Have you ever wondered how to say thank you in Japanese the right way?
You’re not alone! Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, watching your favorite anime, or simply want to impress a Japanese friend, knowing how to express gratitude properly can make all the difference.
This article is written just for you — someone who loves learning languages and wants to sound polite, natural, and confident.
Let’s explore all the beautiful ways to say “thank you” in Japanese and understand when to use each one. 🌸
The Most Common Way to Say “Thank You” | ありがとう (Arigatou)
The word ありがとう (arigatou) is the most common and friendly way to say thank you in Japanese.
Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh
It’s used with friends, family, or anyone close to you. Just like in English, tone matters — a cheerful “Arigatou!” feels warm and sincere.
Example:
友だちにプレゼントをもらいました。ありがとう！
Tomodachi ni purezento o moraimashita. Arigatou!
I received a gift from my friend. Thank you! 🎁
When You Need to Be More Polite | ありがとうございます (Arigatou Gozaimasu)
If you want to be more respectful — like when talking to strangers, teachers, or coworkers — use ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu).
Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas
This phrase adds a layer of politeness and is perfect for everyday interactions in Japan.
Example:
店員さんに：ありがとうございます！
Ten’in-san ni: Arigatou gozaimasu!
To a shop clerk: Thank you very much! 🛍️
Super Formal “Thank You” | ありがとうございました (Arigatou Gozaimashita)
Now here’s something interesting — the past tense form, ありがとうございました, means “thank you (for what you did)” and shows deep appreciation.
Pronunciation: ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-ma-shta
Use it after someone has already done something kind or helped you.
Example:
昨日は手伝ってくれてありがとうございました。
Kinō wa tetsudatte kurete arigatou gozaimashita.
Thank you for helping me yesterday. 🙏
Cute & Casual Thanks | どうも (Doumo) or どうもありがとう (Doumo Arigatou)
When you’re talking casually with friends, you can say どうも (doumo), which means “thanks” or “thanks a lot.”
Combine it with arigatou to make it more expressive: どうもありがとう (“Thanks so much!”).
Pronunciation: doh-mo / doh-mo ah-ree-gah-toh
Example:
あ！お菓子？どうも！
Ah! Okashi? Doumo!
Oh! Snacks? Thanks! 🍪
Expressing Deep Gratitude | 感謝します (Kansha Shimasu)
Want to express a truly heartfelt thank you? Say 感謝します (kansha shimasu) — it means “I deeply appreciate it” or “I’m grateful.”
Pronunciation: kahn-shah shee-mahs
You’ll hear this in formal speeches or when writing thank-you letters.
Example:
ご協力に感謝します。
Gokyōryoku ni kansha shimasu.
I appreciate your cooperation. 💐
Cultural Tip 🌏
In Japan, saying thank you isn’t just about words — it’s about respect and humility. Often, Japanese people will slightly bow while saying arigatou or arigatou gozaimasu. The deeper or longer the bow, the greater the gratitude.
Follow Up Phrases After “Thank You”
After saying thank you, you might want to continue the conversation politely. Here are a few useful follow-up phrases:
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
| You’re welcome | どういたしまして | Dou itashimashite |
| How are you? | お元気ですか？ | O-genki desu ka? |
| Goodbye | さようなら | Sayounara |
| See you later | またね | Mata ne |
| Sorry/Excuse me | すみません | Sumimasen |
Just like in English, these keep your conversations warm and natural.
Fun Fact 🎌
Did you know? The phrase arigatou comes from the old Japanese word arigatai, which means “rare” or “precious.” So when you say arigatou, you’re literally saying, “What you did is rare and precious to me.” Isn’t that beautiful? 💖
Conclusion 🌸
Now you know several ways to say thank you in Japanese — from casual doumo to polite arigatou gozaimasu. Practice them often, listen to how native speakers use them, and soon it’ll feel natural to express gratitude like a true local. So next time someone helps you, smile and say with confidence: ありがとう！ 🇯🇵
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