10 Essential Phrases to Say Thank You in Japanese

The Polite “Domo Arigatou”

This expression is the most formal and polite way to say “thank you” in Japanese. It is commonly used in situations where you want to show your utmost gratitude, such as when someone has done a major favor for you or gone out of their way to help you.

Pronunciation

The pronunciation of “domo arigatou” is as follows:

The “u” sound in “domo” is pronounced with a short, clipped sound, similar to the “u” in “hut”. The “o” sound in “gozaimasu” is pronounced with a long, drawn-out sound, similar to the “o” in “boat”.

It is important to note that the pronunciation of “domo arigatou” may vary slightly depending on the region of Japan you are in.

The Humble “Osoreirimasu”

When expressing gratitude in Japanese, it’s crucial to use polite language that reflects the depth of your appreciation. One way to convey your sincerity is through the phrase “osoreirimasu,” which means “I am humbled.” This expression is particularly appropriate in formal settings or when you want to convey your utmost gratitude.

The word “osoreru” (おそれる) in “osoreirimasu” literally means “to fear” or “to be in awe of.” By using this expression, you are acknowledging the kindness or generosity of the person you’re thanking and expressing your profound respect for them. It’s as if you’re saying that their actions have left you feeling humbled and unworthy of their attention.

Variations and Usage

“Osoreirimasu” can be used in a variety of situations to express gratitude. Here’s a table with some common usage examples:

When using “osoreirimasu,” it’s important to speak with a respectful tone of voice and maintain good posture. This will help convey your sincere appreciation and show respect for the person you’re thanking.

The Informal “Doe” or “Doumo”

For everyday situations, you can use the informal “doe” (pronounced “doe-eh”) or “doumo” (pronounced “doh-moh”). These expressions are similar in meaning to “thanks” or “thank you” but are more casual and informal, suitable for use with friends, family, and acquaintances.

Here’s a breakdown of when to use “doe” and “doumo”:

When using “doe” or “doumo,” make sure to use the appropriate level of politeness based on the situation and the person you’re speaking to. For example, if you’re thanking someone for a small favor or gesture, “doe” would be appropriate. If you’re thanking someone for a significant act of kindness or help, “doumo” would be more polite.

Remember, “doe” and “doumo” are informal expressions, so they should not be used in formal or business settings.

The Youthful “Tanks”

Amongst the younger generation in Japan, a slang term has emerged as a casual way to express gratitude: “tanks.” This informal variation of the traditional “arigatou” is often used in casual settings, particularly among friends and in social media contexts. It conveys a sense of gratitude but with a more youthful and relaxed tone.

The origin of “tanks” is believed to be related to the English word “thanks,” which is also commonly used in Japanese youth culture. By adopting a similar sound, Japanese youth have created a slang term that reflects their modern and international outlook while still maintaining a connection to the traditional expression of gratitude.

While “tanks” is widely accepted among younger generations, it is important to use it appropriately, as it may not be suitable in formal or professional settings. When in doubt, it is always safer to opt for the more traditional “arigatou” to avoid any misunderstandings.

The Regional “Okin” (Okinawa)

In the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, a unique pronunciation of “thank you” exists: “ogimi.” This form is primarily used on the island of Okinawa and is distinct from the standard Japanese pronunciation. It is believed that “ogimi” originated from the Okinawan language, which has its own distinct vocabulary and grammar. While “ogimi” is less common in mainland Japan, it is still recognized as a valid expression of gratitude in the Okinawa region.

Here are some additional details about the regional pronunciation “okin”:

It is important to note that “okin” is a more casual and informal way of saying “thank you” in Okinawa. In formal settings or when addressing someone with respect, it is more appropriate to use the standard Japanese pronunciation, “arigatou.” However, “okin” is widely accepted and used in everyday conversations among locals.

When visiting Okinawa, it is perfectly acceptable to use “okin” when expressing gratitude. The locals will appreciate your effort to embrace their regional dialect and customs.

The Respectful “Kansha Itashimasu”

For a more formal expression of gratitude, use “kansha itashimasu.” This phrase is commonly used in business settings, when speaking to elders, or in any situation where you want to show utmost respect.

To pronounce “kansha itashimasu” correctly, follow these steps:

1. Ka: Pronounce “ka” like the “a” in “cat.”

2. N: Pronounce “n” like the “n” in “no.”

3. Sha: Pronounce “sha” like the “sha” in “shadow.”

4. I: Pronounce “i” like the “ee” in “feet.”

5. Ta: Pronounce “ta” like the “ta” in “table.”

6. Shi: Pronounce “shi” like the “shi” in “ship.”

7. Ma: Pronounce “ma” like the “ma” in “mama.”

8. Su: Pronounce “su” like the “su” in “sushi.”

Here’s a table summarizing the pronunciation:

The Emotional “Sugoi Arigatou Gozaimasu”

When you want to express extreme gratitude or appreciation in Japanese, you can use the phrase “sugoi arigatou gozaimasu.” This phrase is more emphatic than the standard “arigatou gozaimasu” and conveys a sense of awe or admiration.

The word “sugoi” is an adjective that means “amazing,” “great,” or “wonderful.” When used in conjunction with “arigatou gozaimasu,” it intensifies the expression of thanks and indicates that you are truly overwhelmed by the kindness or generosity of the other person.

Here are some examples of how to use “sugoi arigatou gozaimasu” in different situations:

When saying “sugoi arigatou gozaimasu,” it is important to speak with a sincere and heartfelt tone. The phrase should convey your genuine appreciation and gratitude for the other person’s kindness.

Tips for Proper Pronunciation

1. Start with a Clear “Arigato”

The first syllable, “ari,” is pronounced with a short “a” sound, similar to the “a” in “cat.” The “ri” is a short “i” sound, like the “i” in “sit.”

2. Roll the “R” Gently

The “r” in “arigato” is a rolled “r,” similar to the Spanish “r.” Roll your tongue slightly as you pronounce it.

3. Pronounce “Gozaimasu” with a Formal Tone

The second part of the phrase, “gozaimasu,” is often pronounced with a formal and polite tone. The “go” is pronounced with a long “o” sound.

4. Emphasize the Second Syllable

The second syllable, “zai,” is the stressed syllable in “gozaimasu.” Pronounce it with a slightly stronger emphasis.

5. Drop the “U” in “Gozaimasu”

When speaking informally, you can drop the “u” sound in “gozaimasu.” This makes the phrase sound more casual.

6. Connect the Two Parts of the Phrase

When pronouncing “arigato gozaimasu,” connect the two parts of the phrase smoothly. Avoid pausing between them.

7. Adjust Your Tone of Voice

The tone of voice you use can convey different meanings. A polite and respectful tone is appropriate in formal settings, while a more casual tone is suitable for informal situations.

8. Practice Regularly

The best way to improve your pronunciation is to practice regularly. Repeat the phrase out loud until it becomes natural to you.

9. Listen to Native Speakers

Listening to native Japanese speakers pronounce “arigato gozaimasu” can help you hear the correct pronunciation and intonation.

10. Additional Pronunciation Tips:

How To Pronounce Thank You In Japanese

The Japanese language has a variety of ways to express gratitude, with the most common being “arigatou” (pronounced ah-ree-gah-toh). This word can be used in a variety of situations, from formal to informal, and is appropriate for both men and women.

To pronounce “arigatou” correctly, start by saying “ah” as in the word “father”. Next, say “ree” as in the word “tree”. Then, say “gah” as in the word “go”. Finally, say “toh” as in the word “toe”. The emphasis should be placed on the second syllable, “ree”.

Here are some additional tips for pronouncing “arigatou”:

• Make sure to pronounce the “r” sound clearly. It should be a light, trilled sound, not a hard “r” as in the English word “run”.
• The “g” sound in “gah” should be pronounced softly, as in the English word “go”.
• The “t” sound in “toh” should be pronounced lightly, as in the English word “toe”.

People Also Ask About How To Pronounce Thank You In Japanese

Is it rude to say thank you in Japanese?

No, it is not rude to say thank you in Japanese. In fact, it is considered to be polite and respectful to express gratitude in this way.

How do you say thank you very much in Japanese?

To say thank you very much in Japanese, you can say “arigatou gozaimasu” (pronounced ah-ree-gah-toh go-zai-mas). This phrase is more formal than “arigatou” and is appropriate for use in more formal situations.

What is the difference between arigatou and domo?

The words “arigatou” and “domo” both mean thank you in Japanese. However, “arigatou” is more commonly used in formal situations, while “domo” is more commonly used in informal situations.