How to Say ‘Thank you as well.’ in Japanese

こちらこそ、ありがとうございました。

kochira koso arigatou gozai mashi ta

[koh-chee-rah koh-soh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee mah-shee tah]

💬 Usage Tip: こちらこそ means "it's me who should say that", and you can put it in front of almost any thanks or apology to return it: こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします "likewise, I look forward to working with you". The past form ありがとうございました thanks someone for something that's now finished, like a conversation that's wrapping up.

🇯🇵 In Japan: At a career event, a recruiter will often thank you first for stopping by, and answering with こちらこそ is the polite move. It shows you value their time just as much, rather than simply accepting their thanks.