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.
γγγγ¨γ - Arigatou
This is the most common and informal way to say βthank you.β Itβs 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 γγγγ¨γ (arigatou) more polite, you can add γγγγΎγ (gozaimasu), which elevates the level of formality. γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (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, γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (arigatou gozaimasu) can also be turned into its past tense form γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγγ (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
γ©γγ - Doumo
γ©γγ (doumo) can also serve as a quick and casual "thanks." Itβs informal and often used in passing for minor favors.
- Usage: In casual conversations for small gestures or when youβre in a hurry.
- Meaning: thank you; thanks
γ©γγ (doumo) can also be added to γγγγ¨γ (arigatou), forming γ©γγγγγγ¨γ (doumo arigatou)
, which makes the makes the expression a bit stronger, roughly translating to βthank you very muchβ or βthanks a lot.β Itβs still relatively informal. When used in this way, you can think of γ©γγ (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 γ©γγ (doumo) can also be added to γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (arigatou gozaimasu), resulting in γ©γγγγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (doumo arigatou gozaimasu)
, which again, is a more formal version of γ©γγγγγγ¨γ (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
γγΏγΎγγ - Sumimasen
While γγΏγΎγγ (sumimasen) is often translated as βexcuse meβ or βIβm sorry,β it can also be used to say "thank you," particularly when you want to express gratitude for someoneβs inconvenience or kindness toward you.
- Usage: When thanking someone for going out of their way to help or when acknowledging that youβve troubled them (e.g. someone holding the door open for you).
- Meaning: thank you; you shouldn't have
γη²γζ§γ§γγ§γ - Otsukaresama desu
γη²γζ§γ§γγ§γ (otsukaresama desu) is often used in work settings as a way to acknowledge and thank someone for their effort or hard work. Itβs a culturally embedded way of expressing appreciation for someoneβs 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 γη²γζ§ (otsukaresama) or even γη²γ (otsukare) in informal settings.
θͺ γ«γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ - 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 θͺ (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, itβs customary to bow, especially in formal settings. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of respect youβre 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 γγγγ¨γ (arigatou) to the extremely formal θͺ γ«γγγγ¨γγγγγΎγ (makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu), mastering these phrases is an important step in getting fluent in Japanese.
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