感謝する
kansha suru
To appreciate in Japanese is 感謝する (kansha suru).
The verb 感謝する is used to express being grateful for something. When you want to specify the person you are grateful to, place the particle に after their name or title (e.g., 〜に感謝する). While 感謝する describes the concept of gratitude, the phrase ありがとう is the standard way to actually say 'thank you' to someone in daily life. To emphasize your feelings, you can use すごく感謝してる to say 'I really appreciate it.'
Meaning: to be grateful for something (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 感謝 (kansha), which literally means 'gratitude' or 'appreciation'.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the verb 感謝する and the expression ありがとう. 感謝する is a formal verb used to describe the concept of gratitude, whereas ありがとう is the standard, everyday way to say 'thank you' in person.
How do you pronounce it?
kansha suru
When do people say it?
Expressions of gratitude vary significantly by context.
Did you know?
- While 感謝する expresses gratitude, Japanese people often use すみません 'excuse me' or 'sorry' to appreciate a favor, reflecting a cultural feeling that the other person went to too much trouble.
- The word 感謝 contains the character 謝, which is also used in the word for 'apology' 謝罪. This links the act of thanking someone with the act of apologizing for the burden caused.
- Japanese culture often employs 恩 'on', a word for a debt of gratitude that must be repaid, which is a deeper and more lifelong obligation than the simple appreciation expressed by 感謝する.
Examples in context
- 先生、ご指導ありがとうございます。Teacher, thank you for your guidance.
- 友達にはいつも助けてもらって、本当に感謝しています。I appreciate how my friends always help me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appreciate” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
