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: This is the safe, standard thank-you in customer service. In travel settings, staff and customers both use it freely; it sounds warmer and more polished than plain [ありがとう].
Phrase Breakdown
ありがとう
arigatou
[ah-ree-gah-toh]
thank you
The base word for expressing thanks in a polite phrase.
ありがとうの気持ちを伝えます。
It expresses a feeling of thanks.
ございます
gozai masu
to be; there is/are (polite ending)
Adds politeness to ありがとう, creating the standard polite expression for thanks.
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
Words in this phrase
ござい
gozai
[goh-zah-ee]
to be; polite set phrase part
Part of the formal thank-you expression used with customers.
ございますをつけて丁寧に言います。
You add gozaimasu to say it politely.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite verb ending
Polite ending completing the formal expression.
ありがとうございますは接客でよく使います。
Arigatou gozaimasu is often used in customer service.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager