- 1. What Does Arigatō Gozaimasu Mean?
- 2. How to Say Thank You in Japanese (5 Common Ways)
- 3. Politeness Levels in Japanese Thank-You Expressions
- 4. How to Pronounce Arigatō Gozaimasu Correctly
- 5. Cultural Insights on Saying Thank You in Japan
- 6. Other Ways to Express Thanks in Nihongo
- FAQs About Arigatō Gozaimasu
- Author
1. What Does Arigatō Gozaimasu Mean?
1-1 The Direct Translation of Arigatō
Japanese doesn’t have a perfect one-word match for the English “thank you,” but arigatō (ありがとう) comes closest. Etymologically it stems from the classical adjective arigatashi (有り難し / ありがたし, “rare” or “hard to exist”)*, implying that someone’s kindness is a precious thing. In modern usage, arigatō on its own is a friendly, everyday “thanks.”
* Source: 語源由来辞典 有り難う／ありがとう Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://gogen-yurai.jp/arigatou/
1-2 Adding Politeness with Gozaimasu
Attach the auxiliary verb / 補助動詞 gozaimasu (ございます) and the tone elevates instantly. Gozaimasu is the polite, present-tense form of gozaru, an honorific verb meaning “to be.”
By pairing it with arigatō, you acknowledge the other person’s favor with extra respect—roughly like shifting from “thanks” to “thank you very much” while adding a subtle bow. Written in kana it’s ありがとうございます; in romaji, arigatō gozaimasu.
1-3 When to Use Arigatō vs. Arigatō Gozaimasu
| Situation | Recommended Phrase | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Friends, family, colleagues of equal rank | Arigatō | Casual, warm, no hierarchy gap |
| Store staff, waiters, acquaintances, strangers | Arigatō gozaimasu | Default polite form—safe in 95 % of public interactions |
| Superiors, teachers, clients, formal speeches | Arigatō gozaimasu or Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu, hontō ni arigatō gozaimasu | Adds emphasis plus politeness for high-respect settings (どうも、ほんとうに) |
Quick rule of thumb: if you’re unsure, use arigatō gozaimasu. It’s never too formal, and Japanese listeners will appreciate the courtesy.
2. How to Say Thank You in Japanese (5 Common Ways)
2-1 Arigatō (ありがとう)
A friendly, everyday “thanks.” Use it with friends, family, or coworkers of equal rank.
手伝ってくれてありがとう！
Tetsudatte kurete arigatō! — “Thanks for helping me!”
* V-て + くれる (e.g. 手伝ってくれる) form tells us that someone performed an action for your benefit, often with a nuance of appreciation or gratitude. If you want to learn more, see this article: How to Use V-te Kureru (V-て くれる) in Japanese | Expressing Kind Actions Toward You
2-2 Arigatō Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
The default polite form—safe in shops, restaurants, and most public interactions. Slight bow optional but appreciated.
道を教えてくださってありがとうございます。
Michi o oshiete kudasatte arigatō gozaimasu. — “Thank you for giving me directions.”
2-3 Dōmo Arigatō Gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)
Adds dōmo (“very” / “indeed”) for extra gratitude. Ideal for superiors, clients, or when someone goes out of their way.
本日はお越しくださり、どうもありがとうございます。
Honjitsu wa okoshi kudasari, dōmo arigatō gozaimasu. — “Thank you very much for coming today.”
2-4 Dōmo (どうも) — Casual Thanks
A quick, breezy “thanks!”—similar to a simple “thanks” or “cheers.” Great when a barista hands you coffee or a colleague passes the stapler. Avoid in formal settings.
どうも！ — “Thanks!”
2-5 Osoreirimasu & Other Formal Variations
Osoreirimasu (恐れ入ります) and phrases like kansha itashimasu convey deep humility and are reserved for highly formal contexts—customer-service calls, written business correspondence, or addressing VIPs. As a traveler or casual learner, you’ll rarely need them, but recognizing them helps you gauge politeness in Japanese media.
| Phrase | Politeness Level | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Arigatō | Casual | Friends, peers |
| Dōmo | Casual-lite | Quick, minor favors |
| Arigatō Gozaimasu | Polite (default) | Stores, strangers, service staff |
| Dōmo Arigatō Gozaimasu | Extra-polite | Clients, seniors, gifts |
| Osoreirimasu / other honorific forms | Ultra-formal | High-level business, ceremonies |
Pro Tip: If you’re ever unsure, choose arigatō gozaimasu—it’s polite enough for almost any situation without sounding stiff.
3. Politeness Levels in Japanese Thank-You Expressions
3-1 Casual vs. Polite vs. Honorific Speech
Japanese has a built-in social ladder:
| Level | Typical Phrases | Who You Say It To |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | ありがとう / どうも | Close friends, family, equals |
| Polite | ありがとうございます / どうもありがとうございます | Strangers, store staff, teachers |
| Honorific | 恐れ入ります・誠にありがとうございます | Clients, VIPs, formal ceremonies |
Think of it as concentric circles: the farther someone is from your inner circle—or the higher their status—the more formality you add.
3-2 Why Adding Gozaimasu Shows Respect
Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) is an expression that combines arigatō, which conveys gratitude and thanks to someone, with the auxiliary verb gozaimasu (ございます). Gozaimasu is the polite form of the verb aru (ある, to be).
By appending gozaimasu to arigatō, you upgrade a simple “thanks” to a respectful acknowledgment of the other person’s effort. It signals:
- Gratitude – you value what was done.
- Humility – you place yourself slightly lower in the social hierarchy.
- Professionalism – you’re aware of Japanese etiquette.
3-3 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make
- Over-formalizing everyday exchanges. Dropping osore irimasu (恐れ入ります) for a tiny favor may feel excessive—use when someone goes the extra mile.
- Pronouncing gozaimasu with strong English stress, like “go-ZAI-mas.” Japanese pitch is generally flatter. Aim for an even rhythm across each syllable, as explained in the pronunciation section.
Master these nuances and your Japanese gratitude will land naturally every time.
4. How to Pronounce Arigatō Gozaimasu Correctly
4-1 English Phonetic Breakdown
| Kana | IPA | Rough English Cue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| あ | a | “ah” (open) | Short, not “uh” |
| り | ɾi | “dee” with a single-tap r/d | Tongue taps once—like the American tt in “better” |
| が | ɡa | “gah” | Hard g |
| と | to | “toh” | Short o, no glide |
| う | : | (silent) | Elongates the o before it → tō |
| ご | ɡo | “go” | Hard g |
| ざ | za | “zah” | Voiced z |
| い | i | “ee” | Short, crisp |
| ま | ma | “mah” | Open a |
| す | sɯ | “s” + almost-silent u | Whisper the u (lips unrounded) |
Full IPA: [a.ɾi.ɡa.toː ɡo.za.i.ma.sɯ]
Romaji with length mark: arigatō gozaimasu
4-2 Tips to Sound Natural (American vs. Japanese Accent)
| Element | Common American Slip | Japanese Target | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-sound | English “r” (tongue curled) | Single tap /ɾ/ | Flick the tip against the ridge once. |
| Long ō | “toh” + extra “o” (toh-oh) | Sustained vowel (toː) | Hold the o for one beat, no second syllable. |
| Final su | “soo” | s + whispered u | Relax lips, voice off; think “ssss” with a ghost u. |
| Stress pattern | Heavy stress on “GA” or “MAS” | Even mora timing | Count five beats: a-ri-ga-tō |
4-3 Audio Examples and Practice Exercises
Native audio
Shadowing exercise
- Play the native clip.
- Repeat aloud.
- Record yourself on your phone; compare waveforms to check timing.
Accent switch-up
- Say the phrase first with your natural English rhythm.
- Immediately repeat in even Japanese beats.
- Notice how the latter feels flatter but clearer to Japanese ears.
5. Cultural Insights on Saying Thank You in Japan
5-1 Why Gratitude Is Essential in Japanese Society
Japanese communication revolves around maintaining wa (和, social harmony). Expressing thanks—verbally and non-verbally—acknowledges another person’s effort and reinforces the give-and-take that keeps relationships smooth. From a cashier handing back change to a coworker covering a shift, a clear arigatō gozaimasu signals:
- Recognition – you noticed the favor.
- Humility – you place yourself slightly below the giver, avoiding arrogance.
- Reciprocity – you’re now poised to “return the favor” (okaeshi) when the chance arises.
Failing to show gratitude can feel like ignoring social debt—something Japanese etiquette strives to avoid.
5-2 Situations Where “Thank You” Isn’t Enough
Sometimes words alone don’t cover the cultural expectation of repayment:
| Scenario | Beyond Arigatō | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A colleague spends hours helping you finish a project | Buy them a cup of coffee, or treat them to lunch another day. | Tangible gesture balances the effort they invested. |
| Someone hosts you overnight | Send a thank-you card or follow-up message, plus a souvenir | Shows ongoing appreciation after the favor ends. |
| Senior pays for dinner | After the dinner, send a thank-you message via email or a messaging service. Alternatively, thank them again for coming yesterday when you see them again the next day at work, etc. | In Japan, there is a culture of seniority in which those in higher positions treat their subordinates to meals. Although you are not required to pay for your boss’s meal the next time you eat together, it is considered polite to show your appreciation. |
5-3 Bowing Etiquette When Saying Arigatō
When expressing gratitude, people sometimes bow. Bows vary by depth and context:
| Bow Type | Angle | Pair With |
|---|---|---|
| Eshaku (会釈) | 15° | Casual arigatō to peers or store staff / casual greetings used in everyday life |
| Keirei (敬礼) | 30° | Arigatō gozaimasu to teachers, managers / Greetings that show respect for the other person |
| Saikeirei (最敬礼) | 45° | Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu to VIPs, formal apologies / A greeting used when you want to convey your feelings deeply to the other person. |
From a casual 15° bow to a deep 45° bow, the angle you choose reflects the level of respect or gratitude you wish to convey.
Tips:
- Keep your back straight, eyes down.
- Bow before finishing the phrase, not after; speech overlaps the downward motion.
- Hands: Men should keep their hands at their sides. Women usually clasp their hands in front.
Mastering verbal thanks plus the right bow elevates your etiquette from polite tourist to culturally savvy communicator.
6. Other Ways to Express Thanks in Nihongo
6-1 Kansha shimasu（感謝します） – “I appreciate it.”
Literally “I express appreciation.” It sounds formal or written, similar to “I’m grateful.” In everyday speech, ありがとうございます is more common; use 感謝しています or 本当に感謝しています when you want to stress ongoing gratitude.
いつもサポートしてくださって、感謝しています。
(To his senior or boss) I truly appreciate your continued support.
Business/writing variants: 感謝いたします／感謝申し上げます (very formal, humble).
6-2 Sumimasen（すみません） as “Thanks” and “Sorry”
Sumimasen is an apology that doubles as thanks when someone goes out of their way for you—think “Sorry to trouble you—and thank you.” Use it when you caused a small inconvenience or are requesting help.
手伝っていただけますか？
Could you help me?
いいですよ。
Sure.
すみません、ありがとうございます！
Thank you—really appreciate it!
Tip: Gomen nasai（ごめんなさい） is a pure apology, rarely used as “thanks.”
6-3 Informal Slang: Sankyū（サンキュー）
A casual borrowing of “thank you.” You’ll hear it among friends or in playful contexts. Avoid with strangers or in formal situations.
このノート、教室に忘れてたよ。
You left this notebook in the classroom.
サンキュー！助かったよ。
Thanks! You saved me.
6-4 30 Other Ways to Say “Thank You”
A mix of casual, polite, and business-ready options (romaji + kana):
- Dōmo（どうも）— “thanks.”
- Dōmo arigatō（どうもありがとう）— “thanks a lot.”
- Hontō ni arigatō（本当にありがとう）— “really, thanks.”
- Hontō ni arigatō gozaimasu（本当にありがとうございます）— “thank you so much.”
- Makoto ni arigatō gozaimasu（誠にありがとうございます）— sincerely, thank you (business).
- Kokoro kara kansha shimasu（心から感謝します）— “I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.”
- Kokoro yori kansha mōshiagemasu（心より感謝申し上げます）— very formal/written.
- Kansha itashimasu（感謝いたします）— humble, formal.
- Kansha mōshiagemasu（感謝申し上げます）— formal/written.
- Osoreirimasu（恐れ入ります）— “Much obliged” (service/business).
- Kyōshuku desu（恐縮です）— “I’m obliged; thank you” (humble).
- Arigatō, tasukarimasu（ありがとう、助かります）— “Thanks, that helps.”
- Tasukarimashita（助かりました）— “That really helped, thank you.”
- Ōtasukari desu（大助かりです）— “That’s a big help.”
- Goshinsetsu ni arigatō gozaimasu（ご親切にありがとうございます）— thanks for your kindness.
- Gohairyo arigatō gozaimasu（ご配慮ありがとうございます）— thank you for your consideration.
- Okizukai arigatō gozaimasu（お気遣いありがとうございます）— thanks for your thoughtfulness.
- Itsumo arigatō gozaimasu（いつもありがとうございます）— thanks as always.
- Itsumo kansha shiteimasu（いつも感謝しています）— I always appreciate you.
- Arigatō ne（ありがとうね）— friendly “thanks.”
- Arigatō na（ありがとな）— casual/masculine “thanks.”
- Arigatō, tasukatta（ありがとう、助かった）— “Thanks, you saved me.”
- Sumimasen (deshita)（すみません／すみませんでした）— “Thank you (and sorry for the trouble).”
- Dōmo sumimasen（どうもすみません）— “I’m very sorry/thank you” for the trouble.
- Goteinei ni arigatō gozaimasu（ご丁寧にありがとうございます）— thank you for your courtesy.
- Gorenraku arigatō gozaimasu（ご連絡ありがとうございます）— thanks for getting in touch.
- Go-henshin arigatō gozaimasu（ご返信ありがとうございます）— thanks for your reply.
- Okoshi itadaki arigatō gozaimasu（お越しいただきありがとうございます）— thanks for coming.
- Ojikan o itadaki arigatō gozaimasu（お時間をいただきありがとうございます）— thanks for your time.
- Osewa ni natte orimasu / narimashita（お世話になっております／なりました）— business set phrase expressing ongoing/previous support (polite gratitude).
Usage note: In conversation, you can often stack expressions for warmth and clarity, e.g., すみません、ありがとうございます。助かりました。Sumimasen, arigatō gozaimasu. Tasukarimashita. — “Thank you—sorry for the trouble. That really helped.”
FAQs About Arigatō Gozaimasu
- QIs “Domo Arigato” Really Used in Japan?
- A
Yes—どうもありがとう (dōmo arigatō) means “thanks a lot.” It’s natural but a bit emphatic; many speakers simply use ありがとう (casual) or ありがとうございます (polite). For extra-polite settings, どうもありがとうございます (dōmo arigatō gozaimasu) is safer than stopping at dōmo arigatō.
- QWhat’s the Difference Between Arigatō and Dōmo?
- A
ありがとう (arigatō) = “thank you.” どうも (dōmo) = an adverb meaning “very/indeed,” or a super-casual standalone “thanks.” Combine them to intensify:
- どうも → breezy “thanks”
- どうもありがとう → “thanks a lot” (casual)
- どうもありがとうございます → “thank you very much” (polite)
- QCan I Just Say “Arigato” to Anyone?
- A
Not quite. Use ありがとう with friends/peers. With strangers, staff, teachers, or elders, default to ありがとうございます. When in doubt, choose the polite form—never too formal and always appreciated.
- QHow Do You Say “Thank You Very Much” in Japanese?
- A
Several natural options, from everyday to formal:
- どうもありがとうございます (dōmo arigatō gozaimasu) — very polite, widely used.
- 本当にありがとうございます (hontō ni arigatō gozaimasu) — “thank you so much, truly.”
- For casual emphasis with friends: どうもありがとう (dōmo arigatō).
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