先生、ありがとうございます
sensei, arigatōgozaimasu
The English phrase "thank you sensei" is translated into Japanese as 先生、ありがとうございます (sensei, arigatōgozaimasu).
This phrase is a polite expression of gratitude used when addressing a teacher or mentor. In Japanese, the title 先生 is placed before the expression of gratitude, whereas in English 'teacher' is often omitted or placed after.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ありがとうございます is the polite form of 'thank you', making it appropriate for a student to use with a teacher.
How do you pronounce it?
sensei, arigatōgozaimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using only ありがとう (arigatō) instead of ありがとうございます (arigatōgozaimasu) would be too informal and potentially disrespectful when addressing a sensei.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 先生 itself literally means 'one who was born before', highlighting a respect for the seniority and experience of the person.
- The term 先生 is used for people who are not teachers, such as doctors, lawyers and authors. In these cases, it functions as a professional title rather than a description of their job.
- While you say ありがとうございます to thank a 先生, you should avoid using 'you' (あなた) in the sentence. Using the pronoun 'you' can sound confrontational or overly familiar to a superior.
Examples in context
- 先生、ありがとうございます！とても勉強になりました。Sensei, arigatou gozaimasu! Totemo benkyou ni narimashita.Thank you, teacher! I learned a lot.
Example conversation
A student is thanking a teacher after a private lesson.
- 蓮 Ren先生、ありがとうございます。Sensei, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you, teacher.
- 結衣 Yuiいいえ、どういたしまして。Iie, dou itashimashite.No, you're welcome.
- 蓮 Renまた来週お願いします。Mata raishuu onegaishimasu.See you next week.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、頑張ってくださいね。Hai, ganbatte kudasai ne.Yes, good luck.
