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 a polite and standard 'thank you.' It is more polite than casual [ありがとう].
🇯🇵 In Japan: When someone compliments you in Japan, a simple [ありがとうございます。] is the safest and most natural response.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
A common expression of gratitude; more casual by itself, but polite in this full phrase.
ありがとう、とてもうれしいです。
Thank you, I’m very happy.
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; exist politely
Part of the polite expression ございます, which makes thanks more formal.
ございますはていねいないいかたです。
Gozai is part of a polite way of speaking.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Adds politeness to verbs and set expressions like ありがとうございます.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
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