What does it mean word for word?
The word 感謝 is a noun meaning gratitude or appreciation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While ありがとう is a shortened, informal version of ありがとうございます used among friends and acquaintances, 感謝します is used in formal situations like business settings or when addressing a superior. For even higher levels of formality in business or towards superiors, you can use 感謝しております to express that you are deeply grateful.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the word Ookini is used to express gratitude in a casual and friendly manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize a current, ongoing state of feeling grateful, you can use the continuous form 感謝しています, which means "I am feeling grateful" or "I appreciate it (ongoing state)".
How do you pronounce it?
kansha shimasu
When do people say it?
In formal settings, there are different ways to express gratitude depending on the timing. ありがとうございます is a common way to say thank you, while どうもありがとうございました is used to express gratitude for something that has already been done in formal situations.
Did you know?
- While ありがとうございます is the standard thank you, the historical root of the word comes from あり難い ('arigatai'), which literally means 'it is hard to exist' or 'this is rare'.
- If you want to show appreciation for someone's hard work specifically, you might say お疲れ様です instead of a phrase meaning 'I appreciate it'.
- The word 感謝 contains the character 感, which relates to 'feeling' or 'emotion', and 謝, which relates to 'apology'. In Japanese, expressing deep gratitude and offering a sincere apology often share the same linguistic roots.
Examples in context
- 助けていただき、感謝します。Tasukete itadaki, kansha shimasu.I appreciate you helping me.
- 親切にしていただき、感謝します。Shinsetsu ni shite itadaki, kansha shimasu.I appreciate your kindness.
- 温かい言葉に感謝します。Atatakai kotoba ni kansha shimasu.I appreciate your kind words.
Example conversation
Kenta is thanking Misaki for her help with a difficult task at work.
- 健太 Kentaミスへの対応、助かりました。Misu e no taiou, tasukarimashita.Your help with the mistake was a lifesaver.
- 美咲 Misakiいえいえ、お役に立てて良かったです。Iie iie, o-yaku ni tatete yokatta desu.No problem, I'm glad I could help.
- 健太 Kenta本当に、感謝します。Hontou ni, kansha shimasu.I really appreciate it.
- 美咲 Misakiこちらこそ、またいつでも言ってください。Kochira koso, mata itsudemo itte kudasai.Don't mention it, please ask anytime.
