いただく

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. いただきます。▶ —
   Itadakimasu (before meals).
2. プレゼントをいただいた。▶ —
   I received a gift (humble).

Collocations

Mnemonic

Itadaku (いただく) is the flagship humble verb (kenjougo) for "receive / eat / drink." The kanji 頂く ("place on the head") traces to an ancient gift-receiving ritual where the recipient lifted the offering above the head. The pre-meal phrase itadakimasu thanks ingredients, cooks, and nature; the post-meal gochisousama (lit. "you ran around for me") thanks the effort that went into the meal. Together they form Japans canonical mealtime etiquette — among the first phrases foreign visitors learn. Sinosphere neighbors do not share the exact mealtime ritual. Morau (neutral "receive") elevates to itadaku in humble register.

Quick check

1. Japanese meal etiquette set phrases?

   • Itadakimasu before, gochisousama after
   • Ohayou before
   • Sumimasen after
   • No phrase