How to Say Thank You for Telling Me in Japanese

Expressing your gratitude is a universal gesture of kindness, and knowing how to say thank you in different languages can help strengthen connections with people from various cultures. In Japanese, there are several ways to express gratitude, each with its own nuances and level of formality. In this guide, we will explore how to say “thank you for telling me” in Japanese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s get started!

Formal Expressions:

1. Arigatou gozaimashita (ありがとうございました)

   Arigatou gozaimashita is a polite and formal expression of “thank you.” It is commonly used to express gratitude in formal settings or to show respect to someone of higher status. This phrase can be used to say “thank you for telling me” in formal situations, such as when receiving important information or advice.

   For example, if someone helped you by sharing valuable knowledge, you can say:

   「その情報を教えていただき、ありがとうございました」

   (Sono jouhou o oshiete itadaki, arigatou gozaimashita)

   “Thank you for telling me that information.”

2. Kokorokara arigatou gozaimasu (心からありがとうございます)

   Kokorokara arigatou gozaimasu is a heartfelt expression of gratitude. It conveys a deep sense of appreciation and is particularly suitable for expressing sincere thanks. This phrase can be used to convey your gratitude when someone has shared something meaningful or personal with you.

   For example, if someone opened up to you and shared something important, you can say:

   「それを教えていただき、心からありがとうございます」

   (Sore o oshiete itadaki, kokorokara arigatou gozaimasu)

   “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for telling me that.”

Informal Expressions:

1. Arigatou (ありがとう)

   Arigatou is the most common way to say “thank you” in Japanese and is used in casual situations among friends, family, or acquaintances. While less formal than the previous expressions, it still conveys gratitude and appreciation.

   For example, if a friend shares some advice with you, you can say:

   「それを教えてくれて、ありがとう」

   (Sore o oshiete kurete, arigatou)

   “Thank you for telling me that.”

2. Arigatou ne (ありがとうね)

   Arigatou ne is a slightly more casual and friendly way of saying “thank you.” The addition of “ne” at the end adds a sense of camaraderie and connection with the person you are thanking.

   For example, if someone tells you something interesting, you can respond with:

   「それを教えてくれて、ありがとうね」

   (Sore o oshiete kurete, arigatou ne)

   “Thanks for telling me that, you know.”

Additional Tips:

Now that you know some common ways to say “thank you for telling me” in Japanese, here are a few additional tips:

• When expressing gratitude in Japanese, it’s important to consider your relationship with the person you are thanking and the level of formality required in the situation.
• Remember to use appropriate honorifics when expressing gratitude to someone of higher status or older age. Adding “gozaimasu” or “gozaimashita” to the end of the phrase makes it more formal and respectful.
• If you want to emphasize your gratitude even further, you can add expressions like “hontouni” (truly) or “totemo” (very) before “arigatou” to convey a stronger sense of appreciation.
• Nonverbal cues, such as a respectful bow or a sincere smile, can also complement your verbal expression of gratitude.

Remember that the key to expressing gratitude in any language is sincerity. By taking the time to thank someone in their native language, you show respect for their culture and foster a deeper connection. So, don’t hesitate to use these phrases and make someone’s day brighter by saying “thank you for telling me” in Japanese!