How to Say ‘Thank you very much.’ in Japanese
ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozai masu
[ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee mahss]
🇯🇵 In Japan: [ありがとうございます] is the safer everyday choice with strangers, staff, or anyone you want to sound polite with. [ありがとう] is warmer and more casual, so save it for friends or more relaxed situations.
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you (polite)
The base “thank you,” used with the polite ending ございます. Appropriate when asking strangers for directions.
地下鉄の駅は近いですか、ありがとう。
Is the subway station close? Thank you.
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
(polite expression part of ありがとうございます)
A polite set phrase component. Together with ありがとう it makes a more formal “thank you.” Not usually used alone in conversation.
道案内のあとで、ありがとうございますと言いました。
After the directions, I said, “Thank you very much.”
ます
masu
[mahss]
(polite verb ending; “to be” in a set phrase)
Part of the fixed polite expression ございます/ありがとうございます. It adds formality.
駅までの行き方を教えてくれて、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for telling me how to get to the station.
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