What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dōmo (very/truly), arigatō (thank you) and gozaimasu (the polite auxiliary verb used to make the expression formal).
Which one should you use?
ありがとう is a casual way to say thank you, whereas adding gozaimasu transforms the expression into the polite and respectful arigatō gozaimasu. The form どうもありがとうございます is even more emphatic than the standard polite form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
どうもありがとうございます is a standard polite expression. It is suitable for use with strangers, superiors or in professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, such as in Osaka, people often say ōkini instead of arigatō.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express gratitude for something that has already been completed, change the ending to the past tense arigatō gozaimashita.
How do you pronounce it?
dōmo arigatō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- The term arigatō can be written in kanji as 有り難う, which literally translates to 'it is difficult to exist'.
- In professional Japanese culture, saying arigatō can sometimes feel insufficient, leading people to apologize with sumimasen to acknowledge the trouble the other person took.
- Because gozaimasu is a very polite auxiliary verb, using dōmo arigatō gozaimasu to a close friend or a younger sibling might actually sound sarcastic or mockingly formal.
Examples in context
- お忙しい中、どうもありがとうございます。O-isogashii naka, doumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much, even though you are busy.
- 素晴らしいプレゼントを、どうもありがとうございます。Subarashii purezento o, doumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much for the wonderful present.
- 助けてくれて、どうもありがとうございます。Tasukete kurete, doumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much for helping me.
Example conversation
A student is thanking a teacher for providing extra study materials.
- 大翔 Hiroto資料を貸していただき、どうもありがとうございます。Shiryou o kashite itadaki, doumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much for lending me the materials.
- 陽葵 Himariいえいえ、勉強頑張ってくださいね。Iie iie, benkyou ganbatte kudasai ne.No problem, please do your best with your studies.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい、陽葵先生、頑張ります。Hai, Himari sensei, ganbarimasu.Yes, Professor Himari, I will do my best.
- 陽葵 Himari応援していますよ。Oen shite imasu yo.I am rooting for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どうもありがとうございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
