直してくれてありがとう
naoshite kurete arigatō
In Japanese, "thank you for correcting me" is said as 直してくれてありがとう (naoshite kurete arigatō).
This phrase is used to express gratitude when someone has pointed out and fixed a mistake. This includes correcting a physical mistake, such as a broken object, as well as mistakes in information or language. If the correction specifically refers to correcting a factual statement or a written error, the more precise verb 訂正してくれてありがとう (teisei shite kurete arigatō) can be used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb naosu (to fix or correct) in its te-form, the auxiliary verb kureru (to do something for someone) and arigatō (thank you).
Which one should you use?
The default form 直してくれてありがとう is casual. For a more precise way to thank someone for correcting a written error or a factual statement, you can use 訂正してくれてありがとう.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding gozaimasu to the end of the phrase creates the polite form 直してくれてありがとうございます.
How do you pronounce it?
naoshite kurete arigatō
Did you know?
- The word naosu is also used for curing an illness. While you would not thank a doctor for 'correcting' you, the root of the word for fixing a mistake and healing a disease is the same.
- In Japan, if a superior corrects you, saying naoshite kurete arigatō might actually be seen as too casual or even rude. In professional settings, it is more common to apologize for the mistake first before offering gratitude.
- The word kureru in the phrase acts as a linguistic gift. It implies that the person did not just perform an action, but that they 'gave' the act of correcting to you as a favor.
Examples in context
- 正しく直していただいて、ありがとうございます。Thank you for correcting me.
- 間違いを教えてくれてありがとう！Thanks for pointing out my mistake!
- 間違いを直してくれてありがとう。Machigai o naoshite kurete arigatou.Thank you for correcting my mistake.
- 漢字を直してくれてありがとう。Kanji o naoshite kurete arigatou.Thank you for correcting the kanji.
- 文法を直してくれてありがとう。Bunpou o naoshite kurete arigatou.Thank you for correcting my grammar.
Example conversation
A student is reviewing a writing assignment with a friend.
- 蓮 Renこの文、直してくれてありがとう。Kono bun, naoshite kurete arigatou.Thank you for correcting this sentence.
- 美咲 Misakiいいえ、全然大丈夫だよ。Iie, zenzen daijoubu dayo.No, it's no problem at all.
- 蓮 Renとても助かったよ、美咲。Totemo tasukatta yo, Misaki.It was a great help, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮くんの力になれてよかった。Ren-kun no chikara ni narete yokatta.I'm glad I could help you, Ren.
