How do you say "Thank you very much." in Japanese?

"Thank you very much." in Japanese is "ありがとうございます。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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How to Say ‘Thank you very much.’ in Japanese

Q: What does "ありがとうございます。" mean in English?

"ありがとうございます。" means "Thank you very much." in English. Usage tip: [ありがとうございます] is polite and versatile—great for strangers, station staff, shop employees, etc. You can also say [本当にありがとうございます] to sound extra grateful.

ありがとうございます。

arigatou gozai masu

[ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: [ありがとうございます] is polite and versatile—great for strangers, station staff, shop employees, etc. You can also say [本当にありがとうございます] to sound extra grateful.

🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, thanking someone who gives directions is expected, even for small help. Pair it with a slight bow; it feels natural and respectful.

Phrase Breakdown

ありがとう

arigatou

[ah-ree-gah-toh]

thank you (polite)

The base “thank you,” used with the polite ending ございます. Appropriate when asking strangers for directions.

Example

地下鉄の駅は近いですか、ありがとう。

Is the subway station close? Thank you.

ござい

gozai

[goh-zah-ee]

(polite expression part of ありがとうございます)

A polite set phrase component. Together with ありがとう it makes a more formal “thank you.” Not usually used alone in conversation.

Example

道案内のあとで、ありがとうございますと言いました。

After the directions, I said, “Thank you very much.”

ます

masu

[mahss]

(polite verb ending; “to be” in a set phrase)

Part of the fixed polite expression ございます/ありがとうございます. It adds formality.

Example

駅までの行き方を教えてくれて、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for telling me how to get to the station.

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