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If you've ever watched a renowned Japanese movie or any TV program from Japan, chances are you've come across the term 'Arigatou'. 'Arigatou' serves as a quick and straightforward way to say 'Thank you' in Japanese. However, there are many other ways to express gratitude, and it greatly depends on the person you want to address.
In Japan, social relationships are quite extensive, and how you converse with people depends on your position in the social hierarchy. If you're talking to someone of higher social status, you'll use formal and respectful phrases. If you're conversing with someone of equal or lower status, you'll use simpler or more humble language.
Japanese may seem very complex, but Mytour has compiled some excellent examples of expressing gratitude in Japanese and sample pronunciations to help you overcome pronunciation barriers.
1. Simple 'Thank You'.
This phrase is quite straightforward, and if you're a fan of watching Japanese movies and TV shows, you've probably heard it before – 'Arigatou'. 'Arigatou' (ありがとう) is a quick and easy way to say 'Thank you' in Japanese.
You should only use this when talking to one of your colleagues, and it's quite casual.
For example, if a friend of yours gifts you a pencil, you can say 'Arigatou (ありがとう)'
2. Expressing Deep Gratitude.
If you need to emphasize your gratitude, you can use the phrase “Doumo Arigatou” ( どうもありがとう). This phrase sounds more formal than 'Arigatou'. You can use it when someone has helped you a lot, and it may make you feel somewhat indebted to them.
If one of your friends wakes up early in the morning to take you to the airport, you should use the phrase “Doumo Arigatou” ( どうもありがとう).
3. Thanking Your Superiors.
1. Thanking Your Superior for Quick Resolution.
What would you say if your superior helps you quickly resolve a project you're stuck on? You can't use the phrases above; instead, you can use 'Arigatou Gozaimasu' ( ありがとうごございます) in this situation.
4. Expressing Deep Gratitude to Your Boss.
Your boss walks by your desk and hands you a promotion list with your name at the top. Your boss says, “This will be a great opportunity for you, and you will definitely succeed.” Show your gratitude by using the phrase “Doumo Arigatou Gozaimasu' ( どうあありとうすす) !
5. Expressing Gratitude in Everyday Conversations.
Saying “Arigatou” to express gratitude can be too lengthy sometimes and may tire you with its four syllables when you're in a hurry. Use “Doumo” ( どうも) as a substitute for “Arigatou”.
But I caution you against using this phrase when speaking to someone of higher status than you. They may feel offended because you didn't take the time to politely say “Thank you” to them. You can only use “Doumo” ( どうも) with your peers, for example.
6. Slang for “Thank You” in Japanese.
8. Thanking Someone for Helping You Realize Your Mistake.
7. Gratitude for Past Occurrences.
At times, you might forget to express your gratitude or miss the opportunity. If you need to convey thanks for a past event, you can employ the phrase “Arigatou Gozaimashita” (ありがとうござざましし). This represents the past tense of a similar phrase you've previously learned. You can delve into mastering the use of past tense in Japanese lessons.
Your friend attended your birthday party and sent you birthday wishes last week. Now is the time to say 'Arigatou Gozaimashita' (あ り が と う ご ざ ざ ま し し).
8. Thanking Someone for Helping You Recognize Your Error.
Everyone makes mistakes, and then there are those who help you have the opportunity to correct them. If you find yourself in a situation where you've failed and someone steps in to help you, you can say 'Sumimasen' (す み ま せ ん).
'Sumimasen' (す み ま せ ん) can mean “I'm sorry” and “thank you”. It can also mean “thank you” when you thank someone for helping you find your way out of darkness and into the light.
9. Saying “Thank you” in Japanese Text Messages.
We all tend to shorten our messages, and Japanese is no different. Typically, you'll see various expressions like:
あ ざ す or あ ー と or あ り ー are used as short forms of “Arigatou Gozaimasu” (あ り が と う ご ざ い ま す).
In English, you might even type AZS as shorthand for azasu!
Like any language, sometimes you have to 'bend' the rules to fit the situation. The phrases of gratitude you've learned above are excellent to grasp. You might not use them now, but when you work in Japan or interact in Japanese environments, you'll definitely need to master these ways of saying “thank you” in Japanese.
