(Joy urging to eat hot food [Meshiagatte] vs. Joy presenting a meal elegantly [Meshiagari])
“Please eat.”
召し上がって ください。 (Meshiagatte kudasai)
(お) 召し上がり ください。 ((O) Meshiagari kudasai)
Both are polite Honorifics (Sonkeigo). But one sounds like “Please start eating now,” and the other sounds like “Please enjoy the meal.” Let’s learn the nuance with Joy and Ken!
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy serves hot soup to the CEO.
(President, please “eat” while the soup is still hot.)
アクションを促（うなが）すときは、「て形 (Te-form)」を使います。
レストランのメニューなどでは「召し上がりください」を見ますね。
(Correct! When encouraging an action, use the “Te-form”. You often see “Meshiagari kudasai” on restaurant menus.)
💡 Explanation
Is it an “Instruction” or an “Invitation”?
Point 1: Meshiagat-te kudasai (召し上がってください)
Form: Te-form + Kudasai (Requesting Action)
This focuses on the movement/action. It sounds strong and active. Use this when you want someone to start eating now.
- どうぞ、召し上がってください。
(Please, go ahead and eat.) - 温かいうちに 召し上がってください。
(Please eat while it is hot.)
Point 2: (O) Meshiagari kudasai (召し上がりください)
Form: (O) + Verb Stem + Kudasai (Polite Command)
This focuses on the state/invitation. It sounds softer, elegant, and “finished.” It is often used in writing, on signs, or when presenting food.
*Grammar Note: Ideally, add “O” (お召し上がりください) for correct grammar, but “召し上がりください” is often used in advertising.
- 店内（てんない）で お召し上がりください。
(Please enjoy your meal inside the store. [Instruction/Sign]) - ごゆっくり お召し上がりください。
(Please enjoy your meal slowly/at your leisure.)
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Joy eating the food herself)
❌ Wrong: 私も 召し上がります。
(NO! “Meshiagaru” is an Honorific (Sonkeigo). You cannot use it for yourself. You will sound very arrogant!)
✅ Right: 私は いただきます。
(Use the Humble form “Itadakimasu” for your own action.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
