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]
💬 Usage Tip: [ありがとうございます] is the standard polite “thank you.” It’s safe and professional in interviews.
🇯🇵 In Japan: A small bow while saying [ありがとうございます] is normal in Japan and signals respect—even on video calls.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
Base word meaning 'thanks.' With ございます it becomes polite and formal.
お時間をいただき、ありがとう ございます。
Thank you for your time.
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
(part of polite phrase) goza-i- (from ございます)
Polite element used in set phrases like ありがとうございます. Not usually used alone in conversation.
丁寧に教えていただき、ござい ます。
Thank you for teaching me politely.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending (ます)
Polite ending forming ございます / ありがとうございます.
本日はありがとうございます、と言います。
I say, 'Thank you very much for today.'
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