24 Japanese Phrases to Say “Let’s Eat

Eating together is such a warm and special moment in Japanese culture.

Whether you’re sharing sushi with friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, knowing how to say “Let’s eat” in Japanese can bring everyone closer.

It’s more than just words; it’s about sharing warmth, respect, and excitement for the meal ahead.

If you want to dive into Japanese food culture, these phrases will help you feel right at home at the table.

Plus, learning these expressions can be a fun way to practice pronunciation and make your conversations more natural.

Ready to say “Let’s eat” in 24 different ways? Let’s get started!

Casual Japanese Phrases to Invite Someone to Eat

Starting with the basics, casual phrases are perfect for friends and family.

They’re simple, friendly, and easy to remember, making your dining moments more natural and relaxed.

Perfect for everyday meals or hanging out with close ones.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

These casual phrases will help you connect and share your excitement for food effortlessly.

Try using them today and notice how it invites smiles around the table.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. いただきます (Itadakimasu) – ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-su

This is the classic way to say “Let’s eat” in Japan, but it’s more like “I humbly receive.”

It’s said before starting a meal to express gratitude for the food. It’s simple to learn and deeply respectful.

Using it shows appreciation for all the effort behind the meal.

It’s a phrase everyone uses, so mastering it is key.

You can pair it with a smile to make it extra warm.

Once you get comfortable, it’ll feel natural before every meal!

2. 食べよう！(Tabeyou!) – tah-beh-yoh

This means “Let’s eat!” in a casual, inviting way.

It’s easy to say and encourages others to join you immediately. Practicing by inviting friends to eat together can help you remember it.

Keep it light and friendly for the best effect.

A common mistake is making it too formal—this phrase works best among close friends.

For example, say it when your friend arrives hungry: “Tabeyou!”

It’s simple and gets everyone excited about the meal.

3. ご飯にしよう！(Gohan ni shiyou!) – goh-hahn nee shee-yoh

This phrase means “Let’s have a meal!” or “Let’s eat rice!”

“Gohan” means cooked rice or meal, and “shiyou” means “let’s do.” It’s casual and very common.

Great to use when suggesting mealtime with friends or family.

It’s a warm way to say “meal time” casually.

It’s similar to “tabeyou” but focuses on the meal itself.

Try this one when you want to sound natural at mealtime.

4. 食べる？(Taberu?) – tah-beh-roo

This is a casual way to ask “Shall we eat?” or “Are you going to eat?”

It’s a direct, informal invitation and easy to practice by mimicking friends’ speech.

It’s often used to check if someone’s ready to eat.

Avoid using it in formal situations—it’s too casual.

For example, when your friend arrives late: “Taberu?”

It’s a simple phrase that invites participation naturally.

5. 食べよっか！(Tabeyokka!) – tah-beh-yoh-kah

This phrase means “Shall we eat?” but with a friendly, casual tone.

It’s a contraction of “tabeyou ka,” making it sound more relaxed and conversational.

Great for inviting close friends or family to start eating.

It sounds less formal and more spontaneous.

Try it when you want to sound natural and easy-going.

This phrase helps your Japanese sound more native-like.

6. ご飯食べよ！(Gohan tabeyo!) – goh-hahn tah-beh-yoh

Another casual way to say “Let’s eat rice!” or “Let’s eat!”

“Gohan” means meal, and “tabeyo” is the casual form of “let’s eat.”

It’s energetic and perfect for informal settings.

Make sure to keep your tone light and happy.

This is a great phrase to practice with friends when cooking together.

It’s a fun way to invite others to enjoy a meal.

7. 食べに行こう！(Tabeni ikou!) – tah-beh-nee ee-koh

This means “Let’s go eat!” and is great for inviting someone out.

“Tabeni” means “to eat,” and “ikou” means “let’s go.”

Perfect for casual invitations to restaurants or cafes.

It sounds enthusiastic and spontaneous.

Watch out for pronunciation to keep it smooth.

Use this when you want to plan a meal outing with friends.

8. 食べちゃおう！(Tabechaou!) – tah-beh-chah-oh

This informal phrase means “Let’s just eat!” or “Let’s dig in!”

It uses the casual ending “-chau,” which adds a sense of spontaneity or fun.

Great for relaxed meals when you’re all eager to start.

It’s very casual, so save it for close friends or family.

Try it to sound more playful and natural.

This phrase adds a fun twist to your meal invitations.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 召し上がれ (Meshiagare) – meh-shee-ah-gah-reh

This is a polite way to say “Please eat” or “Bon appétit.”

It’s used by hosts offering food respectfully and is ideal for formal contexts.

Using it shows proper etiquette and kindness.

It’s important not to use it casually as it sounds very formal.

For example, a waiter might say “Meshiagare” when serving guests.

Mastering this phrase helps in professional or formal dining situations.

10. どうぞ召し上がってください (Douzo meshiagatte kudasai) – doh-zoh meh-shee-ah-gaht-teh koo-dah-sai

This longer phrase means “Please, enjoy your meal.”

It’s very polite and used in formal settings or when inviting guests.

“Douzo” means “please,” “meshiagatte” is the polite imperative of “eat,” and “kudasai” adds politeness.

Avoid using this in casual conversations—it sounds too formal.

Perfect for business dinners or special occasions.

It’s a phrase that shows sincere hospitality and respect.

11. 食事にしましょうか (Shokuji ni shimashou ka) – shoh-koo-jee nee shee-mah-show kah

This means “Shall we have a meal?” in polite Japanese.

“Shokuji” means “meal,” and “shimashou ka” is a polite suggestion form.

It’s great for business lunches or formal family dinners.

Make sure to use the polite tone to sound respectful.

It’s often used to gently start a meal together.

This phrase helps you sound considerate and polite.

12. お食事を始めましょう (Oshokuji o hajimemashou) – oh-shoh-koo-jee oh hah-jee-meh-mah-show

This phrase means “Let’s start the meal” politely.

“Oshokuji” is a respectful way to say “meal,” and “hajimemashou” means “let’s begin.”

Ideal for formal occasions or ceremonies.

It sounds refined and courteous.

Use it when you want to formally announce the start of a meal.

It’s a great phrase to add polish to your Japanese dining etiquette.

13. いただきますませ (Itadakimasu mase) – ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-su mah-seh

A very polite and slightly old-fashioned version of “itadakimasu.”

It expresses deep gratitude and respect for the meal.

It’s rarely used in casual conversation but perfect for formal dining.

Use it to impress older generations or in traditional settings.

Shows your awareness of Japanese cultural nuances.

Great for formal events or when dining with elders.

14. どうぞお召し上がりください (Douzo omeshiagari kudasai) – doh-zoh oh-meh-shee-ah-gah-ree koo-dah-sai

This is a very formal and respectful way to say “Please enjoy your meal.”

“Douzo” means “please,” “omeshiagari” is a respectful form of “eat,” and “kudasai” adds politeness.

Use this in professional or ceremonial contexts.

It’s not suitable for casual everyday use.

Perfect for formal invitations or luxury dining experiences.

It conveys utmost respect and hospitality.

15. お食事をどうぞ (Oshokuji wo douzo) – oh-shoh-koo-jee woh doh-zoh

This means “Please enjoy the meal.”

It’s polite, simple, and suitable for guests.

It’s less formal than some phrases but still respectful.

Great for family gatherings or small parties.

Helps you sound polite without overdoing it.

Use it when welcoming friends or acquaintances to eat.

16. 食事を始めてください (Shokuji o hajimete kudasai) – shoh-koo-jee oh hah-jee-meh-teh koo-dah-sai

This phrase politely instructs “Please start your meal.”

It’s useful in formal dining or event hosting.

“Kudasai” makes it a polite request.

Not used casually or with close friends.

Perfect for formal dinners or ceremonies.

It shows your ability to use respectful language appropriately.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 飯行こうぜ！(Meshi ikou ze!) – meh-shee ee-koh zeh

This is a very casual and masculine way to say “Let’s go eat!”

“Meshi” is slang for “meal,” and “ze” adds a rough, friendly emphasis.

Used mostly by guys with close friends.

Not appropriate in formal or mixed company.

Example: “Meshi ikou ze!” to invite friends out after work.

Great for sounding like a native young speaker.

18. 食べん？(Taben?) – tah-ben

This is a casual Kansai dialect way to say “Want to eat?”

It’s short, friendly, and common in western Japan.

Good to know if you’re spending time in that region.

Use it only in informal contexts.

Example: “Taben?” when offering snacks to friends.

It adds regional flavor to your Japanese.

19. 飯食おうぜ！(Meshi kuou ze!) – meh-shee koo-oh zeh

Another very casual phrase meaning “Let’s eat!” or “Let’s grab food!”

“Kuou” is casual for “eat,” and “ze” adds masculine emphasis.

Popular among male friends hanging out.

Not for polite or formal situations.

It’s slangy but shows camaraderie.

Great for practicing natural, laid-back speech.

20. 食おうよ！(Kuou yo!) – koo-oh yoh

This is a super casual way to say “Let’s eat!”

“Kuou” means “eat,” and “yo” adds friendly emphasis.

Use with close friends or family only.

Avoid in formal or new social situations.

Example: “Kuou yo!” when deciding to eat together.

It’s easy to say and sounds natural.

21. 飯にする？(Meshi ni suru?) – meh-shee nee soo-roo

This phrase means “Shall we eat?” or “How about eating?”

It’s casual and often used when deciding on mealtime.

Good for everyday use with friends and family.

Keep your tone light to sound natural.

Example: “Meshi ni suru?” when planning a quick meal.

It’s a helpful phrase to sound like a local.

22. 飯行こか？(Meshi iko ka?) – meh-shee ee-koh kah

A Kansai dialect casual phrase meaning “Shall we go eat?”

It’s informal, friendly, and common in Osaka and nearby areas.

Great to learn if you want to sound regional.

Not for formal occasions.

Example: “Meshi iko ka?” inviting a friend to grab a bite.

Adds authenticity to your casual conversations.

23. 飯どう？(Meshi dou?) – meh-shee doh

This means “How about eating?” or “Want some food?”

It’s informal, friendly, and perfect for spontaneous invites.

Use it with people you know well.

It’s a quick, easy phrase to practice.

Example: “Meshi dou?” when sharing snacks outdoors.

It keeps your Japanese light and natural.

24. 食べようぜ！(Tabeyou ze!) – tah-beh-yoh zeh

A very casual, masculine way to say “Let’s eat!”

“Ze” adds a rough, friendly emphasis common among male friends.

Perfect for informal, energetic situations.

Not suitable for formal or polite company.

Use it to sound confident and native-like with buddies.

It’s a fun phrase to practice in casual settings.

Concluding Thought

Learning to say “Let’s eat” in Japanese opens the door to richer dining experiences and closer connections with others.

From polite phrases to casual invites, each expression carries warmth and culture.

So go ahead, try them out, and enjoy not just the food but the beautiful moments shared around the table!