Lesson 62 ”Itadakimasu”
Topic Question: What does “Itadakimasu” mean?
▮ Try Answering the Question Yourself
Consider the significance and the cultural context in which “Itadakimasu” is said before meals in Japan.
▮ Sample Answer
“‘Itadakimasu’ is a Japanese phrase said before eating to express gratitude for the food, acknowledging the effort of those who prepared it and the sacrifice of the ingredients. It embodies respect for life and appreciation for the meal.”
▮ Words to Learn and Their Meanings about Sample Answer
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Gratitude (感謝): A feeling of thankfulness and appreciation.
- Acknowledge (認める): Accept or admit the existence or truth of something.
- Effort (努力): A vigorous or determined attempt.
- Sacrifice (犠牲): An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.
- Embodies (体現する): Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.
▮ Answer the Instructor’s 3 Questions Based on the Sample Answer
- What is the purpose of saying “Itadakimasu” before a meal?
- How does “Itadakimasu” show respect for the meal and its ingredients?
- In what way does “Itadakimasu” reflect Japanese cultural values?
▮ Mastering Middle School English Grammar
not as… as
● Rome is not as old as Athens. (= Athens is older)
● The Grand Hotel isn’t as expensive as the Western. (= the Western 1s more expensive)
● I don’t play soccer as often as you. (= you play more often)
● The weather is better than it was yesterday. It isn’t as cold. (= as cold as it was yesterday)
Not as much as … / not as many as …
● I don’t have as much money as you. (= you have more money)
● I don’t know as many people as you. (= you know more people)
● I don’t go out as much as you. (= you go out more)
We usually say: as me / as him / as her, etc.
You can say:
● She’s not as old as him. or She’s not as old as he is.
● You don’t work as hard as me. or You don’t work as hard as I do.
We say the same as … :
● The weather today is the same as yesterday.
● My hair is the same color as yours.
● I arrived at the same time as Tim.
Example Sentences Based on the Sample Answer and Grammar Practice:
- “Eating silently is not as meaningful as saying ‘Itadakimasu’ before a meal.”
- “I may not know as many Japanese words as my friend, but I always remember to say ‘Itadakimasu’.”
- “My appreciation for meals is the same as the gratitude expressed by ‘Itadakimasu’.”
Make Sentences Based on the Above Example Sentences Yourself:
