When a person expresses the word thank you, it is because they are grateful for something, that is, because they have some gratitude. It is something used for education in most languages. In this article we will focus on how to say thank you in Japanese, where we find that certain phrases are more formal and others that are only expressed in some specific situations.
The words of thanks are the first ones that you should learn along with the greetings: Although Japan is a place with a very high population, that doesn’t mean they stop being polite; It is important to express thanks when someone does something that is kind or nice to you, for example if they help you with an address, if they open a door for you, if they deliver a service, among others; There is something very important in this language and it is the expression you make with your face, which must match the words of thanks, otherwise you could be transmitting your thanks with an offense. In Japan, conveying the word thank you has several levels.
What do you need to say thank you in Japanese?
Want to learn to say thank you in Japanese.
Instructions for saying thank you in Japanese
- Formal form: Domo arigatou (doh-moh ah-ree-gah-toh.) (どうも有難う.) –Pronounce it as you are reading it and use it in those situations where you see that the person is doing something for you, for example if you receive a gift, if someone calls you just to see if you are okay, invites you to their home or some specific event (in a way when you see that what he is doing for you costs him money or time). Remember what we said, that the expression along with the words is very important, so for example if someone gives you a gift, accompany it with a bow. As you can see, it is for special situations, so this word should not be used on a daily basis, the person could feel that you are really giving more thanks than necessary and it is not well seen either. Although it really turns out to be a colloquial version, which would mean thank you very much, informal greeting. You can use this form of expression with your co-workers and friends, but it is not recommended that you do it with people who have more authority, rank or status than you, nor in very formal situations.
- Informal form: Arigatou ( ah-ree-gah-toh.) (ありがとう or 有難う) Remember to read it as it is written, this is a way to be kind and courteous to other people, it is for situations that you may experience daily, for example when someone helps you find an address in case you are lost or left an object on a table in a public place and someone reaches out to tell you. You must say this expression looking into the eyes of people. In other words, use it when someone has a kind and considerate gesture towards you. Use this expression with family and friends or with people who are in your same status or level.
- Informal form 2: domo ( doh-moh.) (どうも) The meaning of this word when it goes alone is really “somehow”, but it can also mean “thank you” depending on the context in which it is used. It is a bit more formal than Arigatou.
- Very formal form: arigatou gozaimasu ( ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mas) (有難う 御座います) its meaning would be greatly appreciated; use this word with people who have a higher status or rank than you, or people who command respect like older adults; It’s not really the way to express yourself to friends as it is too polite and shows a lot of respect, although if you want to express a very formal thank you to a friend for something specific, you can do it.
- Very formal form 2: domo arigatou gozaimasu (‘»doh-moh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-sah-ee-mas) (どうも 有難う 御座います) This greeting is even more formal than the previous one; Use it with people who have a higher status than you belong to, in situations that you see as very formal or when you want to give someone a very deep thank you, even a friend or family member.
- Thank you in the past tense:if someone had a nice gesture with you in the past, you should change the sentence to ( «arigatou gozaimashita) ( ah-ree-gah-toh go-za-ee-ma-shi-tah ), this word also It can be used as a way of saying goodbye, for example when you pay for something in a business and you’re leaving, it’s like saying goodbye and thank you very much for everything.
- Specific form: use ( gochisou sama deshita) (goh-chee-soh sah-mah deh-shee-tah) in circumstances that are very specific, for example if someone invited you to a dinner, you can express yourself with these words when you finish eat, you will be telling him that you are grateful and you have gratitude. At the beginning of dinner, express yourself with the word “itadakimasu”.