Useful Japanese Phrases/Sentences: When you start or finish eating

• Before eating
• Itadakimasu.
• Literally means "I accept (the food)". Used when you start eating as a signal "Let's start". You can say this to the person who is treating you the meal.
• After eating
• Gochisousamadeshita.
• Literally means "It was a wonderful feast". Used when you finished eating. You can say this to thank the person who is treating you the meal.