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 mahs]
💬 Usage Tip: A very useful polite phrase. [ありがとう] is casual, while [ありがとうございます] is more polite and perfect when meeting people at the clubhouse.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, a warm [ありがとうございます] goes a long way with golf staff, playing partners, and anyone who helps you before the round.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
A common casual base form of thanks, often used inside the more polite expression ありがとうございます.
ご案内をありがとう。
Thank you for the guidance.
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
honorable/polite auxiliary part
Part of the polite expression ございます, which adds formality and politeness to words like ありがとう.
本日はありがとうございまして、うれしいです。
Thank you very much for today; I am happy.
ます
masu
[mahs]
polite verb ending
A very common polite ending used in Japanese sentences and verbs, including ございます.
こちらで待ちます。
I will wait here.
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