ありがとうございます
arigatō gozaimasupolite, formal
The formal way to say thank you in Japanese is ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu). For more respect, say どうもありがとうございます (dōmo arigatō gozaimasu) or 感謝申し上げます (kansha mōshiagemasu).
Meaning: formal expression of thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとうございます | arigatō gozaimasu | polite, formal |
| どうもありがとうございます | dōmo arigatō gozaimasu | very polite |
| 感謝申し上げます | kansha mōshiagemasu | very formal |
Use ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu) with teachers, customers, older people and anyone you do not know well. The short ありがとう (arigatō) is only for friends and family.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Past favors take ありがとうございました (arigatō gozaimashita). In speeches and letters, 感謝申し上げます (kansha mōshiagemasu) is the most formal choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
A common formal reply to thanks is どういたしまして (dō itashimashite), meaning "you are welcome".
Did you know?
- In the Kansai region, people also say おおきに (ōkini) for thank you, which is warm and informal.
Examples in context
- ご親切にありがとうございます。go shinsetsu ni arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you for your kindness.
- 本日はありがとうございました。honjitsu wa arigatō gozaimashita.Thank you for today.
- お力添えに感謝申し上げます。o chikarazoe ni kansha mōshiagemasu.I am grateful for your help.
Example conversation
A hotel guest, Mr. Brown, thanks the receptionist Ms. Inoue for helping him with a taxi.
- Mr. Brownタクシーを呼んでくださって、ありがとうございます。takushī o yonde kudasatte, arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you for calling a taxi for me.
- Ms. Inoueどういたしまして。dō itashimashite.You are welcome.
- Mr. Brown本当にありがとうございました。hontō ni arigatō gozaimashita.Thank you very much indeed.
