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

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

🙏

How to Say ‘Thank you.’ 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." in English. Usage tip: Standard polite “thank you.” For extra gratitude: [本当にありがとうございます] “Thank you so much.”

ありがとうございます。

arigatou gozai masu

[ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai mahss]

💬 Usage Tip: Standard polite “thank you.” For extra gratitude: [本当にありがとうございます] “Thank you so much.”

🇯🇵 In Japan: In stations, staff may reply with a nod/bow; you can mirror it lightly—polite but not exaggerated.

Phrase Breakdown

ありがとう

arigatou

[ah-ree-gah-toh]

thank you

“Thank you” part of the polite phrase ありがとうございます, commonly used after receiving directions.

Example

ご親切にありがとうございます。

Thank you for your kindness.

ございます

gozai masu

(polite addition; makes it formal)

Polite verb used in set phrases; with ありがとう it becomes formal: ありがとうございます.

Example

ありがとうございます。うれしいです。

Thank you very much. I’m happy.

Words in this phrase

ござい

gozai

[goh-zai]

(part of) gozaimasu (polite/humble ‘to be’)

Part of ございます, used in set polite expressions. Together with ありがとう, it makes the standard polite “Thank you.”

Example

本当にございます、助かりました。

Thank you very much; that helped me.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite verb ending

Polite ending completing ございます in ありがとうございます. Used when speaking politely to strangers.

Example

ありがとうございます、と言って別れました。

I said thank you and left.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager