In Japanese culture, expressing gratitude is more than just good manners; it’s a fundamental part of social interaction.
If you are fascinated about how the Japanese express gratitude, you will learn a lot here because we will be answering questions like, what is thank you in Japanese? or how to say thank you in Japanese.
Whether you’re thanking someone for their hard work, a thoughtful gesture, or simply for being there, the Japanese language offers various ways to express appreciation.
Understanding these nuances is key to communicating effectively and respectfully with Japanese people.
Before we go in, these are a quick into the many ways of saying thank you in Japanese:
Arigatou (ありがとう) – The most basic and common form.
Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – The polite form.
Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます) – A very polite way to express thanks.
Arigatou Gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) – The past tense version, used after something has been done.
Doumo (どうも) – A shortened, casual version.Ari (あり) – A slang version often used by younger generations.
Ari-ga (ありが) – Another casual, slang version.
Osewa ni Narimashita (お世話になりました) – Used to thank someone for their support or care.
Osore Irimasu (恐れ入ります) – A humble form of expressing gratitude.
Gochisousama Deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – Said after a meal to thank the person who provided it.
Haisha Moushiagemasu (拝謝申し上げます) – A very formal expression of thanks, often used in business.
Kansha Shimasu (感謝します) – A formal way to say “I appreciate it.”
Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita (どうもありがとうございました) – A formal, past tense expression of thanks.
Doumo Arigatou (どうもありがとう) – A casual, yet still polite expression.
Doumo Gozaimasu (どうもございます) – A polite expression, though less common.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different ways to say “thank you” in Japanese, covering everything from casual words to formal expressions.
Whether you’re a student taking Japanese lessons, a traveler preparing for a trip, or simply interested in learning about Japanese culture, this guide will help you master the right way to say “thank you” in any situation.
The Basics: “Arigatou” and Its Variations
The Most Common Form: “Arigatou”
When you’re looking for the most basic way to say “thank you” in Japanese, “arigatou” (ありがとう) is the go-to phrase. It’s simple, versatile, and appropriate for everyday use.
You can use it when you receive something from a convenience store clerk or when a friend helps you with a small favor.
“Arigatou Gozaimasu” – The Polite Form
To make your expression of gratitude more polite, you can say “arigatou gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます).
#This phrase suits situations where you need to show more respect, such as thanking your teacher, business partners, or someone of higher social status.
In formal settings, “arigatou gozaimasu” is the right way to express thanks.
It’s commonly used in formal business settings, during interactions with strangers, or when showing respect to someone older or of higher status.
Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu – The Very Polite Way
If you want to elevate your gratitude even further, you can say “doumo arigatou gozaimasu” (どうもありがとうございます). Adding “doumo” (どうも) at the beginning is like saying “thank you very much.”
This is one of the most polite forms of expressing gratitude in Japanese and is often used in formal situations where extra politeness is required.
The Past Tense Version: “Arigatou Gozaimashita”
In some cases, you might want to thank someone for something they’ve already done. For this, the past tense version “arigatou gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました) is appropriate.
This phrase is often used after a service has been completed, such as thanking someone who hosted a house party or provided a service in a business setting.
Casual and Informal Ways to Say “Thank You”
“Doumo” – The Shortened Version
“Doumo” (どうも) is a shortened version of “doumo arigatou gozaimasu” and is used in more casual settings.
It’s one of the informal ways to say “thank you” and is commonly used among close friends, family members, and younger people.
However, it’s important to note that “doumo” can come off as a bit too casual or even brusque if used in the wrong context, so reserve it for situations where you know it will be appropriate.
Slang Words: “Ari” and Other Casual Phrases
Younger generations in Japan often use slang versions of “thank you,” like “ari” (あり) or “ari-ga” (ありが), especially in text messages or social media.
While these slang words are becoming more common, they’re typically used by close friends or younger siblings.
Be cautious when using these casual words, as they might not be understood by all Japanese speakers, especially in more formal settings.
Formal and Respectful Ways to Express Gratitude
“Osewa ni Narimashita” – Thank You for Your Support
When expressing gratitude for someone’s support or care, especially in business situations, “osewa ni narimashita” (お世話になりました) is a respectful way to say “thank you.”
This phrase is commonly used when concluding a business deal or thanking someone who has taken care of you in some capacity.
It’s a polite expression that acknowledges the effort someone has made on your behalf.
“Osore Irimasu” – The Humble Form
In some cases, a humble form of thanks is necessary, particularly when addressing someone of significantly higher status.
“Osore tiramisu” (恐れ入ります) is a humble expression that conveys deep gratitude and respect.
While it’s less common in daily life, it’s still important to know for formal business settings and special occasions where humility is key.
“Gochisousama Deshita” – After a Meal
After enjoying a meal, it’s customary in Japanese culture to say “gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした), which literally means “it was a feast.”
This phrase is a respectful way to thank the person who provided the meal, whether it’s at a restaurant, a friend’s home, or a formal gathering.
This expression ties back to Buddhist teachings, emphasizing appreciation for the effort that went into preparing the food.
Expressing Gratitude in Different Contexts
In Business Situations: “Haisha Moushiagemasu” and “Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita”
For formal business settings, especially when you need to express thanks respectfully and professionally, ” haha moushiagemasu” (拝謝申し上げます) is one of the most formal ways to say “thank you.”
This phrase is often used in written correspondence or speeches and shows deep respect and appreciation.
“Doumo arigatou gozaimashita” is another formal expression commonly used in business situations, particularly after a successful collaboration or when concluding a meeting.
Using the past tense in this phrase adds a layer of politeness and acknowledges that the favor or assistance has already been rendered.
In Daily Life: “Arigatou Gozaimasu” and “Kansha Shimasu”
In daily life, “arigatou gozaimasu” remains one of the most universal ways to express thanks.
It’s suitable for almost any situation, whether you’re thanking a bus driver, a shop assistant, or a coworker.
For expressing a more profound sense of gratitude, “kansha shimasu” (感謝します) can be used.
This phrase literally means “I appreciate it” and is slightly more formal than “arigatou.”
Special Occasions and Formal Settings: “Osore Irimasu” and “Haisha Moushiagemasu”
It’s important to choose the right words to express gratitude on special occasions or when addressing someone of higher status.
“Osore tiramisu” and “haha moushiagemasu” are both excellent choices in these contexts. They offer a respectful and humble way to thank someone.
Gendered Phrases and Their Usage
It’s worth noting that some Japanese phrases can have gendered nuances.
While “arigatou gozaimasu” and its variations are gender-neutral, certain slang words or informal forms may be more commonly used by one gender.
For example, younger males might be more inclined to use “ari” as a slang version, while females might stick to more standard expressions.
However, this is not a strict rule, and the context often dictates which phrase is appropriate.
Learning Japanese Phrases and Japanese Pronunciation
If you’re taking Japanese courses or studying the language on your own, mastering the pronunciation of these phrases is crucial.
Japanese native speakers place a lot of importance on proper pronunciation, especially in formal settings.
Practice saying these phrases with the correct intonation to ensure you’re understood and to show respect for the language.
Japanese textbooks and online lessons often provide pronunciation guides, but the best way to learn is to interact with native speakers.
Many language apps offer a free trial that includes audio clips of native speakers, which can be incredibly helpful for mastering these expressions.
The Cultural Significance of Expressing Gratitude in Japanese
Understanding how to express thanks in Japanese is more than learning the right words; it’s about understanding their cultural significance.
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, humility, and social harmony.
Expressing gratitude properly is seen as a reflection of your character and understanding of these values.
In Japanese culture, expressing thanks is not just reserved for special occasions but is a daily practice.
Whether you’re thanking someone for their hard work, expressing appreciation for a meal, or acknowledging someone’s assistance, knowing the right way to say “thank you” is essential.
Borrowed Phrases and Cultural Influence
Interestingly, the Japanese language has borrowed phrases and words from other cultures. For instance, the word “Arigatou” has roots in the Portuguese word “Obrigado, ” which was brought to
Japan by Catholic missionaries in the 16th century. This historical borrowing shows how languages and cultures influence each other, enriching how gratitude can be expressed.
Conclusion: The Right Way to Say “Thank You” in Japanese
Whether using a casual phrase with close friends or a formal expression in a business setting, knowing the different ways to say “thank you” in Japanese is crucial for effective communication.
From “Arigatou” to “haha moushiagemasu,” each phrase carries its formality, respect, and cultural significance.
By understanding these nuances, you’ll not only improve your Japanese language skills but also deepen your appreciation for Japanese culture.
So, the next time you need to express thanks, you’ll be equipped with the right words, ensuring your gratitude is both understood and appreciated.
Happy learning, and don’t forget to say “arigatou” for all the little things in life!
Source: The Japan Foundation
