How to Say ‘Thank you very much.’ in Japanese
ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozai masu
[arigatou gozai masu]
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[arigatou]
thank you
A common expression of thanks. By itself it is casual-polite and warm.
店員さんにありがとうと言います。
I say thank you to the shop staff.
ござい
gozai
[gozai]
to exist; polite auxiliary part
Part of the very polite phrase ありがとうございます.
ございますを入れるともっとていねいです。
Adding 'gozaimasu' makes it more polite.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite ending
Adds formality and politeness to the expression.
ますがあるのでありがとうございますはていねいです。
Because it has 'masu,' 'arigatou gozaimasu' is polite.
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