ありがとうございます
arigatō gozaimasu[a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
The Japanese phrase for "thank you formally" is ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu).
ありがとうございます is a common way to say thank you formally. It is an appropriate expression to use with strangers, teachers, bosses or anyone to whom you wish to show respect.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ありがとう is derived from 有り難い, which literally expresses that something is rare or precious because it is difficult for it to exist.
How does it change in a sentence?
To thank someone for something that has already been completed, use the past tense form ありがとうございました.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- In some business contexts, Japanese people may use the phrase すみません ('excuse me' or 'sorry') instead of ありがとうございます to acknowledge the trouble the other person went through to help them.
- When someone says ありがとうございます to you, a common humble way to respond is not to say 'you are welcome', but to say 'no, no' to deflect the praise.
- The word ありがとう is related to the Buddhist concept of the 'rarity' of existence, implying that the kindness received is a precious anomaly in a difficult world.
Examples in context
- 手伝ってくれて、ありがとうございます。Tetsudatte kurete, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for helping me.
- お土産、ありがとうございます。Omiyage, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for the souvenir.
- いつもありがとうございます。Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for everything you always do.
Example conversation
Yota hands Himi a document at the office.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、資料です。Hai, shiryō desu.Here is the document.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、陽太さん。Arigatō gozaimasu, Yōta-san.Thank you very much, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaどういたしまして。Dōitashimashite.You are welcome.
- 陽葵 Himari助かりました。Tasukarimashita.That was a big help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ありがとうございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
