ありがとうございます
arigatō gozaimasu[a̠ɾʲiɡa̠to̞ː ɡo̞za̠ima̠sɨ̥]
In Japanese, "thank you to someone" is expressed through several forms, the most common being ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu).
The phrase is used to show gratitude to another person. The most common and widely used way to say "Thank you very much" in formal situations is through the polite expression ありがとうございます.
Which one should you use?
The polite form ありがとうございます is used in formal settings, whereas the shorter ありがとう is used with friends or family. Additionally, while ありがとうございます is used for present gratitude, the form ありがとうございました is used to express gratitude for something that has already been completed, such as a completed help or a gift.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, the informal expression おおきに is typically used to say thank you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The polite phrase ありがとうございます can be shortened to the informal ありがとう in casual settings. To express gratitude for an action that has already been finished, the past tense form ありがとうございました is used.
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō gozaimasu
Did you know?
- In many Japanese social situations, instead of saying 'thank you', it is more common to say すみません (sumimasen), which literally means 'sorry'. This acknowledges that the person's kindness has caused you trouble or effort.
- In professional settings, if a superior does something for you, simply saying ありがとうございます might be seen as too direct. You might instead use 恐縮です (kyōshuku desu), which means 'I am filled with trepidation/humility'.
- The formal ございます part of the phrase is actually a highly polite form of the verb 'to be'. It functions similarly to saying 'it exists' in a very respectful way.
Examples in context
- いつもありがとうございます。Itsumo arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for everything.
- 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.
- 手伝ってくれて、ありがとうございます。Tetsudatte kurete, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you for helping me.
Example conversation
Misaki gives Hiroto a gift.
- 大翔 Hirotoわあ、きれいなプレゼントですね。Waa, kireina purezento desu ne.Wow, it's a beautiful present.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔さんに似合うと思って選びました。Hiroto-san ni niau to omotte erabimashita.I chose it because I thought it would suit you, Hiroto.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとうございます。大切にします。Arigatou gozaimasu. Taisetsu ni shimasu.Thank you very much. I will cherish it.
- 美咲 Misaki喜んでもらえて嬉しいです。Yorokonde moraete ureshii desu.I'm glad you like it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ありがとうございます, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
