思い出をありがとう
omoide o arigatō
The English phrase "thank you for the memories" is translated into Japanese as 思い出をありがとう (omoide o arigatō).
This phrase is an expression used to thank someone for the shared experiences and time spent together in the past. It is commonly used during farewells, such as graduations, moving away or the end of a significant relationship or era.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of omoide (memories), the particle o (indicating the object of the verb) and arigatō (thank you).
Which one should you use?
While the English version can sometimes sound slightly nostalgic or even final, the Japanese version is a standard, heartfelt way to express gratitude for shared time.
How do you pronounce it?
omoide o arigatō
Did you know?
- While arigatō is commonly known as 'thank you', the word originally comes from arigatai, meaning 'it is difficult to be'. This implies that the shared memories being thanked for are rare and precious.
- While English speakers might say 'thanks for the memories' as a casual goodbye, saying omoide o arigatō in Japan can feel heavy with 'mono no aware', the pathos of things and the awareness of impermanence.
- Japanese has a specific word natsukashii to describe the feeling of 'nostalgia' often felt when saying omoide o arigatō, but unlike the English 'nostalgic', it is almost always a happy, warm feeling.
Examples in context
- 素晴らしい思い出をありがとう。Subarashii omoide o arigatou.Thank you for the wonderful memories.
- たくさんの思い出をありがとう。Takusan no omoide o arigatou.Thank you for so many memories.
- 最高の思い出をありがとう。Saikou no omoide o arigatou.Thank you for the best memories.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye at a graduation ceremony.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮くん、楽しい学校生活だったね。Ren-kun, tanoshii gakkou seikatsu datta ne.Ren, school life was fun, wasn't it?
- 蓮 Renうん。陽葵ちゃん、最高の思い出をありがとう。Un. Himari-chan, saikou no omoide o arigatou.Yeah. Himari, thank you for the best memories.
- 陽葵 Himariこちらこそ、たくさんの思い出をありがとう。Kochira koso, takusan no omoide o arigatou.Same here, thank you for so many memories.
- 蓮 Renまたいつか会おうね。Mata itsuka aou ne.Let's meet again sometime.
