わかりました、ありがとうございます
wakarimashita, arigatō gozaimasu
わかりました、ありがとうございます (wakarimashita, arigatō gozaimasu) is the Japanese way to say ok, thank you.
This phrase is used to acknowledge instructions or information provided by a superior or a stranger, such as a clerk or teacher.
Which one should you use?
The formal version 承知しました、ありがとうございます is also used to say ok, thank you. For much more casual settings, you can use the informal わかった、ありがとう, 了解、ありがと or even the very casual おっけー、サンキュー!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form わかりました、ありがとうございます is formal. To speak to friends or subordinates, you can shorten the phrase to the informal わかった、ありがとう. Other informal options include 了解、ありがと and おっけー、サンキュー!
How do you pronounce it?
wakarimashita, arigatō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- While ありがとうございます is the standard for 'thank you', the word ありがとう actually derives from the adjective 有り難い (arigatai), which literally means 'difficult to exist'.
- Japanese has a concept called 'kuuki wo yomu' or 'reading the air'. Sometimes, the most polite way to say 'ok, thank you' is to say nothing at all and simply nod, as verbalizing the acknowledgement can occasionally disrupt the social harmony.
- The word 了解 (ryōkai), used in the casual 'ok' part of the phrase, was historically military terminology used to confirm orders. Using it with a boss today can sometimes be seen as unintentionally rude because it implies a peer-to-peer acknowledgement.
Examples in context
- あ、わかりました、ありがとうございます。A, wakarimashita, arigatou gozaimasu.Ah, ok, thank you.
Example conversation
Hiyori is receiving instructions from Yamato at work.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの書類をコピーしてください。Kono shorui o kopii shite kudasai.Please copy these documents.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました、ありがとうございます。Wakarimashita, arigatou gozaimasu.I understand, thank you very much.
- 大翔 Hiroto急がなくていいですよ。Isoganakute ii desu yo.You don't have to rush.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、承知いたしました。Hai, shouchi itashimashita.Yes, I've got it.
