Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to express gratitude in Japanese! Saying “thank you” is an essential phrase to learn when studying any language. In Japanese, the phrase for “thank you” is “arigatou.” However, it’s important to note that there are different levels of formality, regional variations, and additional expressions to consider. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to express gratitude, provide various tips, examples, and highlight a few regional differences. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When expressing gratitude in formal situations or with people you aren’t very familiar with, you can use the following phrases:
1. Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
This is the most common and polite way to say “thank you” in Japan. It is appropriate for various formal occasions, such as business meetings, interacting with superiors, or in public settings. It shows respect and gratitude combined.
2. Domo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)
Adding “domo” before “arigatou gozaimasu” makes it slightly more formal and emphasizes your appreciation. This polite expression is often used when expressing gratitude to someone who has gone out of their way to help you.
3. Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました)
This phrase is used to express gratitude for something that has already happened or at the end of an interaction. It is ideal for showing appreciation after an event, a meal, or when parting ways with someone.
Informal Expressions
When speaking in more casual situations or with friends and family, you can use these informal phrases to say “thank you” in Japanese:
4. Arigatou (ありがとう)
Arigatou is the simplest and most commonly used version of “thank you” in Japanese. It’s suitable for casual settings and expressing gratitude to friends, peers, or family members.
5. Arigatou ne (ありがとうね)
By adding “ne” at the end, you can make your expression slightly friendlier and inviting. It indicates a desire for affirmation and emphasizes a closer relationship.
6. Arigatou gozaimashita (ございました)
Similar to the formal expression, this phrase is also used in casual situations to express gratitude for something that has already happened or when parting ways with someone.
Tips for Expressing Gratitude
Here are some additional tips to enhance your gratitude expressions in Japanese:
1. Add “Sumimasen” as a preface
When someone does something kind for you, you can begin your expression of gratitude by saying “sumimasen” (すみません) to apologize for inconveniencing the person. For example, “Sumimasen, arigatou gozaimasu” (すみません、ありがとうございます) means “I’m sorry, thank you very much.”
2. Include specific reasons
When saying “thank you,” including specific reasons helps convey sincerity and appreciation. For instance, “Arigatou gozaimasu, kinou wa oishii gohan o tabete tanoshikatta desu” (ありがとうございます、昨日は美味しいご飯を食べて楽しかったです) means “Thank you very much, I had a great time eating delicious food yesterday.”
Regional Variations
While the phrases discussed above are understood and used throughout Japan, it’s interesting to note a few regional variations:
1. Kansai Region
In the Kansai region, people often use “ookini” (大きに) to express gratitude, which is similar to “arigatou” but with a local touch. So, you may hear people say “ookini” instead of “arigatou” when in places like Kyoto or Osaka.
2. Tohoku Region
In the Tohoku region, particularly in areas like Sendai, people sometimes use “gosan” (ごさん) instead of “arigatou.” Although less commonly known outside the region, it adds a distinctive local flavor to expressing gratitude.
Tip: When travelling in different regions of Japan, paying attention to local dialects and customs can make your expressions of thanks even more appreciated!
In Summary
Learning how to say “thank you” in Japanese involves mastering various levels of formality and a few regional variations. To recap, you can use “arigatou gozaimasu” in formal settings and “arigatou” in casual situations. Adding variations like “domo” or “ne” changes the tone slightly. Remember to be specific and considerate when expressing gratitude, adding reasons or using prefaces like “sumimasen.” And, when travelling, keep an ear open for local expressions like “ookini” or “gosan” to experience the cultural diversity of Japan fully. Practice these phrases, adapt them to your own style, and enjoy the smiles of appreciation they bring!
