How to Say "Thank You" in Japanese
The most common way to say "thank you" in Japanese is ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu), which is polite enough for almost anyone. With friends, just ありがとう (arigatō).
The most common way
arigatō gozaimasu
Thank you (polite)
How to say it: Keep every syllable the same length and hold the "o" in "tō" for two beats. The final "su" is nearly silent, so it sounds like "gozaimass".
Other ways to say it
- casual
arigatō
Thanks
When to use it: With friends, family and people younger than you.
- very casual
dōmo
Thanks (quick and light)
When to use it: For small things, like someone holding a door or handing you change.
- formal
dōmo arigatō gozaimasu
Thank you very much
When to use it: When someone has gone out of their way for you, or with a customer or senior.
- past favor
arigatō gozaimashita
Thank you (for what you did)
When to use it: When the favor or service is finished, such as leaving a shop or after a lesson.
- friendly
hontō ni arigatō
Thank you so much, really
When to use it: When you truly mean it, with someone you are close to.
In a conversation
- A
、。
kore, dōzo.
Here, this is for you.
- B
。
arigatō gozaimasu.
Thank you.
- A
。
ieie.
Oh, it is nothing.
Common mistakes
ありがとう to your boss→ ありがとうございますThe short form sounds too familiar with someone senior to you.
ありがとうございます when leaving a restaurant→ ありがとうございましたThe past form fits once the meal or service is over.