どうも
dōmo[do̞ːmo̞]
In Japanese, どうも (dōmo) (domo) is a casual expression used to say thank you or hello.
どうも is a casual shorthand. It can function as a quick way to express gratitude or as a casual greeting. It is often used to prefix other expressions of gratitude or apology.
What does it mean word for word?
In its full grammatical sense, どうも acts as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'somehow'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using どうも by itself is considered very casual and should be avoided when speaking to superiors, teachers or strangers in a formal capacity. For a more polite version of gratitude, you can use Domo arigato gozaimasu, which is a slightly more polite version of Arigato gozaimasu.
How do you pronounce it?
dōmo
Did you know?
- The word どうも (domo) originates from a combination meaning 'no matter how' or 'howsoever', rather than being a root word for gratitude.
- In Japanese culture, saying どうも (domo) is frequently accompanied by a slight, quick nod of the head, which serves as a non-verbal shorthand for a full bow.
- While どうも (domo) is often used for 'thank you', it can also be used as a casual 'sorry' in certain social contexts, such as when you accidentally bump into someone.
Examples in context
- どうも、こんにちは。Domo, konnichiwa.Hello, hi there.
- あ、どうも。A, domo.Oh, hi.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui pass each other in a hallway.
- 陽太 Yotaどうも、結衣さん。Domo, Yui-san.Hi, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiあ、陽太くん、こんにちは。A, Yota-kun, konnichiwa.Oh, hi Yota.
- 陽太 Yota元気？Genki?How are you?
- 結衣 Yuiうん、元気だよ。Un, genki da yo.Yeah, I'm good.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どうも, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries どうも, CC BY-SA 4.0.
