Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ありがとうございます、旦那様 is highly formal and carries a historical or dramatic tone. It is the type of language often found in literature or period dramas. In a standard formal setting, you might use ありがとうございます to show respect to a superior or even add どうも before it, as in どうもありがとうございます, to further emphasize your gratitude.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term ありがとうございます is the polite, standard form of gratitude. In contrast, using only ありがとう is casual. To express a more profound sense of being indebted to someone for their help or support in a formal way, one might use お世話になりました.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatōgozaimasu, danna-sama
What mistakes should you avoid?
In modern Japanese, do not use 旦那様 to address a stranger as "sir". Doing so is unnatural and will make it sound as though you are role-playing a historical drama.
Did you know?
- The word 旦那 originally referred to financial patrons of Buddhist temples rather than husbands or masters.
- The female equivalent to 旦那様 is 奥様, which literally translates to 'person of the interior'.
- Adding the honorific 様 to 旦那 shifts the phrase from a casual term for 'husband' to the formal language of a servant.
Examples in context
- 贈り物を用意しました。ありがとうございます、旦那様。Okurimono o youi shimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu, danna-sama.I have prepared a gift. Thank you, sir.
Example conversation
Yui hands Hiroto his morning tea.
- 結衣 Yuiお茶をどうぞ。Ocha o douzo.Here is your tea.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、結衣。Arigatou, Yui.Thank you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます、旦那様。Arigatou gozaimasu, danna-sama.Thank you, sir.
- 大翔 Hirotoそんなに丁寧じゃなくていいよ。Sonna ni teinei janakute ii yo.You don't have to be so formal.
