Learning how to say thank you in Japanese is a key part of showing respect and politeness in Japanese culture.
if you’re visiting Japan or just beginning your language journey, mastering expressions like “arigatou” and “arigatou gozaimasu” can help you connect more meaningfully with native speakers.
Knowing how to say thank you in Japanese also helps you navigate daily interactions with grace and gratitude.
From casual thanks to formal appreciation, these phrases are essential for every learner.
Thank you in Japanese
Let’s explore 15 authentic ways to say thank you in Japanese, complete with examples and the history or social context behind each phrase.
1. ありがとう (Arigatou) – “Thanks”
Origin:
From the words “ari” (to exist) and “gatou” (rare or difficult), originally meaning “it’s rare to exist” — expressing that the help was precious.
Example:
👤 User A: プレゼントをくれてありがとう！(Purezento o kurete arigatou!)
👤 User B: どういたしまして！(Dou itashimashite!)
Thanks for the gift!
You’re welcome!
Use: Casual; used with friends, family, or people close in age.
2. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you (polite)”
Origin:
Adding “gozaimasu” makes it more respectful. It’s the polite form used in everyday conversation with strangers, colleagues, or elders.
Example:
👤 User A: 本を貸してくれてありがとうございます。
(Hon o kashite kurete arigatou gozaimasu.)
👤 User B: いえいえ、どういたしまして！
Thank you for lending me the book.
No problem at all!
Use: Polite; suitable for work, customer service, or formal situations.
3. ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita) – “Thank you (past tense, polite)”
Origin:
Used when the action you’re thanking for has already been completed. The past tense “-mashita” shows respect for a finished act.
Example:
👤 User A: 昨日は助けてくれてありがとうございました。
(Kinou wa tasukete kurete arigatou gozaimashita.)
👤 User B: お役に立ててよかったです。
Thank you for helping me yesterday.
I’m glad I could help.
Use: Polite, respectful, and often used in customer interactions.
4. どうも (Doumo) – “Thanks / Hey / Hello”
Origin:
An all-purpose word meaning “very” or “much,” often used by itself as a quick and casual “thanks.”
Example:
👤 User A: あ、ドアを開けてくれてどうも！
👤 User B: はいはい！
Oh, thanks for opening the door!
No problem!
Use: Very casual and brief. Common in daily conversation.
5. どうもありがとうございます (Doumo arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you very much”
Origin:
Combines the intensifier “doumo” with the full polite form for extra gratitude.
Example:
👤 User A: このプレゼント、すごく嬉しいです。どうもありがとうございます！
👤 User B: 喜んでもらえてよかった！
I’m really happy with this gift. Thank you so much!
I’m glad you like it!
Use: Very polite; when you’re deeply thankful.
6. すみません (Sumimasen) – “Excuse me / I’m sorry / Thank you”
Origin:
Though it means “excuse me” or “sorry,” it’s often used to thank someone for a kind favor or when you feel you imposed on them.
Example:
👤 User A: 手伝ってくれてすみません。
👤 User B: 大丈夫ですよ。
Thanks for helping me (sorry to trouble you).
It’s no trouble at all.
Use: Polite, used in both apologies and appreciation contexts.
7. 感謝します (Kansha shimasu) – “I appreciate it”
Origin:
A formal way to express sincere thanks, literally “I give thanks.”
Example:
👤 User A: ご支援に心より感謝します。
👤 User B: 力になれて光栄です。
I deeply appreciate your support.
It’s an honor to be of help.
Use: Very formal, often used in speeches or writing.
8. 心からありがとう (Kokoro kara arigatou) – “Thanks from the heart”
Origin:
A heartfelt expression often used in emotional or serious moments. “Kokoro” means heart.
Example:
👤 User A: 君の支えに心からありがとう。
👤 User B: そんなふうに言ってもらえて嬉しいよ。
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.
I’m really touched by that.
Use: Emotional or personal; informal but powerful.
9. 感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです (Kansha no kimochi de ippai desu) – “I’m filled with gratitude”
Example:
👤 User A: 皆さんのおかげで、感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです。
👤 User B: こちらこそ、ありがとうございます！
Thanks to you all, I’m filled with gratitude.
We’re the ones who should thank you!
Use: Deeply formal, often used in speeches or ceremonies.
10. お礼を申し上げます (Orei o moushiagemasu) – “I offer my thanks”
Origin:
A business-level, honorific way to express thanks in writing or formal speech.
Example:
👤 User A: ご招待いただき、お礼を申し上げます。
👤 User B: ご参加いただき光栄です。
Thank you for the invitation.
We’re honored by your presence.
Use: Ultra-formal, used in letters and professional correspondence.
11. 助かりました (Tasukarimashita) – “That really helped”
Origin:
From the verb “tasukaru” (to be helped or saved), this thanks is used when someone has been a real help.
Example:
👤 User A: 宿題を手伝ってくれて助かりました！
👤 User B: いつでもどうぞ！
Thanks for helping with the homework!
Anytime!
Use: Everyday politeness with some formality.
12. ありがたく思います (Arigataku omoimasu) – “I feel grateful”
Example:
👤 User A: あなたの言葉、ありがたく思います。
👤 User B: そう言ってもらえて嬉しいです。
I’m grateful for your words.
I’m happy to hear that.
Use: Formal, often written or said with sincerity.
13. 感謝いたします (Kansha itashimasu) – “Humbly thank you”
Origin:
Very humble form used in customer service, letters, or public speaking.
Example:
👤 User A: 本日はご来場いただき、誠に感謝いたします。
👤 User B: こちらこそ、貴重なお話をありがとうございました。
We sincerely thank you for attending today.
Thank you for your valuable talk.
Use: Ultra-formal and respectful.
14. どうもすみません (Doumo sumimasen) – “I’m truly sorry (and thank you)”
Example:
👤 User A: 重い荷物を持ってもらって、どうもすみません。
👤 User B: いいえ、お気になさらず。
Thank you (and sorry) for carrying that heavy bag.
Please don’t mention it.
Use: Polite and apologetic gratitude.
15. 毎度ありがとうございます (Maido arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you for your continued business”
Origin:
Used by shopkeepers or service providers in Japan to thank repeat customers.
Example:
👤 Shopkeeper: 毎度ありがとうございます！
👤 Customer: こちらこそ、また来ますね。
Thank you for always shopping with us!
Thanks! I’ll be back soon.
Use: Business setting, customer service.
Conclusion:
Now that you’ve learned how to say thank you in Japanese, you’re better prepared to express gratitude in a culturally respectful way.
If you’re thanking a friend, a teacher, or a shopkeeper, using the right phrase shows thoughtfulness and appreciation.
Keep practicing these expressions, and you’ll sound more natural and polite in every conversation. 🙇♂️✨
Small words of thanks can leave a lasting impression in Japanese culture.
