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Japanese Gratitude Guide: Perfecting Your Thank You Phrases

Last updated: September 19, 2024

The ability to thank someone is fundamental in any language, and Japanese is no different, though it may be a bit more complex than in other languages. Depending on the context, level of formality, and the relationship between the speaker and listener, there are various ways to say 'thank you.' To become fluent, understanding these differences and knowing when to use each phrase is an important step. Let's go over the most common ways to say 'thank you' in Japanese and how to use them.

ありがとう - Arigatou

This is the most common and informal way to say “thank you.” It’s versatile and can be used in a wide variety of casual settings.

  • Usage: When thanking friends, family, or peers.
  • Meaning: thank you; thanks

To make ありがとう (arigatou) more polite, you can add ございます (gozaimasu), which elevates the level of formality. ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) is often used in professional or respectful settings, or when talking to people you are not close with.

  • Usage: When talking to strangers, superiors, or in formal situations.
  • Meaning: thank you

Lastly, ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu) can also be turned into its past tense form ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita) . This form conveys thanks for something that has already been done or received.

  • Usage: When thanking someone for a past action, often at the end of a transaction, event, or service.
  • Meaning: thank you

どうも - Doumo

どうも (doumo) can also serve as a quick and casual "thanks." It’s informal and often used in passing for minor favors.

  • Usage: In casual conversations for small gestures or when you’re in a hurry.
  • Meaning: thank you; thanks

どうも (doumo) can also be added to ありがとう (arigatou), forming どうもありがとう (doumo arigatou) , which makes the makes the expression a bit stronger, roughly translating to “thank you very much” or “thanks a lot.” It’s still relatively informal. When used in this way, you can think of どうも (doumo) as strengthening the word that comes after, similar to "much."

  • Usage: In casual situations when you want to express extra gratitude.
  • Meaning: thank you very much

In the next step どうも (doumo) can also be added to ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu), resulting in どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu) , which again, is a more formal version of どうもありがとう (doumo arigatou).

  • Usage: In formal settings, or when showing deep appreciation to a superior or someone you don't know well.
  • Meaning: thank you very much

すみません - Sumimasen

While すみません (sumimasen) is often translated as “excuse me” or “I’m sorry,” it can also be used to say "thank you," particularly when you want to express gratitude for someone’s inconvenience or kindness toward you.

  • Usage: When thanking someone for going out of their way to help or when acknowledging that you’ve troubled them (e.g. someone holding the door open for you).
  • Meaning: thank you; you shouldn't have
Three Japanese business people in formal attire, with two bowing while one places a hand on a colleague's shoulder, possibly during etiquette training for saying thank you.

お疲れ様ですです - Otsukaresama desu

(つか)()です(さま)です (otsukaresama desu) is often used in work settings as a way to acknowledge and thank someone for their effort or hard work. It’s a culturally embedded way of expressing appreciation for someone’s contribution.

  • Usage: Commonly used between colleagues or at the end of a workday.
  • Meaning: thank you (for your hard work)
  • Note: Can be shortened to (つか)(さま) (otsukaresama) or even (つか) (otsukare) in informal settings.

誠にありがとうございます - Makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu

This is one of the most formal ways to say "thank you," often used in business settings or in very polite conversation. The word 誠 (makoto) adds an extra layer of sincerity.

  • Usage: In formal letters, speeches, or when showing profound appreciation.
  • Meaning: thank you very much

Cultural Considerations

In Japan, how you express gratitude goes beyond just words. Body language, tone, and context matter greatly. When thanking someone, it’s customary to bow, especially in formal settings. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of respect you’re showing; a deeper bow implies greater respect. You should keep this in mind.

Conclusion

Saying "thank you" in Japanese often depends on context, formality, and your relationship to the receiver. From the simple ありがとう (arigatou) to the extremely formal (まこと)ありがとうございます (makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu), mastering these phrases is an important step in getting fluent in Japanese.

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