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To understand how to express gratitude in Japanese, it’s essential to first determine the appropriate level of politeness. Some phrases are informal, while others are highly formal. Certain expressions of gratitude are also context-specific and should only be used in particular situations. Below is a concise guide to help you navigate the nuances of showing appreciation in Japanese.
Steps
Informal Ways to Say Thank You
Use "domo arigatou." This is the most standard way to say thank you.
- This phrase is suitable for friends and colleagues but should be avoided when addressing someone of higher status or authority. It’s also not appropriate for formal settings.
- The pronunciation of domo arigatou is Doh-moh Ah-ree-gah-toh.
- In native script, it’s written as どうもありがとう.
Simply say "arigatou." Arigatou is a relatively casual way to express gratitude.
- This phrase is suitable for friends and family members. However, when addressing someone of higher status, such as a boss or teacher, you should use a more formal expression.
- The pronunciation of arigatou is ah-ree-gah-toh.
- In written form, arigatou is ありがとう.
Simply say "domo." Domo is more polite than arigatou but still falls between casual and formal.
- When used alone, domo means "very much" but can also be understood as "Thank you" depending on the context.
- This phrase can be used in polite situations, but if you need to show extreme politeness, a more formal expression is required.
- The pronunciation of domo is doh-moh.
- In written form, it is どうも.
Formal Ways to Say Thank You
Use "arigatou gozaimasu." This phrase means "Thank you very much."
- You can use arigatou gozaimasu with people of higher status, such as bosses, elders, teachers, or strangers who appear to hold a higher position.
- It can also be used to express sincere gratitude respectfully to someone close to you.
- The pronunciation of "arigatou gozaimasu" is "ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs."
- In written form, it is ありがとうございます.
Upgrade to "domo arigatou gozaimasu." This is a more formal version of "Thank you very much."
- Use this phrase with people of higher status or in situations requiring formality. It can also convey deep sincerity to acquaintances.
- The pronunciation is "Doh-moh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mahs."
- In written form, it is どうもありがとうございます.
To express gratitude in the past tense, use "arigatou gozaimashita." If someone has recently helped you, thank them in the past tense by changing the -u at the end of gozaimasu to -ita.
- Pronunciation: "ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mash-ta"
Situational Thank You Phrases
Use "gochisou sama deshita" after a meal. If a host or someone invites you to eat, use this phrase at the end of the meal to show your appreciation.
- At the start of the meal, use "itadakimasu" instead.
- Pronunciation: "Goh-chi-soh sah-mah desh-ta."
At the end of a workday, say "o-tsukaresama deshita." This phrase is equivalent to saying "Thank you for your hard work."
- It implies that the person has worked diligently and deserves rest. It’s a polite way to acknowledge their effort.
- Pronunciation: "Oh-tsu-ka-reh-sah-mah deh-sh-ta."
In Osaka, say "ookini." This is not standard Japanese but a regional expression of gratitude used in and around Osaka.
- Ookini means thank you and can be used at the end of a sentence to show closeness or appreciation to someone familiar.
- Originally used to indicate quantity, it was often paired with arigatou as ookini arigatou, which eventually shortened to ookini.
- Pronunciation: "Oh-kee-nee."
- Written as: おおきに.
Responding to Thank You
Reply with "dou itashi mashite." This phrase works in both casual and formal contexts and translates to "You're welcome."
- Pronunciation: "Doh ee-tah-shee mah-shee-teh."
- Written as: どういたしまして。
- In informal settings, you can replace "dou itashimashite" with "iie," pronounced "ee-eh" and written as いいえ, meaning "no." This conveys "It's nothing" to the person thanking you.
Tips
- Say: "hai domo" (Hai Doh-moh) when receiving something. This phrase can also mean thank you when someone hands you an item or simply express gratitude.
