How to Say ‘(polite) there is/are (used in set phrase ありがとうございます)’ in Japanese
ございます
gozai masu
[goh-zai mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: On its own it’s a very polite verb form, but you’ll mostly meet it in set phrases like [ありがとうございます] (thank you).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Many Japanese polite expressions are “fixed phrases.” You don’t need to analyze every word—memorize the whole chunk for smooth speech.
Phrase Breakdown
ござい
gozai
[goh-zai]
to be; to exist (humble/polite) — part of set phrases
From ございます (polite/humble form of ある). Commonly used in fixed polite expressions like ありがとうございます.
ありがとうございます、と言いました。
I said, “Thank you very much.”
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending (makes a verb formal)
Polite ending used in ございます → ございます. In phrases, it helps create a respectful tone.
おめでとうございます。
Congratulations.
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