What do Japanese people say before eating?

The most common phrase Japanese people say before eating is "いただきます" (itadakimasu). It literally translates to "I humbly receive," but it's more commonly understood as "I gratefully receive" or "I will savor this."

It's a way to express gratitude for the food and the effort put into preparing it. It's also a way to acknowledge the life of the food, especially if it comes from an animal source.

While "itadakimasu" is the most common phrase, there are a few other things people might say:

* "Gochisou-sama desu" (ご馳走様でございます): This phrase is typically said after eating, and it expresses thanks to the person who prepared the meal.

* "Oishi sou desu" (美味しそうでございます): This means "It looks delicious" and is often said before starting to eat.

* "Douzo" (どうぞ): This means "Please," and it's often said before passing food to others.

It's important to note that these are just some examples, and the specific things people say before eating can vary depending on the situation and the people involved.