どうぞ、そしてありがとう
dōzo, soshite arigatō
The English phrase "please and thank you" translates to Japanese as どうぞ、そしてありがとう (dōzo, soshite arigatō).
This phrase is a literal translation of the English idiom and is not a standard set phrase used in natural Japanese conversation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word どうぞ (dōzo) literally means 'please' in the sense of 'go ahead' or 'here you go' when offering something.
Which one should you use?
In Japanese, どうぞ (dōzo) is used to offer something or give permission, whereas the English 'please' is often used to make a request (e.g., 'Please pass the salt').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Osaka, thank you can be said as ookini instead of arigatou gozaimasu in certain situations.
How do you pronounce it?
dōzo, soshite arigatō
Did you know?
- While ありがとう ('arigatou') is common, the word originates from 有り難い ('arigataki'), meaning 'difficult to be'. It historically expressed that the event being thanked for was so rare it was almost impossible.
- Depending on the social hierarchy, a Japanese speaker might replace ありがとう ('arigatou') with an apology like すみません ('sumimasen'), which functions as both 'sorry' and 'thank you'.
- When offering something with どうぞ ('dōzo'), it is customary to use both hands to present the object to show respect to the recipient.
Example conversation
Yota gives Himari a small gift.
- 陽太 Yotaどうぞ、そしてありがとう。Douzo, soshite arigatou.Here you go, and thank you.
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、どうしてありがとうなの？E', doushite arigatou nano?Eh, why are you saying thank you?
- 陽太 Yota手伝ってくれたからだよ。Tetsudatte kureta kara da yo.Because you helped me.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだったね。ありがとう！Sou datta ne. Arigatou!That's true. Thank you!
