主よ、感謝します
shu yo, kansha shimasu
The English phrase "thank you, lord" is translated into Japanese as 主よ、感謝します (shu yo, kansha shimasu).
This phrase is an expression of gratitude addressed to God in a prayer or religious context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 主 (Lord), the vocative particle よ (O…), and 感謝します (to give thanks/express gratitude).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This specific phrasing is formal and is used primarily in Christian liturgical contexts or formal prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle よ (yo) is used here in its literary/vocative function to address a deity or a person of high status, similar to 'O Lord' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
shu yo, kansha shimasu
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the term 主 (shu) can also mean 'master' or 'owner' of a household or business. If you use this phrase in a non-religious setting, you might accidentally sound like you are thanking your landlord or your boss.
- The particle よ (yo) in this prayer functions as a high-status vocative particle, similar to 'O' in English poetry. This is a completely different grammatical function than the common 'yo' used in daily conversation to add emphasis to a sentence.
- The word 主 (shu) is rarely used in Shintoism, where the divine is usually addressed as 神様 (kamisama), reflecting how the phrase is specifically tied to Western religious influence.
Examples in context
- 主よ、感謝します。Shu yo, kansha shimasu.Thank you, Lord.
- 主よ、感謝します、平和を与えてくださり。Shu yo, kansha shimasu, heiwa o ataete kudasari.Thank you, Lord, for giving us peace.
- すべてはあなたのおかげです。主よ、感謝します。Subete wa anata no okage desu. Shu yo, kansha shimasu.Everything is thanks to you. Thank you, Lord.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are praying together in a quiet chapel.
- 蓮 Ren主よ、感謝します。今日まで導いてくださって。Shu yo, kansha shimasu. Kyou made michibiite kudasatte.Thank you, Lord, for guiding me until today.
- 結衣 Yui本当に、心から感謝したいですね。Hontou ni, kokoro kara kansha shitai desu ne.Truly, I want to thank Him from the bottom of my heart.
- 蓮 Ren結衣さんも、一緒に祈りましょう。Yui-san mo, issho ni inorimashou.Yui, let's pray together.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、蓮さんと一緒に祈ります。Hai, Ren-san to issho ni inorimasu.Yes, I will pray with you, Ren.
