Expressing gratitude is an important aspect of Japanese culture, and knowing how to say “thank you for having us” in Japanese can help you convey appreciation when you visit someone’s home or attend an event. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal expressions, as well as provide tips, examples, and a glimpse into regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
Formal expressions are commonly used when showing respect to someone of higher social status, such as your boss, an elder, or during formal occasions. Here are two variations:
1. Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます):
This is the most common and versatile way to say “thank you” in a formal context. To specifically express gratitude for having been invited, you can say “Arigatō gozaimasu sode ni kansha shimasu” (ありがとうございます、肩に感謝します), which translates to “Thank you, I’m grateful for your invitation.”
2. Kangei itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu (歓迎いただき、ありがとうございます):
This expression is more elaborate and specifically conveys gratitude for the warm welcome. It can be used in formal situations where you want to highlight your appreciation for being invited. An example usage is: “Kangei itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu. Minna de totemo tanoshikatta desu” (歓迎いただき、ありがとうございます。みんなでとても楽しかったです), meaning “Thank you for welcoming us. We had a great time together.”
Informal Expressions:
Informal expressions are suitable when interacting with close friends, peers, or people you have a casual relationship with. Here are two commonly used informal ways to express gratitude:
1. Arigatō (ありがとう):
This is the simplest and most common way to say “thank you” informally. It can be used to express general gratitude, as well as specifically thank someone for inviting you. For instance, you can say “Arigatō sode ni kansha shiteru” (ありがとう、肩に感謝してる) to mean “Thank you, I appreciate the invitation.”
2. Tanomu (頼む):
“Tanomu” is an informal expression that can be used to convey gratitude in a more casual manner. While it literally means “to request,” it is commonly used among friends and peers to express appreciation. For example, you can say “Ore-tachi no tanomikomi ni kansha shiteru” (俺たちの頼み込みに感謝してる), which means “I’m grateful for our request/advice.”
Tips:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when expressing gratitude in Japanese:
1. Bow and Maintain Politeness:
Accompany your words of gratitude with a slight bow as a sign of respect. Maintain a polite tone throughout the conversation to show your appreciation.
2. Use Honorific Language:
In formal situations, using honorific language is important to convey respect. Add “-san” after the recipient’s name to address them politely, e.g., “Tanaka-san, arigatō gozaimasu.”
3. Adapt to the Occasion:
Consider the context and adjust your expressions accordingly. Formal expressions are suitable for business-related or important events, while informal expressions are more appropriate among close friends and casual gatherings.
4. Add Gratitude for Specific Aspects:
Elaborate on your gratitude by adding sentences expressing thanks for specific aspects of the invitation or event. This shows sincerity and thoughtfulness. For example, “The food was delicious, we had a wonderful time” or “Your hospitality made us feel right at home.”
5. Pay Attention to Non-verbal Communication:
Remember that body language and non-verbal cues are crucial in Japanese culture. Maintain good eye contact, smile, and express gratitude with empathy.
Examples:
Let’s illustrate the above expressions and tips with a few examples:
(Formal) Speaker 1: “Arigatō gozaimasu sode ni kansha shimasu. Gohōbi itadaita koto o bōchō suru tokoro desu” (ありがとうございます、肩に感謝します。ご褒美いただいたことを謹んでするところです).
Speaker 2: “Ie-ie, shinzitsu ni o-yoyaku itadaki, arigatō gozaimashita” (いえいえ、真実にお予約いただき、ありがとうございました).(Informal) Speaker 1: “Arigatō sode ni kansha shiteru! Ashita iku yo!” (ありがとう、肩に感謝してる！明日行くよ！)
Speaker 2: “Mō, omakase shimasu! Kore kara mo issho ni shiyōze” (もう、お任せします！これからも一緒にしようぜ).
Regional Variations:
While the aforementioned expressions are commonly used throughout Japan, regional variations exist in dialects and cultural customs. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Kansai Region:
In the Kansai region, people often use the word “okaerinasai” (おかえりなさい) to express gratitude for the invitation as well as a warm welcome. Combining it with “arigatō” can create a unique expression like “Arigatō gozaimasu, okaerinasai” (ありがとうございます、おかえりなさい).
2. Tohoku Region:
In the Tohoku region, people sometimes use the word “tremasen” (てれません) instead of “arigatō,” which means “I’m sorry.” This unique expression conveys gratitude while also showing humility and politeness.
Remember to adapt and respect local customs when using region-specific expressions.
Achieving a deeper understanding of Japanese culture through these expressions and tips will undoubtedly enhance your interactions and leave a lasting positive impression. Remember that expressing gratitude is not limited to words alone; sincerity, respect, and non-verbal communication play significant roles. Appreciating someone’s hospitality in their native language is a beautiful way to bridge cultural gaps and build meaningful connections.
