Whether you’re planning to travel to Japan, learning Japanese for personal or professional reasons, or just interested in Japanese culture, expressing gratitude is a vital aspect of building and maintaining relationships.
ありがとう (Arigatou) is the most common and basic way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is used in both formal and informal situations and is appropriate for all ages.
In this article, we’ll explore various ways to say “thank you” in Japanese, from the most basic to the more nuanced expressions.
Common phrases for “thank you” in the Japanese Language
In Japanese, there are several ways to express gratitude, depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and the listener. Here are some of the most common phrases for saying “thank you” in Japanese:
- ありがとう (Arigatou) – Thank you
This is the most common and basic way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is used in both formal and informal situations and is appropriate for all ages. - ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you
This phrase is a more polite and formal way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is suitable for expressing gratitude in professional and formal settings. - どうもありがとう (Doumo arigatou) – Thank you very much
This phrase is an even more emphatic way of saying “thank you” in Japanese. It is often used when the speaker wants to express their appreciation in a heartfelt manner.
Casual ways to say “thank you” in Japanese
In addition to the common phrases mentioned above, here are some quick and informal ways to express thanks in Japanese that can be used in most daily conversations:
どうも (Domo) – This is another casual way of saying thank you. It’s often used among colleagues at the same level.
さんきゅ (Sankyuu) – This phrase is the direct phonic translation of “thank you” in English and is often used in text messages or online chats.
Formal ways to say “thank you” in Japanese
If you want to express your gratitude in a more formal way, here are some additional phrases to consider:
大変お世話になりました (Taihen osewa ni narimashita) – Thank you for all the work you have given me
This phrase is a formal way of expressing gratitude to someone who has helped you. It can be translated as “Thank you very much for all you have done for me.”
心から感謝しています (Kokoro kara kansha shiteimasu) – I am grateful from my heart
This phrase conveys heartfelt gratitude and can be used in both written and spoken Japanese.
How to say thank you in the Japanese workplace?
When saying thank you in the workplace, it’s important to pay attention to the tone and level of formality. Using the appropriate level of politeness is crucial in Japanese culture to show respect to others. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of formality, particularly when dealing with superiors or clients.
Here are some ways to say thank you in the Japanese workplace:
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – Thank you
This is the most common and formal way to say thank you. It’s appropriate to use when expressing gratitude to a boss, senior colleagues, or clients.
どうも (Domo) – Thx
This is a casual way of saying thank you, and it’s often used among colleagues or in situations where a formal tone is not necessary. It’s a shortened form of arigatou and can be used on its own or followed by other phrases such as arigatou gozaimasu.
おそれいります(Osore irimasu) – Excuse me
This is a more formal and polite way of expressing thanks, often used when receiving a gift or when someone has gone out of their way to help you.
お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu) – Thank you for your hard work
This expression is used to thank someone for their hard work. It is commonly used in the workplace to express appreciation to coworkers or employees.
How to say thank you to someone older or senior than you in Japanese?
In Japanese culture, showing respect to people who are older or senior than you is highly valued. This is also reflected in the language and how you express gratitude towards them. When saying thank you to someone older or senior, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Use it with a title
Firstly, it is important to use more polite language than you would with someone of the same age or younger. The most common way to say thank you in this context is ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu), which is a formal and respectful way to express gratitude.
Additionally, it is polite to use honorific titles such as 先生 (Sensei) for a teacher or mentor, or おじさん (Ojisan) or おばさん (Obasan) for an older man or woman respectively.
Bow to show respect
Finally, it is also appropriate to bow as a sign of respect when saying thank you to someone who is older or senior to you. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of respect being shown.
By using these phrases and gestures, you can show your gratitude and respect to those who are older or senior to you in Japanese culture.
FAQs
What is the most polite way to say thank you in Japanese?
The most polite way to say thank you in Japanese is ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu).
How do you reply to Arigato?
You can reply to Arigato with どういたしまして (Douitashimashite), which means “you’re welcome” in a polite way.
Is Domo Arigato rude?
どうもありがとう (Domo arigato) is not necessarily rude, but it is more commonly used in casual situations.
What is common Japanese slang for thank you?
A common Japanese slang for thank you is さんきゅ (Sankyuu), which is a tonal translation of “thank you” in English. Or you may also use どうも (Domo), which is often used in the workplace.