Basic Lessons

At the Restaurant (5)

Dialogue 

Click here for the dialogue for "At the Restaurant."

Expressions used by a cashier 

In Japan, people usually pay at the cash desk rather than at the table. Waiters, waitresses or cashiers in restaurants and store clerks use very polite expressions to the customers.

The cashier may tell you how much the check is with these expressions.

(a) Itadakimasu

"Itadaku (itadakimasu)" is a humble honorific verb which means "to receive." It is used when a giver is superior to a receiver. When the giver is equal or inferior to the receiver, the verb "morau" is used.

"Itadaku" can be a polite form of "taberu (to eat)." The Japanese say "Itadakimasu" before eating and "Gochisousama (deshita)" after eating. 

(b) Narimasu

"Naru (narimasu)" means "to become." 

(c) Gozaimasu

"Gozaimasu" is used as a humble honorific or as simple politeness. Waiter, waitress or store clerks often use it as a humble honorific, though it is very polite when used in a daily conversation.

The cashier may use these expressions when giving your change.

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