Survival Japanese [9] Useful Phrases (Etiquette) at home, office, Ryokan Beginner's Level Our previous discussions. we learned how to greet people in Japan. Did you notice that you have already learne

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ちぃ先生　Dr.Chi

Survival Japanese [9] Useful Phrases (Etiquette) at home, office, Ryokan Beginner's Level

Our previous discussions. we learned how to greet people in Japan. Did you notice that you have already learned a lot of phrases and the custom in Japan? Overwhelmed? If you feel these are too much for you, please go back and keep humming the catchy phrases in the greeting song and prectice to greet your italki Japanese friends. When you have confidence to greet in Japanese, let's proceed to the next step.

In this discussion, we learn the basic table manner in Japan. You may find many Japanese generally will not have a prayer before having a meal in restaurants. However, the people will express their appreciation for the servers in formal occasions like when visiting relatives', and friends' home.

Before having, we say,

いただきます。（itadaki masu）

This phrase was originaly to show thank god(s) or people who worked for the food which is about to receive. However, nowadays, people simply say this to express their appreciation and for etiquette. Japanese people additionally tend to start eat together when there are several members with them. This is also sign for "let's eat."

This is the song of いただきます。

<a href="http://youtu.be/4CcXd9chUmQ" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/4CcXd9chUmQ</a>;

Again, you do not need to understand all of lyrics but you'll see the kids are　joining their hands. This is the gesture of いただきます。

When people finish eating, they also express their appreciation again, saying ごちそうさま。（gochisou sama） The gesture is the same as いただきます。There is also custom that people in higher positions or older people treat lower position's such as their employees or younger people at restaurants. Furthermore, they love to treat visitors like you. So if you are treated, do not forget to be polite. ;)

To express appreciation, "thank you" will be a worldwidely common expression. In Japanese, this is:

ありがとう。(arigatou） as informal

ありがとうございます。 (arigatou gozaimasu）as formal or more plite

People may also respond with "Your welcome".

In Japanese, it is:

どういたしまして。（dou itashi mashite）

So here is the today's reviwe.

Review

いただきます。(itadaki masu)

ごちそうさま。 (gochisou sama)

ありがとう（ございます）。(arigatou (gozai masu))

どういたしまして。(Dou itashi masite)