How to Say ‘Thank you.’ in Japanese
ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozai masu
[ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee mahss]
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
A common expression of gratitude, here as the first part of the polite phrase.
席を譲ってもらって、ありがとうと言いました。
After having the seat offered to me, I said, "Thank you."
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; honorific polite part
Part of the very polite expression ありがとうございます.
ご親切にありがとうございます。
Thank you very much for your kindness.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Adds politeness to the expression, making it suitable for strangers.
本当にありがとうございます。
Thank you very much indeed.
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