How do you say "Thank you very much (past)" in Japanese?

"Thank you very much (past)" in Japanese is "ありがとうございました". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

How to Say ‘Thank you very much (past)’ in Japanese

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

"ありがとうございました" means "Thank you very much (past)" in English. Usage tip: [ありがとうございました] is the past version of [ありがとうございます], used after the helpful act or transaction is done. That's why shop staff often say it as you leave or after finishing your booking.

ありがとうございました

arigatou gozai mashi ta

[ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai mah-shee tah]

💬 Usage Tip: [ありがとうございました] is the past version of [ありがとうございます], used after the helpful act or transaction is done. That's why shop staff often say it as you leave or after finishing your booking.

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is especially common from staff at the end of a service interaction. It can sound more natural than the non-past form once the booking or purchase is complete.

Phrase Breakdown

ありがとう

arigatou

[ah-ree-gah-toh]

thank you

A basic expression of thanks. In this full phrase, it refers to thanking someone for something that has happened.

Example

ご利用ありがとうございました。

Thank you for using our service.

ございました

gozai mashi ta

were; was (polite past); thank you very much

The polite past form used here to express thanks for something that has already been received or completed.

Example

ごちそうさまでした。ありがとうございました。

Thank you very much for the meal.

Words in this phrase

ござい

gozai

[go-zai]

to be; to exist (very polite)

This polite part adds formality to ありがとう in the past polite phrase.

Example

本日はありがとうございました。

Thank you very much for today.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite past marker

This part helps make the expression past and polite, as in ありがとうございました.

Example

ご予約ありがとうございました。

Thank you for your reservation.

た

[tah]

past tense ending

This final ending completes the polite past form used in formal thanks.

Example

ご来場ありがとうございました。

Thank you for coming.

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