総まとめ　第3週 7日目　実践問題

給食について相談者（相談する人）と回答者2人の文です。

使役受け身が多いので少し混乱するかもしれません。

Inquirer:

Ever since my son started elementary school, he says “Thank you for the food” before he begins eating. Although we’ve never taught him such a thing, it seems he is forced to say it at school. It’s not like we get free meals from the school. Why does he have to say a phrase like that? I don’t understand. I've heard some families don’t pay for their school meals, so the teachers should only force their kids to say it. This really gets me riled up. I’m thinking of complaining to the school. Am I wrong?

Answerer : A　

I was surprised you didn’t know the meaning of itadakimasu. It is true that people also say “arigatougozaimasu. Itadakimasu” when receiving something; however, this is different. Our lives are sustained by the life we receive from plants and animals. Therefore, we say that phrase to show our appreciation. It does not matter whether you are paying or not. I don’t think it’s right to complain unless the school forces them to say it.

First, you should understand the true meaning of ‘thank you for food’

それはそれで　in and of itself

ちなみに　Incidentally

Answerer : B

Your family doesn't say anything before eating at home. While I don’t think that’s a problem in and of itself, the phrase itadakimasu is an expression so it is as natural to say it as “Good morning” or “Goodbye.” It’s unrelated to whether you pay the school lunch fee or not.

Incidentally, everyone in our family says itadakimasu. Originally, the phrase expressed gratitude for receiving the food, but I feel that it was more a natural display of thanks to the people who created and prepared the food for you. In that sense, saying such an expression before a meal is not a bad custom, and if you think of it like that you won’t be upset about it.