What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of arigatō (thank you) and the verb iu (to say), connected by the particle to which marks the content of the speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When you are describing the act of saying thank you in a polite or formal context, use ありがとうございますと言う (arigatō gozaimasu to iu) instead of the casual ありがとう (arigatō). Within the expressions of gratitude themselves, Arigatou is the most common and versatile way to say thank you in informal settings. For a more polite way to say thank you in formal situations, use Arigatou gozaimasu. If you want to convey a deeper sense of appreciation, use the more polite form Doumo arigatou gozaimasu.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that someone said thank you in the past, change the verb iu to its past tense form itta, resulting in ありがとうと言った. To turn the phrase into a request for someone to say thank you, use the ~te kudasai form of the verb, resulting in ありがとうと言ってください.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō to iu
When do people say it?
When expressing appreciation in Japan, it is common to bow slightly as a sign of respect and gratitude. In informal settings, adding ne to the end of arigatou (making it Arigatou ne) makes the expression sound friendlier and more conversational.
Did you know?
- The word arigatō originates from a phrase meaning 'it is difficult for this to exist', reflecting the idea that the thing being thanked for is rare and precious.
- In some Japanese social contexts, it is common to say sumimasen (excuse me/sorry) instead of arigatō to thank someone, acknowledging the trouble the other person went through.
- In certain business contexts, instead of 'saying thank you', people use 'osoreirimasu' to express gratitude while simultaneously acknowledging that they are being a burden.
Examples in context
- プレゼントをもらったら、ありがとうと言うべきです。Purezento o morattara, arigatou to iu beki desu.If you receive a gift, you should say thank you.
- 彼女は先生にありがとうと言うのを忘れた。Kanojo wa sensei ni arigatou to iu no o wasureta.She forgot to say thank you to the teacher.
- 子供にちゃんとありがとうと言うように教えます。Kodomo ni chanto arigatou to iu you ni oshiemasu.I teach children to say thank you properly.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about a small child's manners at a party.
- 健太 Kentaあの子、もっとありがとうと言うべきだよ。Ano ko, motto arigatou to iu beki da yo.That child should say thank you more.
- 陽葵 Himariそうですね、もっと丁寧に言うといいのに。Sou desu ne, motto teinei ni iu to ii noni.You're right, it would be better if she said it more politely.
- 健太 Kenta言葉で感謝を伝えるのは大切だからね。Kotoba de kansha o tsutaeru no wa taisetsu dakara ne.Because expressing gratitude with words is important.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんの言う通りですね。Kenta-san no iu toori desu ne.It is exactly as you say, Kenta.
