What is the difference between "いただきます", "ごちそうさま", "感謝する", "恐縮"?

"いただきます" means "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive", "ごちそうさま" means "Thank you for the meal (after eating)", "感謝する" means "to thank, to appreciate, to be grateful", "恐縮" means "thank you very much; excuse me for troubling you; I am sorry; I feel awful".

Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "いただきます", "ごちそうさま", "感謝する", "恐縮"

All represent the core concept "thank", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

いただきます

いただきます (itadakimasu)

N5 / CEFR

Japanese Option B

ごちそうさま

ごちそうさま (gochisousama)

N5 / CEFR

Japanese Option C

感謝する

かんしゃする (kansha suru)

N4 / CEFR

Japanese Option D

恐縮

きょうしゅく (kyoushuku)

N2 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "thank" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "いただきます", "ごちそうさま", "感謝する", "恐縮" based on context.

いただきます (いただきます (itadakimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive" and is used when A polite phrase said before eating or drinking, or when receiving something, expressing gratitude. It implies 'I humbly receive this food/drink/item'..
ごちそうさま (ごちそうさま (gochisousama) - Level: N5): Maps to "Thank you for the meal (after eating)" and is used when A polite phrase said after finishing a meal, expressing gratitude for the food and/or the hospitality. Often shortened to 「ごちそうさま」..
感謝する (かんしゃする (kansha suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to thank, to appreciate, to be grateful" and is used when A more formal way to express gratitude compared to ありがとう. Often used in written form, formal speeches, or when expressing deep appreciation..
恐縮 (きょうしゅく (kyoushuku) - Level: N2): Maps to "thank you very much; excuse me for troubling you; I am sorry; I feel awful" and is used when 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。.

Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!

Context for "いただきます"

食事の前に「いただきます」と言います。

I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.

Context for "ごちそうさま"

食事が終わったら「ごちそうさま」と言います。

After finishing the meal, I say "Gochisousama."

Context for "感謝する"

皆様のご協力に心から感謝いたします。

I sincerely thank you all for your cooperation.

Context for "恐縮"

お忙しいところ恐縮ですが、少々お時間をいただけますでしょうか。

I'm sorry to trouble you when you're busy, but could I have a moment of your time?

Synonym Mastery Challenge

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "食事の前に「＿＿＿」と言います。" (Meaning: "I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "いただきます" is correct here because it represents "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive" in the context: "I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.".