What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hontō ni (really), kansha (appreciation/gratitude) and shite imasu (am doing/is being performed).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
本当に感謝しています is a polite expression suitable for speaking to superiors, colleagues or strangers because it uses the masu form. For less formal situations, you might use 本当にありがとう to say "Thank you very much" or 感謝してるよ to say "I'm grateful." In very casual settings, すごく助かったよ can be used to say "I really appreciate your help," and どうも serves as a casual way to say "thanks."
Is it said differently in some regions?
おおきに is a regional variation mainly used in Osaka and surrounding areas to convey appreciation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb kansha suru is used in the continuous form kansha shite imasu to express a current, ongoing state of gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
hontō ni kansha shite imasu
When do people say it?
In formal contexts, other ways to express deep gratitude include 非常にお世話になりました, which means "I have received a great favor," and 大変お世話になりました, which means "I am greatly indebted to you."
Did you know?
- In some professional settings, the most polite way to express appreciation is to actually apologize with すみません because the person feels they have caused the other party trouble.
- Using 感謝しています in a very casual setting with close friends can actually sound cold or sarcastic because it is too formal for an intimate relationship.
- Because Japanese culture often emphasizes harmony, a very deep 'thank you' might actually be accompanied by a slight bow, where the depth of the bow corresponds to the depth of the phrase used.
Examples in context
- 助けてくれて、本当に感謝しています。tasukete kurete, hontou ni kansha shite imasu.I really appreciate you helping me.
- 温かい言葉に、本当に感謝しています。atatakai kotoba ni, hontou ni kansha shite imasu.I really appreciate your kind words.
- これまでのサポートに、本当に感謝しています。kore made no sapooto ni, hontou ni kansha shite imasu.I really appreciate all the support up until now.
Example conversation
Misaki is thanking Kenta for helping her move heavy boxes.
- 美咲 Misaki荷物を運んでくれて、本当に感謝しています。nimotsu o hakonde kurete, hontou ni kansha shite imasu.I really appreciate you carrying the luggage.
- 健太 Kentaいえいえ、力になれて良かったです。ie ie, chikara ni narete yokatta desu.No problem, I'm glad I could be of help.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは本当に優しいですね。Kenta-san wa hontou ni yasashii desu ne.You are truly kind, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaそんなことないですよ。sonna koto nai desu yo.That's not true at all.
