# Itadakimasu: Thank the Food, Not the Cook

The Japanese phrase "itadakimasu," said before meals, expresses gratitude to the food itself rather than to the cook. This cultural insight from a Hacker News discussion highlights how the expression reflects respect for the ingredients and the act of eating.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [Hacker News](https://thetokyohermit.substack.com/p/itadakimasu-a-word-you-say-to-the) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:23:44 +0000