How to say "Thank" in Japanese

When translating "thank" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いただきます and 恐縮. In Japanese, いただきます (いただきます (itadakimasu)) is typically associated with "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A polite phrase said before eating or drinking, or when receiving something, expressing gratitude. It implies 'I humbly receive this food/drink/item'.. On the other hand, 恐縮 (きょうしゅく (kyoushuku)) maps to "thank you very much; excuse me for troubling you; I am sorry; I feel awful" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A polite expression used to show gratitude, apologize, or express a feeling of being burdened or sorry, especially when asking for a favor or receiving something. Formal. 感謝、謝罪、または特に何かを頼む際や受け取る際に、恐縮している気持ちを表す丁寧な表現です。フォーマルな場面で使われます。. A literal translation of "thank" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!