Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとう | arigatō | [a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː] (narrow) [a̠˨ɾi˦ɡ̃a̠˨to̞ː˨˨] (narrow) |
| ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu | [a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥] (narrow) |
| どうもありがとう | dōmo arigatō | [do̞ːmo̞ a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː] (narrow) |
| どうも | dōmo | [do̞ːmo̞] (narrow) |
| サンキュー | sankyū | [sã̠ŋʲkʲɨː] (narrow) |
| 大きに | ōkini | [o̞ːkʲiɲ̟i] (narrow) |
The various forms of this expression allow you to adjust your level of gratitude and politeness based on the situation. While ありがとう is a standard way to say thank you, you can use どうもありがとう for a slightly more emphatic informal expression. For a very quick or casual thanks, often when receiving a small service or quick favor, you can use the shortened どうも. In very casual, youthful speech, the katakana transliteration of the English phrase サンキュー is also used.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ primarily by their level of politeness and emphasis. ありがとう is the casual version, while ありがとうございます is the polite version. For more emphasis, どうもありがとう is an informal but stronger way to express gratitude. If you wish to be both emphatic and polite, you can combine terms to say どうもありがとうございます.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Formality is crucial in Japanese. Use ありがとうございます when speaking to superiors, strangers or in formal settings. Use the casual ありがとう with friends, family or people younger than you. The term どうも is very casual, and サンキュー is considered slang used in youthful speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, such as in Osaka or Kyoto, the informal expression 大きに is used to express deep gratitude.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express thanks for a favor or event that has already concluded, use the past tense form ありがとうございました.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō
When do people say it?
When someone has gone out of their way to help you, you can use Sumimasen to express gratitude in those specific contexts. Common responses to being thanked include Dōitashimashite (you're welcome) or the friendly, informal Iie, iie (no problem or don't mention it).
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう literally translates to something like 'it is difficult to exist', implying that the favor or thing you received is so rare and precious that it is hard to find.
- When thanking someone in Japan, it is common to accompany the words with a bow. The depth and duration of the bow communicate the level of gratitude and the social status of the person being thanked.
Examples in context
- ありがとう。Thank you!This sentence shows a simple way to say 'Thank you!'Tatoeba #1532832 by bunbuku, translation #374827 by sysko
- 電話ありがとう。Thank you for calling.This sentence shows how to say 'Thank you for calling.'Tatoeba #3401026 by arnab, translation #64155 by CK
- 本当にありがとう。Thank you very much!This sentence shows how to express 'Thank you very much!'Tatoeba #81557 by tommy_san, translation #1564 by adjusting
- 387 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta gives Misaki a small gift.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、これプレゼント。Misaki, kore purezento.Misaki, this is a present.
- 美咲 Misakiわあ、ありがとう！Waa, arigatou!Wow, thank you!
- 健太 Kenta喜んでもらえてよかった。Yorokonde moraete yokatta.I'm glad you're happy.
- 美咲 Misaki大切にするね。Taisetsu ni suru ne.I will cherish it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries ありがとう, ありがとうございます, どうもありがとう, どうも, サンキュー, 大きに, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ありがとう, ありがとうございます, どうも, どうもありがとう, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
