Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ありがとう is the informal version used with friends and family. In formal settings, such as when speaking to strangers or superiors, use the polite form ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu). For a slightly more polite version, you can use Doumo arigatou gozaimasu. In formal business situations, you might also use otsukaresama desu meaning "thank you for your hard work." For an informal expression of gratitude used with friends or close acquaintances, you can simply say Doumo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, people often say ookini to express thanks.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express gratitude for an action that has been completed, use the past tense form ありがとうございました (arigatō gozaimashita).
How do you pronounce it?
arigatō
When do people say it?
Adding hontou ni to arigatou gozaimasu emphasizes gratitude.
Did you know?
- While ありがとう is the standard word for thanks, Japanese people often use すみません (sumimasen), which literally means 'excuse me' or 'I am sorry', to express gratitude.
- The word ありがとう literally translates to 'it is difficult to exist', a phrase that originally described something rare or precious.
- In some contexts, Japanese speakers may avoid saying ありがとう too frequently to a superior, as it can imply the speaker is evaluating the superior's kindness from a position of equality.
Examples in context
- ありがとう。Thanks!This sentence shows the use of ありがとう as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #1532832 by bunbuku, translation #448645 by CK
- 色々ありがとう。Thanks for everything.This sentence demonstrates specifying what you are thankful for using ありがとう.Tatoeba #145951 by tommy__san, translation #2107841 by Eldad
- 電話ありがとう。Thanks for calling.This sentence shows how to specify the reason for thanks using ありがとう.Tatoeba #3401026 by arnab, translation #1495886 by CK
- 227 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are at a cafe after Himari helped him with some work.
- 健太 Kenta手伝ってくれて、ありがとう。Tetsudatte kurete, arigatou.Thanks for helping me.
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ、全然大丈夫。Ii yo, zenzen daijoubu.It's okay, no problem at all.
- 健太 Kenta本当にありがとう。Hontou ni arigatou.Thank you so much.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くんの力になれてよかった。Kenta-kun no chikara ni narete yokatta.I'm glad I could be of help to you, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ありがとう, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ありがとう, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
