感謝
kansha[kã̠ɰ̃ɕa̠]
The Japanese word for gratitude is 感謝, pronounced kansha.
感謝 is a noun that refers to the state of being grateful or the concept of thanks. While it describes the abstract concept of gratitude, it is often used in phrases to describe the actual feeling or sentiment of being thankful.
Meaning: state of being grateful (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 感 (feeling/emotion) and 謝 (thanks/apology).
Which one should you use?
While 感謝 is a formal noun meaning 'gratitude', the phrase ありがとう (arigatou) is the common, everyday way to say 'thank you'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a common and polite way to say thank you, use Arigatou gozaimasu. If you are speaking casually with friends or family, you can use Arigatou or the even shorter, more casual Doumo.
How do you pronounce it?
kansha
When do people say it?
To emphasize that your gratitude is sincere and heartfelt, you can add hontoni to the polite phrase Arigatou gozaimasu, resulting in Arigatou gozaimasu, hontoni. To express profound appreciation and sincere gratitude, you can use Kansha shimasu.
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう (arigatou) is derived from an ancient adjective meaning 'difficult to be'. It originally expressed that the occurrence of a kindness was so rare it was almost miraculous.
- In Japan, there is a concept called giri which refers to a social obligation to return gratitude. If someone does you a favor, 感謝 is not just a feeling but a social duty to repay that kindness eventually.
- In very formal settings, people may avoid 感謝 and instead use phrases that apologize for the burden placed on the other person, such as sumimasen. This reflects a cultural belief that deep gratitude stems from acknowledging a debt of kindness.
Examples in context
- 感謝の言葉もございません。I have no words to express my gratitude.This sentence is useful for showing that one has no words to express their gratitude using 感謝.Tatoeba #10516138 by small_snow, translation #24898 by CK
- これは、ほんの感謝の気持ちです。This is a small token of my gratitude.This sentence is useful for describing a small token of one's gratitude using 感謝.Tatoeba #10499812 by bunbuku, translation #55838 by CK
- 感謝の気持ちを伝えたいのですが。I'd like to express my gratitude.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to convey one's gratitude using 感謝.Tatoeba #10516136 by small_snow, translation #21048 by Swift
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a small graduation party.
- 陽葵 Himari卒業できて、本当に感謝しています。Sotsugyou dekite, hontou ni kansha shite imasu.I am truly grateful that I could graduate.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんの努力の結果ですよ。Himari-san no doryoku no kekka desu yo.It is the result of your hard work, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari健太君に、いつも助けてもらいました。Kenta-kun ni, itsumo tasukete moraimashita.I was always helped by you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta僕の方こそ、感謝しています。Boku no hou koso, kansha shite imasu.It is I who am grateful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gratitude” translations and entries 感謝, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
