What does it mean word for word?
感謝する is composed of the noun 感謝 (kansha), meaning 'gratitude' or 'appreciation' and the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do'.
Which one should you use?
While ありがとう (arigatou) is a common everyday expression for 'thank you', 感謝する (kansha suru) is a more formal, heavy and profound way to express gratitude. It is the kind of expression often found in speeches, writing or formal ceremonies.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For everyday verbal gratitude, use Arigatou gozaimasu for formal situations and Arigatou for informal settings. To add an extra level of politeness in formal situations, you can use Doumo arigatou gozaimasu. In informal settings, Doumo is a more casual variation, while Doumo arigatou is a slightly more polite way to express informal gratitude than Doumo alone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, people often use the phrase ookini instead of arigatou.
How do you pronounce it?
kansha suru
Did you know?
- While ありがとう (arigatou) is used for 'thank you' today, it originates from the word 有り難い (arigatai), which literally meant 'difficult to be'. It described something so rare or precious that it was hard to believe it existed.
- In Japanese culture, thanking someone can sometimes be replaced by an apology, such as すみません (sumimasen). This acknowledges the trouble or burden the other person took on to help you.
- Japanese has a specific word お礼 (orei) that refers not just to the act of thanking, but to a physical gift or money given to express gratitude.
Examples in context
- 彼の助けに感謝する。kare no tasuke ni kansha suru.I am grateful for his help.
- みんなの努力に感謝する。minna no doryoku ni kansha suru.I thank everyone for their hard work.
Example conversation
Hina thanks Ren for helping her move some heavy boxes.
- 陽葵 Himari重い荷物を運んでくれて、本当に感謝するね。Omoi nimotsu o hakonde kurete, hontou ni kansha suru ne.I really thank you for carrying the heavy luggage.
- 蓮 Renいいえ、全然大丈夫だよ。Iie, zenzen daijoubu da yo.No, it was no problem at all.
- 陽葵 Himariおかげで助かったよ。Okage de tasukatta yo.You really saved me.
- 蓮 Renまた何かあれば言ってね。Mata nanika areba itte ne.Let me know if you need anything else.
