said before eating a meal

3. Nuance & Usage:
A polite expression showing gratitude to everyone and everything involved in your meal — the cook, the farmers, even nature.

4. When to Use:
Before starting a meal in Japan.

5. Example Sentences:

• いただきます！
  Itadakimasu!
  "Let’s eat!"

• 今日もおいしいご飯をありがとうございます。いただきます。
  Kyō mo oishii gohan o arigatō gozaimasu. Itadakimasu.
  "Thank you for another delicious meal. Let’s eat."

6. Cultural Note:
This phrase is deeply tied to Japanese culture’s respect for food and life. It’s often taught to children from a young age. We thank you for the meal from every aspect from the chef who made it and the resources like vegetable, meat, water…we thank you everything. It’s quite deep!!

7. Challenge:

No challenge needed. But if you like this phrase like myself, please echo in comments!! Thank you!!

8. My Instagram Post

Here is me explaining this in my instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPr5k8JrOi/?hl=en