いただきます（いただきます、itadakimasu）
- greeting before eating

The Japanese word いただきます is primarily used before a meal, and it expresses gratitude for the food, the effort that went into preparing it, and the lives that were sacrificed to provide it. It's a key part of Japanese dining etiquette and reflects a deep respect for the origins of the meal. The word literally means "I humbly receive" or "I will receive respectfully". It signifies that you are about to receive the gift of life (food) and are grateful for it. It also reflects a sense of humility and appreciation for all involved in bringing the food to your plate.

⚫︎いただきます！ Translation: I humbly receive! / Let's eat! ⚫︎食事の前に、いただきますと言うのは大切です。 Translation: It is important to say いただきます before a meal. ⚫︎家族みんなで「いただきます」と言ってから食事を始めます。 Translation: The whole family says いただきます before starting the meal.

⚫︎You should always say いただきます before starting a meal. ⚫︎It's customary to say it before you take your first bite, typically with your hands clasped together in front of you. ⚫︎It’s used regardless of the meal’s simplicity or complexity, and whether you are eating at home, a restaurant, or someone else's house. ⚫︎When eating with others, everyone usually says いただきます at the same time.

⚫︎The word is typically written in hiragana as いただきます. ⚫︎The kanji form 頂きます is also correct, but less commonly used in everyday conversation. ⚫︎The verb is 頂く (いただく) which means "to receive" or "to eat/drink (humble form)". ⚫︎The polite, present tense form is 頂きます (いただきます) .

There are no direct synonyms, as it is a unique expression of gratitude and respect. However, it expresses a similar sentiment to other words related to gratitude or appreciation.

There is no direct antonym, as there is no single word for expressing the opposite sentiment. However, not saying いただきます could be seen as showing a lack of respect or gratitude, which would be the opposite of the word's intent.

おいしいご飯を食べる前に、必ず「いただきます」と言います。 ・Translation: Before eating a delicious meal, I always say いただきます. ・Explanation: This sentence emphasizes the importance of using いただきます before eating any meal, particularly when the meal is enjoyable.

みんなで一緒に「いただきます」を言いましょう。 ・Translation: Let's all say いただきます together. ・Explanation: This encourages everyone present to say いただきます before the meal, reinforcing the communal aspect of Japanese dining.

The word comes from the verb 頂く (いただく), which is the humble form of the verb 食べる (たべる) (to eat) and もらう (morau) (to receive). The origin is in a more formal context and implied acknowledgment of the gift of food and the effort and sacrifice involved in its creation. The word 頂 (いただき) itself means "the top" or "the summit". The humble form is used, indicating that you are humbly receiving.