N4culture1 min read

日本(にほん)の食事(しょくじ)の文化(ぶんか)

Japanese Food Culture

日本(にほん)には、食事(しょくじ)の前に「いただきます」と言う文化(ぶんか)があります。これは、料理(りょうり)を作(つく)った人(ひと)や、食べ物(たべもの)になった命(いのち)に対(たい)して感謝(かんしゃ)する気持(きも)ちを表(あらわ)しています。

そして、食事(しょくじ)のあとには「ごちそうさまでした」と言(い)います。この言葉には、準備をしてくれた人(ひと)への感謝(かんしゃ)がこめられています。私(わたし)はこの習慣(しゅうかん)がとても大切(たいせつ)だと思(おも)います。

Translation

In Japan, there is a culture of saying 'Itadakimasu' before a meal. This expresses gratitude toward the people who made the food and the lives that became the food. Also, after a meal, we say 'Gochisosama deshita.' This phrase contains gratitude for the person who prepared the meal. I think this custom is very important.

Comprehension

Why do Japanese people say 'Itadakimasu'?

To say the food is delicious.
✓ To show gratitude for the food and the people who made it.
To ask for more food.
To show that they are finished eating.

The text explains that the phrase is used to express gratitude toward the food and the people who prepared it.