How to Say ‘Thank you.’ in Japanese
ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozai masu
[arigatou gozai masu]
🇯🇵 In Japan: This is the standard polite thank-you you'd say to medical staff, shop staff, or strangers. In a clinic, it's natural both when they help you and when you're leaving.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[arigatou]
thank you
A common expression of thanks. In polite speech it is often part of ありがとうございます.
手伝ってくれてありがとう。
Thank you for helping me.
ござい
gozai
[gozai]
to be; to exist (honorific stem)
Part of the polite expression ございます, which adds formality.
本日はありがとうございます。
Thank you very much for today.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
A polite verb ending used in formal speech.
いつもありがとうございます。
Thank you always.
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