In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!
Table of Contents
- 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Japanese
- Video Lesson: ARIGATŌ GOZAIMASU or ARIGATŌ GOZAIMASHITA?
- Video Lesson: ARIGATŌ or DŌMO?
- Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
- Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
- How JapanesePod101 Can Help You
So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Japanese? You can learn easily! Below, JapanesePod101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Japanese speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.
1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Japanese
1- Thank you.
ありがとう。
Arigatō.
The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!
2- That’s very kind of you.
ご親切にどうも。
Go-shinsetsu ni dōmo.
This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.
3- Thanks for your kind words!
あなたの親切な言葉に感謝します。
Anata no shinsetsuna kotoba ni kansha shimasu.
Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!
4- Thank you for coming today.
今日は来てくれてありがとう。
kyō wa kite kurete arigatō.
This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Japanese speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Japanese guests!
5- Thank you for your consideration.
ご配慮に感謝します。
gohairyo ni kansha shimasu.
This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.
6- Thanks a lot!
どうもありがとう！
dōmo arigatō!
This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Japanese. Use this in an informal setting with your Japanese friends or teachers.
7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.
あなたのような教師を見つけるのは、簡単ではありません。
anata no yōna kyōshi o mitsukeru no wa kantan dewa arimasen.
Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your JapanesePod101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!
8- Thank you for spending time with us.
私たちと一緒に時間を過ごしてくださり、ありがとうございます。
watashitachi to issho ni jikan o sugoshite kudasari, arigatō gozaimasu.
Any host at a gathering with Japanese speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Japanese language teacher for her time.
9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.
私が上達するように、忍耐強く助けてくださって、ありがとうございます。
watashi ga jōtatsusuru yōni, nintaizuyoku tasukete kudasatte, arigatō gozaimasu.
This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Japanese teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Japan, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!
10- You’re the best teacher ever!
あなたは最高の先生です！
anata wa saikō no sensei desu!
This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!
11- Thank you for the gift.
プレゼントをありがとう。
purezento o arigatō.
This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.
12- I have learned so much thanks to you.
あなたのおかげで、たくさんのことを学びました。
anata no okage de takusan no koto o manabimashita.
What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.
2. Video Lesson: ARIGATŌ GOZAIMASU or ARIGATŌ GOZAIMASHITA?
You can say ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu) when you appreciate someone’s action and want to show her/him your respect. You can use ありがとうございました
(Arigatō gozaimashita) when the action you appreciate is completely finished. Find more details in this Japanese lesson!
For example:
When you host a party and say “Thanks for coming.” to your guests, as in:
– When guests arrive at your place and you say thanks to them:
Arigato gozaimasu.
– When the party/event is over and the guests are leaving the place:
Arigato gozaimashita.
2. Video Lesson: ARIGATŌ or DŌMO?
どうも (Domō) is a very casual, broken way to say thanks and sometimes can be a little rude. ありがとう (Arigatō) is also a casual way to say thank you that is often used between friends. But arigato has higher politeness level than domo, so I’d say using arigato is safer when you meet Japanese friends! Find more details in this Japanese lesson!
4. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Japanese, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Japanese in Japan!
Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!
At JapanesePod101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Japanese that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Japan, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Japanese’ again…!
5. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.
6. Why would JapanesePod101 be the perfect choice to learn Japanese?
However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Japanese – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Japanese friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!
JapanesePod101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases
With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At JapanesePod101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.
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