How to Say “Thank You” in Japanese – 10 Useful Ways to Show Gratitude

🎌 How to Say “Thank You” in Japanese – Top Phrases Travelers Should Know

Whether you’re getting directions, receiving your meal, or thanking someone for their kindness, knowing how to say thank you in Japanese is one of the most useful things you can learn for your trip.

Here are 10 ways to say “thank you” in Japanese—from casual to very formal—along with when to use each.

🙏 1. ありがとう (Arigatou) – “Thanks”

• Use with: Friends, family, people your age
• Politeness level: Casual
• Pronunciation: Ah-ree-gah-toh

Example:
店員さんが優しかった – Arigatou!

🙏 1. ありがとう (Arigatou) – “Thanks”

• Use with: Friends, family, people your age
• Politeness level: Casual
• Pronunciation: Ah-ree-gah-toh

Example:
Your friend helps carry your bag →
“Arigatou!”-Thanks

🤝 2. ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you (polite)”

• Use with: Strangers, shop staff, older people
• Politeness level: Polite and respectful
• Pronunciation: Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas

Example:
You receive your meal at a restaurant →
“Arigatou gozaimasu!”-Thank you (polite)

🙇‍♂️ 3. どうもありがとうございます (Doumo arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you very much”

• Use in: Formal situations, showing strong gratitude

Example:
Someone helps you with your luggage at the train station
→(Doumo arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you very much”

😄 4. どうも (Doumo) – “Thanks” (very casual)

• Use with: Close friends
• Quick, casual, and often combined with other phrases

🎁 5. 感謝します (Kansha shimasu) – “I deeply appreciate it”

• Formal, rarely used in conversation
• Common in speeches, letters, or business

✍️ 6. 心から感謝します (Kokoro kara kansha shimasu) – “I thank you from the bottom of my heart”

• Deep and emotional gratitude
• Use in: letters, cards, or special moments

🧎 7. 恐れ入ります (Osore irimasu) – Humble way to thank in business

• Use when: A junior thanks a senior in a formal setting

✨ Bonus Phrases

🧠 Cultural Tips

• Bowing while saying thank you shows extra respect.
• In Japan, tone and body language are just as important as words.
• You don’t usually say “thank you” after paying—say “ごちそうさまでした” (after eating) or simply bow.

🗣️ How to Pronounce “Thank You” in Japanese

• ありがとう = Ah-ree-gah-toh
• ありがとうございます = Ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zai-mas

✅ Summary: Know the Right Thank You for Every Situation