🙅🙏

How to Say ‘No, thank you.’ 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]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Answering thanks with thanks is the expected polite reply in Japan, and it's a gentle way to show the date was enjoyable on your side too.

Phrase Breakdown

こちらこそ、

kochira koso

It is I who (should thank you)

こちらこそ (kochira koso) means 'likewise / no, thank YOU'. It is a polite reply to thanks.

Example

こちらこそ、よろしくお願いします。

Likewise, nice to work with you.

Words in this phrase

こちら

kochira

[koh-CHEE-rah]

I; we; our side

Literally 'this side'; politely refers to the speaker or speaker's side.

Example

こちらこそありがとうございます。

Thank you as well, on my part.

こそ

koso

[koh-soh]

indeed; likewise

Emphasizes that the feeling is mutual.

Example

こちらこそ、ありがとうございます。

No, thank you as well.

ありがとうございました。

arigatou gozai mashi ta

thank you

This is the polite past 'thank you'. Keep an even rhythm.

Example

本当にありがとうございました。

Thank you very much.

Words in this phrase

ありがとう

arigatou

[ah-ree-gah-toh]

thank you

A common way to say thank you.

Example

ありがとう、助かります。

Thank you, that helps.

ござい

gozai

[goh-zah-ee]

to exist; polite support word

Part of the polite phrase for thanking someone formally.

Example

本日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございます。

Thank you for giving me your time today.

まし

mashi

[mah-shee]

polite past marker part

まし is part of the polite past ending in ました.

Example

予約をましました。

I made the reservation.

た

[tah]

past tense marker

Indicates past tense.

Example

彼は来た。

He came.

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

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 made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“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