Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとう | arigatō | [a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː] (narrow) [a̠˨ɾi˦ɡ̃a̠˨to̞ː˨˨] (narrow) |
| ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu | [a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥] (narrow) |
| どうもありがとう | dōmo arigatō | [do̞ːmo̞ a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː] (narrow) |
| どうも | dōmo | [do̞ːmo̞] (narrow) |
| サンキュー | sankyū | [sã̠ŋʲkʲɨː] (narrow) |
| 大きに | ōkini | [o̞ːkʲiɲ̟i] (narrow) |
These phrases are used to express gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase どうもありがとう, the word どうも functions as an adverb meaning "very" or "truly" to add emphasis.
Which one should you use?
ありがとうございます is a common and polite way to say "thank you", whereas ありがとう is a shortened casual version used for friends and family. どうも acts as a very short, casual way to say "thanks".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use ありがとうございます when speaking to superiors, strangers or in formal situations. For a more polite and formal version, you can use どうもありがとうございます. In very casual or youthful contexts, you may see the English loanword サンキュー written in katakana. どうも is a colloquial and casual way to say thanks, often used among acquaintances or in quick transactions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
大きに is a regional way to express gratitude used in the Kansai area, such as Osaka or Kyoto.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express gratitude for something that has already been completed, you can use the past tense form ありがとうございました.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, you can also express gratitude towards someone's efforts or hard work by using お疲れ様でした, which literally means "you must be tired".
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう literally translates to 'it is difficult to exist'. It comes from a phrase describing something so rare or special that it is hard to find.
- You can use the adjective ありがたい (arigatai) to describe things like good weather. In this context, it means the weather is 'welcome' because it is a rare or precious occurrence.
Examples in context
- ありがとう。Thank you!This example shows a simple expression of thanks using ありがとう.Tatoeba #1532832 by bunbuku, translation #374827 by sysko
- 電話ありがとう。Thank you for calling.This sentence uses ありがとう to thank someone for a phone call.Tatoeba #3401026 by arnab, translation #64155 by CK
- 本当にありがとう。Thank you very much!This sentence uses ありがとう to express strong gratitude.Tatoeba #81557 by tommy_san, translation #1564 by adjusting
- Arigatou gozaimasu, sensei. (ありがとうございます、先生)Thank you, teacher.
- Arigatou, onii-chan! (ありがとう、お兄ちゃん！)Thank you, big brother!
- 387 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Misaki gives Hiroto a small gift.
- 美咲 Misakiこれ、プレゼント。Kore, purezento.This is a present.
- 大翔 Hirotoわあ、ありがとう！Waa, arigatou!Wow, thank you!
- 美咲 Misaki喜んでもらえてよかった。Yorokonde moraete yokatta.I'm glad you're happy.
- 大翔 Hiroto大切にするね。Taisetsu ni suru ne.I will treasure it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries ありがとう, ありがとうございます, どうもありがとう, どうも, サンキュー, 大きに, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ありがとう, ありがとうございます, どうも, どうもありがとう, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
