How to Say ‘Thank you’ in Japanese
ありがとうございます
arigatou gozai masu
[arigatou gozai masu]
💬 Usage Tip: A polite way to say thank you, suitable for most settings.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Use this in formal situations or when communicating with strangers.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[arigatou]
thank you
Expresses gratitude or thanks.
お店が見つかったので、ありがとう。
Thanks for finding the shop.
ございます
gozai masu
polite
A polite continuation of 'thank you'.
こんにちは、ありがとうございます。
Hello, thank you very much.
Words in this phrase
ござい
gozai
[gozai]
is (polite)
A polite form of 'be' or 'exist'.
それがあります。
There is that.
ます
masu
[masu]
ます (politeness suffix)
A suffix that adds politeness.
本を読みます。
I will read a book.
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