聞いてくれてありがとう
kiite kurete arigatō
聞いてくれてありがとう (kiite kurete arigatō) is the Japanese way to say thanks for asking.
This phrase is used specifically when someone has asked a question about your situation, health or opinion, rather than just a general thank you for a favor.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the te-form of the verb kiku (to ask/listen), the auxiliary verb kureru (to do something for someone) and arigatō (thank you).
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for use with superiors or people you do not know well, you can add gozaimasu to the end, resulting in 聞いてくれてありがとうございます.
How do you pronounce it?
kiite kurete arigatō
Did you know?
- When responding to concerns about their health, Japanese speakers often start with sumimasen instead of a thank you. This acknowledges the burden or trouble the other person took by worrying about them.
- The phrase uses kureru, a verb that indicates the action was a gift. This frames the act of asking a question as a favor granted to the speaker rather than a neutral exchange of information.
- If you want to be extremely polite to a teacher or boss, you should avoid using kiite kurete arigatō and instead use the humble form of 'to ask'. Using the wrong level of politeness can accidentally imply that you are the one in a superior position.
Examples in context
- 聞いてくれてありがとう。Thanks for asking.This example shows the phrase in its standard form.Tatoeba #10355885 by small_snow, translation #2250082 by CK
- 「元気？」「元気よ。聞いてくれてありがとう」"How are you?" "I'm good, thanks for asking."This example shows how to use the phrase when responding to a question about how you are doing.Tatoeba #11571113 by small_snow, translation #9713929 by megamanenm
- 体調を心配して、聞いてくれてありがとう。Taichou o shinpai shite, kiite kurete arigatou.Thanks for asking about my health.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are catching up at a cafe.
- 健太 Kenta仕事の調子はどう？Shigoto no choushi wa dou?How is work going?
- 美咲 Misaki忙しいけど、順調だよ。聞いてくれてありがとう。Isogashii kedo, junchou da yo. Kiite kurete arigatou.It's busy, but going well. Thanks for asking.
- 健太 Kentaそれはよかった。Sore wa yokatta.I'm glad to hear that.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんは最近どう？Kenta-san wa saikin dou?How have you been lately, Kenta?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
