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; polite and friendly.
店員さんにありがとうと言いました。
I said thank you to the shop clerk.
ござい
gozai
[gozai]
to be/exist politely
Part of the polite set phrase ありがとうございます, making it more formal.
ありがとうございますのございは丁寧さを強めます。
The gozai in arigatou gozaimasu adds politeness.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
A polite ending that makes the phrase formal.
ありがとうございますのますは丁寧です。
The masu in arigatou gozaimasu is polite.
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