Which one should you use?
While ありがとうございました is used in the past tense to conclude an interaction, the phrase ありがとうございます is the present tense version used to express gratitude for something currently happening or for a general state of being.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, locals often use okini instead of arigatō to express gratitude.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatou gozaimashita
When do people say it?
In Japanese social contexts, certain phrases are tied to specific departures and responses. For example, Ittekimasu is used when someone is leaving their home or a place to mean "I'm off" and the appropriate response to this is Itterasshai, which means "Please go and come back safely". If you wish to say goodbye more generally, Sayōnara is a well-known way to do so or you can use the casual Ja mata to say "see you later". To express gratitude specifically for someone's hard work or effort, the phrase Otsukaresama desu is used.
Did you know?
- The word 'arigatō' is etymologically linked to 'arigataki', which historically meant 'it is difficult to be/exist', implying that the favor received is a rare and precious thing.
- In many Japanese retail settings, the phrase is often shouted in unison by multiple staff members as a single, powerful chorus to the departing customer.
- While sayōnara is the most famous word for 'goodbye' globally, Japanese people rarely use it in daily life because it can sound final, as if they may never see the person again.
Examples in context
- 今日はありがとうございました。Kyō wa arigatō gozaimashita.Thank you very much for today.
- お世話になりました。ありがとうございました。Osewa ni narimashita. Arigatō gozaimashita.Thank you for everything. Goodbye.
Example conversation
A student is thanking her teacher after a lesson.
- 結衣 Yui先生、今日はありがとうございました。Sensei, kyō wa arigatō gozaimashita.Teacher, thank you very much for today.
- 蓮 Renはい、お疲れ様でした。Hai, otsukaresama deshita.Yes, good work.
- 結衣 Yuiそれでは、失礼します。Sore dewa, shitsurei shimasu.Well then, excuse me.
- 蓮 Renさようなら。Sayōnara.Goodbye.
