There are a few ritualistic phrases Japanese people use every day that are useful for you to remember:

1. いただきます Itadakimasu
This is said before eating a meal. It means something like, “I humbly receive this meal.”

2. ごちそうさまでした Gochisoosama deshita
This is said at the end of a meal. It literally translates, “It has been a feast”, but it’s really more like, “Thank you for the meal”.

3. 行ってきます Ittekimasu
This is said when you’re leaving home. It literally means, “I’ll go and come back.”

4. 行ってらっしゃいItterasshai
You say this when somebody is leaving home but you’re staying at home. It literally means, “Go and come back.”

5. ただいま Tadaima
This is said when you come home. It means, “I’m home.”

6. お帰りなさい Okaerinasai
You say this when somebody comes home. It means something like, “Welcome home.”


These phrases come out so automatically every day that people don’t really stop and think about what they mean anymore. It’s like a reflex!