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 the standard polite way to say thank you. Great for speaking to drivers, hotel staff, and station staff.
🇯🇵 In Japan: A polite thank-you goes a long way in Japan, and staff may reply with another polite phrase right away.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
A common expression of gratitude. With ございます, it becomes more polite.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
ございます
gozai masu
thank you very much
Adds politeness to ありがとう, making the expression formal and courteous.
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 / honorific part
Part of the polite phrase ありがとうございます, adding formality and respect.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending
A polite ending used in formal speech and set expressions.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
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