If you’re planning to visit Japan or have Japanese friends, learning to express gratitude is essential. A heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way in building strong relationships and showing respect. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “thank you very much” in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Thank You Very Much
When you want to express your gratitude formally or show respect to someone of higher social status, it’s important to use the appropriate words and phrases. Here are a few formal expressions for saying “thank you very much” in Japanese:
1. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
The most common phrase for expressing gratitude in formal situations is “arigatou gozaimasu.” It’s a polite way of saying “thank you very much” and is suitable for most contexts, including professional environments or formal settings.
2. Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)
This phrase is a slightly more polite and respectful way of conveying your gratitude. It carries a sense of deeper appreciation and is often used to express thanks in formal or important situations.
3. Totemo Arigatou Gozaimasu (とてもありがとうございます)
Adding the word “totemo” (very) before “arigatou gozaimasu” intensifies your gratitude. This phrase is suitable for situations where you want to emphasize your appreciation and convey a stronger sense of thanks.
Informal Ways to Say Thank You Very Much
When expressing gratitude in informal settings, such as among friends, family, or colleagues of the same rank, you can use less formal expressions. Here are a few informal ways to say “thank you very much” in Japanese:
1. Arigatou (ありがとう)
“Arigatou” is the casual version of “arigatou gozaimasu.” It is commonly used in everyday conversations to express gratitude and is suitable when interacting with friends, classmates, or acquaintances of similar age or status.
2. Doumo Arigatou (どうもありがとう)
Similar to its formal counterpart, “doumo arigatou” is a slightly more casual way of saying “thank you very much.” It is commonly used among colleagues, classmates, or friends to express gratitude.
3. Arigatou Nante (ありがとうなんて)
This phrase adds a touch of informality and even playfulness to your expression of gratitude. It’s often used when you want to thank someone but feel slightly embarrassed or awkward.
Tips for Saying Thank You Very Much in Japanese
1. Use a Bow
In Japanese culture, along with expressing gratitude verbally, it is customary to accompany it with a slight bow. The depth of the bow depends on the formality of the situation. Remember, even a small bow will be appreciated as a sign of respect and gratitude.
2. Be Genuine
When expressing your thanks, sincerity is key. Make sure to convey your appreciation with genuine feelings. Adding a smile to your face will further enhance the warmth of your gratitude.
3. Say It Twice
A common practice in Japan is to repeat the phrase of gratitude, especially in formal settings. For example, saying “arigatou gozaimasu” twice consecutively demonstrates a higher level of respect and gratefulness.
Examples of Thank You Very Much in Different Situations
1. In a Restaurant
If you’ve just finished a delicious meal at a Japanese restaurant, you can show your appreciation to the staff by saying “Arigatou gozaimashita” (Thank you very much) or “Doumo arigatou gozaimashita” (Thank you so much) politely before leaving.
2. Receiving a Gift
When someone presents you with a gift, it’s customary to say “Arigatou gozaimasu” or “Arigatou.” Further express your gratitude by adding a phrase like “Ureshii desu” (I’m glad/happy) or “Kokoro kara o-kotowari moushiagemasu” (I humbly accept from the bottom of my heart).
3. Thanking a Friend
To thank a friend for their help or kindness, you can say “Doumo arigatou” or “Arigatou.” You may also add personal touches like “Hontou ni appreciate shiteru” (I truly appreciate it) or “Isogashii no ni tasukete kurete arigatou” (Thank you for helping me even though you’re busy).
4. Showing Extra Gratitude
When you want to emphasize your gratitude, you can use additional phrases like “Hontou ni tottemo arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you so, so much) or “Kokoro kara o-kansha shite imasu” (I am sincerely grateful from the bottom of my heart). These expressions convey a heightened level of appreciation.
Learning the various ways to say “thank you very much” in Japanese allows you to navigate diverse situations with ease and show your appreciation properly. Remember to consider the formality of the occasion and your relationship with the person you are thanking. By using these expressions sincerely, you’ll undoubtedly make a positive impression and strengthen your connection with the people you encounter in Japan. Enjoy using these phrases and have a wonderful time exploring the beautiful Japanese culture!
