Guide: How to Say Gozaimashita – Formal and Informal Ways

Gozaimashita is a polite Japanese expression used to convey a past event or action. It is often used to show appreciation, give thanks, or acknowledge someone’s effort. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying gozaimashita, provide tips, examples, and some essential regional variations. So, let’s dive in!

Formal Ways of Saying Gozaimashita:

In formal situations, such as speaking to someone of higher status or during business interactions, it is important to use respectful language. Here are three formal ways of saying gozaimashita:

1. Gokurousama deshita: This phrase is commonly used to express gratitude after someone has made an effort or gone through hardship. It shows respect for the person’s hard work. For example, if someone prepared a delicious meal for you, you can say “Gokurousama deshita” to express appreciation.
2. Taihen o-sewa ni narimashita: This phrase is used when you want to thank someone for their continuous support or assistance. It implies that they have gone out of their way to help you. For instance, if a colleague helped you with a challenging project, you can say “Taihen o-sewa ni narimashita” to acknowledge their help.
3. O-tsukare-sama deshita: This phrase is used to acknowledge someone’s hard work or effort. It is commonly said at the end of a long day or after completing a task. It conveys appreciation for the efforts put in by the person. For example, if your coworker has just finished a demanding project, you can say “O-tsukare-sama deshita” to show your recognition of their hard work.

Informal Ways of Saying Gozaimashita:

In more casual or informal situations, such as when speaking with friends or family members, it is common to use less formal language. Here are three informal ways of saying gozaimashita:

1. Arigatou gozaimashita: This phrase is a combination of the casual “arigatou” (thank you) and the polite “gozaimashita.” It is often used to express gratitude after receiving a favor or assistance. For instance, if a friend helped you move to a new apartment, you can say “Arigatou gozaimashita” to show your appreciation.
2. Domo: This is a simple and casual way to say thank you. It is commonly used among friends and acquaintances. For example, if someone gives you a gift, you can simply say “Domo” to express your gratitude.
3. O-tsukare: This is a casual way to acknowledge someone’s effort or hard work. It is often used to show empathy or support. If a friend tells you about their tiring day at work, you can say “O-tsukare” to acknowledge their hard work or to say “you’ve worked hard.”

Tips and Examples:

Here are some tips and additional examples to help you understand and use gozaimashita correctly:

Tips:

• Pay attention to the context and the relationship between you and the other person when deciding which formality level to use.
• When in doubt, it is generally safer to use a more formal expression to show respect.
• Observe how native speakers use gozaimashita in different situations to gain a better understanding of its nuances.

Examples:

Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate the usage of gozaimashita:

Formal:

After your colleague finishes a presentation, you can say:

Gokurousama deshita – You did a great job. Thank you for your hard work and effort.

Informal:

After a friend helps you carry heavy grocery bags, you can say:

Arigatou gozaimashita – Thank you for your help. I appreciate it.

Regional Variations:

While the usage of gozaimashita remains relatively consistent across regions, there might be slight variations in pronunciation and intonation. It is important to note that the underlying meaning and purpose of expressing gratitude or acknowledging someone’s effort remain the same.

Example of Regional Variation:

In more casual conversations and dialects, particularly in the Kansai region of Japan, you may come across the phrase “Ookini” as an informal way of saying thank you. This variation is commonly used instead of gozaimashita.