Every Day Saturday #2: Itadakimasu & Gochisousamadeshita.

You have been invited to your friends family home for a meal. They have prepared and cooked a really nice meal for you. There is one thing that you should say before eating and that is:

戴 きます。　－　いただいきます。　－　Itadakimasu.

Almost every Japanese person says this word before a meal. It is an expression of gratitude towards your hosts for the food they have served. It is almost, but not quite, like saying Bon Appetit in French.
Do not hesitate to say Itadakimasu before you eat. Not only will this please your host it may also lead to a compliment on your good manners.

At the end of the meal, when you have finished eating you would say:

ご馳走様でした。　－　ごちそうさまでした。　－　 Gochisousamadeshita.

This literally means 'It was a feast' and is said has a sign of appreciation.

So remember:

いただきます。 Itadakimasu - Before you eat.

ごちそうさまでした。Gochisousamadeshita - After you have eaten. (Or when you are leaving a Restaurant.)