How do you say "Thank you very much." in Japanese?

"Thank you very much." in Japanese is "ありがとうございます。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "ありがとうございます。" mean in English?

"ありがとうございます。" means "Thank you very much." in English. Usage tip: This is the standard polite thank-you. Safe, useful, and never too much in a restaurant.

🙏✨

How to Say ‘Thank you very much.’ 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: This is the standard polite thank-you. Safe, useful, and never too much in a restaurant.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Customers often use [ありがとうございます] when water, drinks, or menus are brought. It helps interactions feel warm, even when brief.

Phrase Breakdown

ありがとう

arigatou

[ah-ree-gah-toh]

thank you

The core word for thanks in this polite expression.

Example

お会計のあとにありがとうと伝えることがあります。

After payment, there are times we say thank you.

ございます

gozai masu

polite form used after thanks

Adds politeness to ありがとう; together they make ありがとうございます.

Example

ありがとうございます。

Thank you very much.

Words in this phrase

ござい

gozai

[goh-zah-ee]

to be / there is (honorific part)

Makes the whole expression more formal and polite.

Example

ありがとうにございが付くと丁寧になります。

When gozai is added to arigatou, it becomes more polite.

ます

masu

[mahss]

polite verb ending

Adds politeness to set expressions and verbs.

Example

ありがとうございますのますは丁寧な形です。

The masu in arigatou gozaimasu is the polite form.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Custom Scenarios

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”

Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager