What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of どうも (dōmo), which means "very much" or "truly" and ありがとう (arigatō), which means "thank you".
Which one should you use?
While どうもありがとう means "thanks a lot", the shortened version どうも can be used as a casual "thanks" among friends. For a standard and polite way to say "thank you", you can use ありがとうございます. If you wish to be more emphatic and formal, use どうもありがとうございます to say "thank you very much".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
どうもありがとう is an informal expression and should not be used with superiors or in formal business settings. For polite situations, use ありがとうございます. For formal and emphatic gratitude, use どうもありがとうございます. The word ありがとう is a common casual way to say "thank you", and adding "ne" to the end to form ありがとうね makes the expression sound friendlier and conveys warmth and affection. In very casual settings, どうも can be used to mean "thanks a lot" or "thanks".
How does it change in a sentence?
To thank someone for something that has already been completed, use the past tense form どうもありがとうございました.
How do you pronounce it?
dōmo arigatō
Did you know?
- The word ありがとう originates from an adjective meaning 'difficult to be', reflecting a Buddhist worldview where the occurrence of a kindness was seen as a rare and precious miracle.
- In some professional contexts, Japanese people may respond to a 'thank you' by apologizing with すみません (sumimasen) to acknowledge the trouble the other person went through.
- In Japanese culture, the more you say ありがとう, the more it can sometimes imply a distance between you and the other person, as extreme politeness can create a social barrier.
Examples in context
- どうもありがとう。Thanks a lot.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase どうもありがとう.Tatoeba #9672957 by bunbuku, translation #2057655 by nava
- ありがとう！君がいなかったらできなかったよ。Arigatō! I couldn't have done it without you.
- プレゼント、どうもありがとう。Purezento, doumo arigatou.Thanks a lot for the present.
- 手伝ってくれて、どうもありがとう。Tetsudatte kurete, doumo arigatou.Thanks a lot for helping me.
Example conversation
Misaki gives Kenta a book he wanted.
- 美咲 Misaki健太君、これどうぞ。Kenta-kun, kore dōzo.Kenta, here you go.
- 健太 Kentaわあ、どうもありがとう！Wā, dōmo arigatō!Wow, thanks a lot!
- 美咲 Misaki気に入ってくれてよかった。Ki ni itte kurete yokatta.I'm glad you like it.
- 健太 Kenta大切に読むね。Taisetsu ni yomu ne.I'll cherish it while reading.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どうもありがとう, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
