ありがとうございます
arigatō gozaimasu[a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
The English phrase "thank you to boss" is translated into Japanese as ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu).
ありがとうございます is a polite expression used to show gratitude to a supervisor or employer.
Which one should you use?
While ありがとうございます is the standard polite way to say thank you, 本当にありがとうございます means "thank you very much" and is more formal than ありがとうございます. You should avoid using the shortened form ありがとう, as it is too casual and can be perceived as disrespectful.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ありがとうございます is the standard polite form suitable for a professional relationship with a superior. For a higher level of formality and emphasis, use 本当にありがとうございます.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the past tense form ありがとうございました if the favor or the specific task the boss performed is already completed.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō gozaimasu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the shortened form ありがとう with a boss, as it is too casual.
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう is derived from 有り難し, which literally means 'it is difficult for this to exist'. It expresses gratitude by acknowledging that the favor received was a rare or miraculous occurrence.
- While ありがとうございます is used for gratitude, Japanese culture also uses the word すみません to thank a boss, especially if the boss went out of their way or caused themselves trouble to help.
- In a professional setting, you might thank your boss by saying お疲れ様です instead. This phrase acknowledges their hard work rather than just thanking them for a specific favor.
Examples in context
- アドバイスをいただき、ありがとうございます。Adobaisu o itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for the advice.
- お忙しい中、ありがとうございます。Oisogashii naka, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for your time despite being busy.
- ご指導いただき、ありがとうございます。Goshidou itadaki, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for your guidance.
Example conversation
Kenta is thanking his boss, Himari, for approving his vacation request.
- 健太 Kenta休暇の承認ありがとうございます。Kyuuka no shounin arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for approving my vacation.
- 陽葵 Himariいいえ、ゆっくり休んでください。Iie, yukkuri yasunde kudasai.No problem, please get some good rest.
- 健太 Kentaはい、ありがとうございます。Hai, arigatou gozaimasu.Yes, thank you very much.
- 陽葵 Himariそれでは、よろしくお願いします。Sorede wa, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Well then, I'll leave it to you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ありがとうございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
