Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson focuses on phrases said when eating. And these are actually some of the first Japanese words I learned back in the day.

Most manga characters love eating, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any manners. Before chowing down on some yummy foods, say this!

ITADAKIMASU (いただきます)

Literally, ITADAKIMASU is something like “I humbly receive” and is usually said before eating. It can be a difficult phrase to remember when first learning a new language like Japanese, but there’s a trick! I memorized it by transforming it into “eat the duck and the mouse.” Doesn’t that just roll off the tongue?

We typically translate ITADAKIMASU into something natural like “Let’s eat!” I’m sure it wouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that this phrase appears a lot in a series like Toriko where the characters are constantly eating. Like many Japanese people, Toriko will also put his hands together in a kind of thankful prayer for the delicious food he’s about to eat.

Goku from Dragon Ball may be a little dim, but he sure has a huge appetite. I always laugh when I think about him stealing Yajirobe’s fish. He thought someone just left a cooked fish for anyone to eat. Learn some manners, Goku!

UMAI/OISHII (うまい／おいしい)

Once you’ve started your delicious meal, it’s time to compliment the chef! Both UMAI and OISHII are great options as they both mean that you think the food tastes great. Heck, you might wanna say one of these even if the food isn’t too good. It’s not worth being honest and risking a punch to the face. Learn from Raku’s example in Nisekoi!

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