Arigatou! Thank You in Various Ways in Japanese

Expressing gratitude is an incredibly important aspect of Japanese culture. It is deeply ingrained in their society and plays a significant role in interpersonal relationships. When it comes to saying “thank you” in Japanese, there is a wide range of polite phrases that can be used to convey appreciation, each with its own level of formality and respect.

Let’s delve into the different ways to express gratitude in a polite manner:

Arigatou (ありがとう)

“Arigatou” is a commonly used and casual way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is suitable for expressing gratitude in everyday situations and can be used when showing appreciation to friends, family, or colleagues.

Doumo arigatou (どうもありがとう)

“Doumo arigatou” is also a casual way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is suitable for expressing gratitude in everyday situations.

Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

“Arigatou gozaimasu” is a more formal and polite expression of gratitude. This phrase is typically used when showing appreciation to someone of higher status, such as a supervisor or a client. It conveys a deeper sense of respect and gratitude.

Arigataku zonjimasu (ありがたく存じます)

“Arigataku zonjimasu” is a humble way to express gratitude. It combines the word “arigatai,” meaning “thankful,” with the humble verb “zonjimasu,” which is a respectful way to say “think” or “feel.” This phrase is often used in formal situations or when expressing gratitude to someone of higher authority or seniority.

Makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu (誠にありがとうございます)

“Makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu” is a very formal and respectful way to express gratitude. It combines the words “makoto” (sincerity) and “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you). This phrase is typically used in business settings or when expressing gratitude for a significant favor or help.

Kokoro yori kansha moushiagemasu (心より感謝申し上げます)

“Kokoro yori kansha moushiagemasu” is an even more formal and heartfelt way to express gratitude. It translates to “I express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart.” This phrase conveys a deep level of appreciation and is often used in formal written letters or speeches.

Casual & Rough thank you

Doumo (どうも)

When you are given something casually, you can just say “doumo,” which is a shorter version of “doumo arigatou.” It is super casual, so you can’t use it for seniors and bosses.

Azzassu (あざっす)

“Azassu” is a Japanese slang. The word actually comes from the original “arigatou gozaimasu.” If you try saying it fast, you’ll notice that you’re going to skip some vowels and consonants. That’s how azassu was born. In the same way, saying ”azassu” has a light and casual tone. It can be written as あざーす、あざーっす or あざす. It depends on the length of the vowel you might want to emphasize.

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In conclusion, expressing gratitude in Japanese offers a multitude of options to choose from, depending on the level of formality and respect required. Whether you opt for the casual “arigatou” or the more formal “arigatou gozaimasu,” the key is to genuinely show appreciation and respect to the person you are thanking.

Remember to always consider the appropriate level of formality and choose the right phrase to effectively convey your gratitude.

If you want to learn more about Japanese basic words, refer to the below post.

Japanese Basic Words 100