What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the te-form of the verb yomu (to read), the auxiliary verb kureru (to do something for someone) and arigatō (thank you). Literally, it means "Thank you for reading (for me)".
Which one should you use?
While the default form is casual, there are several formal variations. 読んでいただき、ありがとうございます。 is a polite way to express gratitude for someone taking the time to read your work. お読みいただき、ありがとうございます。 is also used in written communication like emails, letters or blog posts to convey a deep sense of appreciation. For a more specific nuance, ご一読ありがとうございます。 is used to express gratitude for someone specifically "reading through" your content thoroughly.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form 読んでくれてありがとう is informal and is best used when addressing friends, peers or a casual audience like a personal blog. For more enthusiastic or close informal options, you might use 読んでくれて感謝！ for a spirited tone, ありがとうね、読んでくれて。 to create a sense of closeness or 感謝してるよ、読んでくれて。 to communicate a deeper level of gratitude while remaining informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for a professional setting or a general audience, you can add gozaimasu to the end, resulting in 読んでくれてありがとうございます.
How do you pronounce it?
Yonde kurete arigatō
Did you know?
- While English speakers often say 'Thanks for reading' at the end of a post, Japanese writers may use the phrase as a way to apologize for the length of the text, subtly acknowledging that they have taken up the reader's time.
- To make the phrase more elegant, writers use bikago or 'beautified speech' by adding the prefix o to the verb, as seen in お読みいただき. This is done to improve the aesthetic sound and level of respect rather than to follow strict grammatical rules.
- In the spirited expression 読んでくれて感謝！, the writer uses the noun kansha (gratitude) without a verb. This clipped style is common in internet slang and manga to create a high-energy, punchy effect similar to a shout.
Examples in context
- 最後まで読んでくれてありがとう。Saigo made yonde kurete arigatou.Thank you for reading until the end.
- ブログを読んでくれてありがとう。Burogu o yonde kurete arigatou.Thank you for reading my blog.
- 私の手紙を読んでくれてありがとう。Watashi no tegami o yonde kurete arigatou.Thank you for reading my letter.
Example conversation
Kenta is talking to Yui about the short story he wrote.
- 健太 Kenta物語を読んでくれてありがとう。Monogatari o yonde kurete arigatou.Thank you for reading my story.
- 結衣 Yuiとても面白かったよ！Totemo omoshirokatta yo!It was very interesting!
- 健太 Kentaそう言ってもらえて嬉しい。Sou itte moraete ureshii.I am happy to hear you say that.
- 結衣 Yuiまた次の作品も楽しみにしてるね。Mata tsugi no sakuhin mo tanoshimi ni shiteru ne.I'm looking forward to your next work.
