Arigatou gozaimasu is a common Japanese phrase used to express gratitude and say “thank you” in a formal manner. It is essential to understand how to say this phrase politely and informally, depending on the context and relationship with the person you are thanking. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “arigatou gozaimasu,” including formal and informal expressions, along with some tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
In formal situations, it’s crucial to use the appropriate language to convey your gratitude. Here are some ways to say “arigatou gozaimasu” formally:
- Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます): This is the standard and most common way to say “thank you” formally in Japanese. It is suitable for various occasions, such as when receiving a gift, assistance, or kindness.
- Doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます): Doumo is an adverb that emphasizes the thankfulness. This phrase is a polite variation of “arigatou gozaimasu” and can be used to express deeper gratitude or when you want to show extra appreciation.
- Kansha shimasu (感謝します): Kansha shimasu means “I appreciate.” This expression is more formal and used to convey a sincere and respectful appreciation in situations where “thank you” alone isn’t sufficient.
2. Informal Expressions:
When expressing gratitude in a casual setting or with close friends or family members, you can use informal expressions. Below are some examples:
- Arigatou (ありがとう): Arigatou is the informal version of “arigatou gozaimasu.” It is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, peers, or family members. However, it is still considered polite and respectful in informal settings.
- Arigato ne (ありがとうね): By adding “ne” at the end, you can make the expression sound friendlier and warm. It is often used when expressing thanks in a more relaxed or casual manner.
- Arigato gozaimashita (ありがとうございました): This phrase is the past tense of “arigatou gozaimasu.” It is used to show gratitude for something that has already occurred or when looking back on a favor or help received.
3. Tips for Saying “Arigatou Gozaimasu” Correctly:
To express gratitude effectively using “arigatou gozaimasu,” consider the following tips:
- Use appropriate body language: When saying “arigatou gozaimasu” in person, maintain eye contact, and bow slightly to show respect. Body language adds to the polite tone of the phrase.
- Match the level of politeness: Adjust your choice of expression based on the formality of the situation. Being more formal is generally better, especially when interacting with people you don’t know well or in professional settings.
- Consider the context: It’s essential to adapt your gratitude expression based on the assistance or favor you received. If the help was significant, you might want to use a stronger expression, such as “doumo arigatou gozaimasu.”
- Practice pronunciation: Pay attention to the correct pronunciation and intonation. Speak slowly and clearly to ensure your gratitude is conveyed sincerely and effectively.
- Combine with other phrases: Consider adding phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me) before saying “arigatou gozaimasu” to introduce your gratitude more politely or “domo” (thanks) after the phrase to make it sound friendlier.
Example Dialogue 1:
Person A: Sumimasen, koko e no michi wo oshiete kudasai. (Excuse me, could you please show me the way to here?)
Person B: Hai, koko e wa asoko wo magatte kudasai. (Yes, please go around the corner to get here.)
Person A: Arigatou gozaimasu. (Thank you very much.)
Example Dialogue 2:
Person A: Tanaka-san, kinou wa osewa ni narimashita. (Tanaka, thank you for your help yesterday.)
Person B: Iie, douzo. (Not at all, you’re welcome.)
Person A: Arigatou gozaimashita. (Thank you very much.)
Remember, expressing gratitude sincerely can strengthen relationships and show respect towards others. Being mindful of the proper way to say “arigatou gozaimasu” in various contexts ensures effective communication within the Japanese culture. Practice and use these expressions the next time you want to convey your appreciation in Japanese!
