お父さん、ありがとう
otōsan, arigatō
To say "thank you dad" in Japanese, use お父さん、ありがとう (otōsan, arigatō).
This phrase is used to express gratitude specifically to one's father. While the phrase includes a reference to the father, the core expression of thanks, ありがとう, can actually be used as a standalone expression of gratitude without needing to include a subject or object.
Which one should you use?
The form お父さん、ありがとう is a casual way to address a father. For a much more formal and polite way to say "thank you father", you would use お父様、ありがとうございます.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form お父さん、ありがとう is informal and is suitable for a child or an adult speaking to their own father in a casual setting.
How do you pronounce it?
otōsan, arigatō
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう originates from the phrase 有り難い, which literally means 'it is difficult for this to exist', implying that the kindness received is a rare miracle.
- In some very traditional or high-class families, a child might use 'Chichi' when speaking to someone else about their father, but never when speaking directly to him.
- If you were thanking a father who is not your own, such as a teacher or a stranger, you would never use 'Otōsan' to address them directly.
Examples in context
- お父さん、ありがとう。Otousan, arigatou.Thank you, dad.
Example conversation
Yui receives a birthday present from her father, Yota.
- 結衣 Yuiわあ、素敵！お父さん、ありがとう。Wā, suteki! Otōsan, arigatō.Wow, it's lovely! Thank you, dad.
- 陽太 Yota気に入ってくれてよかった。Kiniitte kurete yokatta.I'm glad you like it.
- 結衣 Yui大切にするね。Taisetsu ni suru ne.I'll take good care of it.
- 陽太 Yotaいいお誕生日を。Ii o-tanjōbi o.Have a great birthday.
