20 Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese – A Complete Guide
Published: 2025-09-08 07:44:59
Expressing gratitude is universal, but in Japanese culture, it carries a special significance. Knowing the correct ways to say thank you can make your interactions smoother, whether in social settings, business, or while learning Japanese.
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20 Ways to Say Thank You in Japanese
Discover 20 ways to say thank you in Japanese, from casual phrases to formal expressions. Learn polite Japanese, cultural etiquette, and conversational tips with TLS – The Japanese Language School, the best place to learn Japanese in Delhi.
1. Arigatou (ありがとう) – The Most Common Thank You
If you’re just starting your Japanese journey, arigatou is the first word you’ll learn. It’s a casual way to say “thank you” among friends, family, or peers. Using it correctly shows friendliness and warmth, making it an essential phrase in any Japanese language course.
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2. Arigatou Gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Polite and Respectful
Want to sound polite and respectful in Japanese? Arigatou gozaimasu is the perfect choice. Ideal for formal situations, business meetings, or speaking with elders, this phrase immediately shows courtesy and professionalism. Students in Japanese language courses in Delhi practice it early to confidently navigate both social and professional interactions.
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3. Domo (どうも) – Casual and Friendly
Sometimes, a simple domo is all you need! This short and casual phrase is perfect for expressing informal gratitude among friends, classmates, or colleagues. It’s often one of the first expressions taught in beginner Japanese classes near me or online Japanese language courses, making it a handy addition to your everyday Japanese.
4. Domo Arigatou (どうもありがとう) – Friendly and Appreciative
Take your gratitude up a notch with domo arigatou, a warm and heartfelt way to say “thank you” casually. It’s ideal for friends, peers, or anyone you want to appreciate sincerely without being overly formal. Mastering this phrase is a natural step in conversational Japanese and helps you sound more fluent and culturally aware.
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5. Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます) – Highly Polite
When you want to express gratitude in a formal or professional setting, domo arigatou gozaimasu is your go-to phrase. Perfect for business meetings, academic interactions, or speaking with someone you respect, this phrase reflects impeccable Japanese etiquette. Students at a Japanese language institute in Delhi learn it early to confidently navigate formal conversations and leave a lasting impression.
6. Kansha Shimasu (感謝します) – Expressing Deep Gratitude
For moments that require sincere and formal appreciation, kansha shimasu is ideal. Commonly used in business emails, speeches, or formal letters, it communicates deep gratitude and respect. Learning phrases like this in a Japanese language course in Delhi helps students excel in corporate environments and professional interactions, making it an essential part of advanced Japanese learning.
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7. Sumimasen (すみません) – Thank You and Sorry
In Japanese, context is everything, and sumimasen is a perfect example. Depending on the situation, it can mean “thank you,” “excuse me,” or “sorry.” This versatile phrase reflects the nuances of Japanese culture and etiquette. Practicing sumimasen in Japanese classes near me helps you sound polite, respectful, and culturally aware in everyday interactions.
8. Osewa Ni Narimashita (お世話になりました) – Thank You for Your Support
Want to show sincere appreciation for someone’s guidance or support? Osewa ni narimashita is the phrase to use. Commonly employed in professional or mentorship contexts, it conveys gratitude for help, care, or hospitality. Learning phrases like this in a structured environment like TLS – The Japanese Language School ensures you can impress colleagues, hosts, or clients with your cultural knowledge.
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9. Hontou ni Arigatou (本当にありがとう) – Thank You Very Much
When you want to express genuine gratitude in a casual setting, hontou ni arigatou is the perfect choice. It’s informal but heartfelt, making it ideal for friends, classmates, or anyone you want to appreciate sincerely. This phrase is commonly introduced in beginner Japanese language courses to help learners develop natural, conversational Japanese skills.
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10. Makoto ni Arigatou (誠にありがとう) – Formal Written Thanks
For formal letters, emails, or professional communication, makoto ni arigatou is highly appropriate. This phrase conveys respect and sincerity, making it essential in business correspondence or official messages. Students in advanced Japanese language courses learn it to communicate politely and professionally, enhancing their cultural and linguistic competence.
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11. O-negai Shimasu (お願いします) – Thank You in Advance
In Japanese, showing appreciation before someone helps you is a sign of politeness. O-negai shimasu is used to make requests while expressing gratitude in advance. It’s especially common in Japanese business culture and professional settings. Students in Japanese language courses in Delhi practice this phrase to ensure their communication is both respectful and culturally appropriate.
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12. Okage Sama De (おかげさまで) – Thanks to You
Expressing humility is an important part of Japanese etiquette, and okage sama de does just that. Literally meaning “thanks to you,” this phrase is used to acknowledge someone else’s role in your success or wellbeing. Learners in Japanese classes near me or online Japanese language courses use it to give culturally correct and heartfelt responses in conversations.
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13. Hontou Ni Kansha Shimasu (本当に感謝します) – Deep Appreciation
When you need to express sincere gratitude in a formal or business setting, hontou ni kansha shimasu is perfect. Ideal for emails, letters, or presentations, this phrase conveys respect and professionalism. Students at TLS – The Japanese Language School learn to use it effectively in our Japanese language courses in Delhi, preparing them for real-world corporate interactions.
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14. Arigatou Gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) – Past Gratitude
To show appreciation for something that has already happened, arigatou gozaimashita is the appropriate choice. This formal expression is commonly used in workplace communication, meetings, and professional emails. Learning it in Japanese language courses helps students communicate politely and confidently in both personal and professional contexts.
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15. Doumo Sumimasen (どうもすみません) – Thank You Apology
In Japanese, sometimes gratitude and apology go hand in hand. Doumo sumimasen is a versatile phrase that expresses both “thank you” and “sorry,” making it a staple in Japanese business etiquette. Learning to use it appropriately ensures you come across as polite and culturally aware. At TLS – The Japanese Language School, students practice this phrase to communicate professionally and confidently.
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16. Otsukaresama Deshita (お疲れ様でした) – Thank You for Your Hard Work
Used mainly in workplaces, otsukaresama deshita acknowledges someone’s effort or hard work. It’s essential for anyone preparing for professional interactions or corporate communication in Japan. Students in Japanese language courses in Delhi learn how and when to use it naturally.
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17. Shinpai Shite Kurete Arigatou (心配してくれてありがとう) – Thanks for Worrying
Want to show appreciation for someone’s concern? Shinpai shite kurete arigatou is perfect for personal conversations, adding warmth and emotional depth. Learning this phrase not only helps you communicate naturally but also deepens your understanding of Japanese culture. Students in Japanese language courses in Delhi practice it to express gratitude thoughtfully and appropriately.
18. Okagesama de Genki Desu (おかげさまで元気です) – Thank You for Asking
When someone asks about your wellbeing, respond politely with okagesama de genki desu, which means “I’m well, thanks to you.” It reflects humility and cultural awareness. Learners in Japanese classes near me or online Japanese language courses use this phrase to maintain polite and culturally correct conversations.
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19. Irasshaimase, Arigatou Gozaimasu (いらっしゃいませ、ありがとうございます) – Retail Gratitude
In Japan, exceptional customer service is an art, and irasshaimase, arigatou gozaimasu perfectly reflects this culture. This phrase combines a warm welcome with polite thanks, making it essential in retail and hospitality settings. Japanese language courses at TLS include such expressions to prepare learners for careers in customer service, tourism, and hospitality.
20. Doumo Arigatou Gozaimashita (どうもありがとうございました) – Ultimate Politeness
The most formal and respectful way to say thank you in Japanese, doumo arigatou gozaimashita, is ideal for professional, ceremonial, or academic contexts. Mastering this phrase is a key goal in advanced Japanese language courses in Delhi, helping learners communicate with the highest level of politeness.
Ready to master polite Japanese and real-life conversations? Join TLS – The Japanese Language School, the best Japanese language institute in Delhi, to learn cultural nuances and professional etiquette.
Why Learning Gratitude Phrases Matters
In Japanese culture, expressing gratitude goes far beyond a simple “thank you.” It reflects respect, humility, and social harmony. Whether you’re navigating daily conversations, professional settings, or traveling in Japan, knowing the right Japanese language phrases helps you communicate politely and leave a positive impression.
At TLS – The Japanese Language School, we offer structured Japanese language courses in Delhi and online, designed to help learners of all levels master Japanese with confidence. From casual expressions to formal etiquette, our courses ensure you speak naturally and respectfully in any situation.
Take the first step toward fluency in Japanese today! Call +91 8700956038, email tls@teamlanguages.com, or visit our campus in Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, and start your language journey with TLS.
FAQs
1. What is the most common way to say thank you in Japanese?
The most common way is “arigatou (ありがとう)”, used in casual settings among friends or family. It’s simple, friendly, and one of the first phrases you’ll learn in any Japanese language course. For formal situations, it’s best to use polite alternatives like “arigatou gozaimasu.”
2. How do I say thank you formally in Japanese?
For formal or professional contexts, phrases like “arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)” or “doumo arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます)” are appropriate. They convey respect and politeness and are essential for workplace communication, business emails, or interacting with elders.
3. Can sumimasen mean thank you?
Yes! “Sumimasen (すみません)” can mean “thank you,” “excuse me,” or “sorry,” depending on context. It’s commonly used to express gratitude for someone going out of their way to help you or giving you a favor. Learning when to use it is important in Japanese language courses.
4. Which phrase is used to thank for support or help?
“Osewa ni narimashita (お世話になりました)” is used to express gratitude for support, mentorship, or assistance. It’s widely used in professional and personal contexts to show appreciation for someone’s guidance or care.
5. How do I express deep gratitude in Japanese?
For sincere and formal appreciation, use “kansha shimasu (感謝します)” or “hontou ni kansha shimasu (本当に感謝します)”. These are ideal for business letters, formal emails, or presentations, demonstrating respect and politeness.
6. What phrase is common in workplaces?
Workplaces in Japan often use “otsukaresama deshita (お疲れ様でした)” to thank colleagues for their effort or hard work. It’s a professional way to acknowledge contributions and maintain a respectful work environment.
7. Can I use these phrases while traveling in Japan?
Absolutely! Casual phrases like “arigatou” or “domo arigatou” work for restaurants, shops, and daily interactions. Polite expressions like “arigatou gozaimasu” are appreciated in formal settings or when interacting with service staff, ensuring respectful communication during travel.
8. How do I thank someone politely in advance?
To show gratitude before a favor or request, use “o-negai shimasu (お願いします)”. This polite phrase combines a request with appreciation in advance, often used in professional and social contexts.
9. What is the most polite Japanese thank you?
The highest level of politeness is “doumo arigatou gozaimashita (どうもありがとうございました)”, often used in formal events, business meetings, or letters. Mastering this phrase is key for advanced learners in Japanese language courses.
10. Where can I learn all these Japanese phrases professionally?
Enroll in TLS – The Japanese Language School, the best Japanese language institute in Delhi, offering structured Japanese language courses online and offline. Our courses cover everything from casual expressions to formal etiquette, helping learners speak naturally, confidently, and culturally correctly.
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Contact TLS – The Japanese Language School
Ready to start your Japanese language journey or have questions about our courses? Get in touch with us today!
- Visit Us: 2/81-82, 2nd Floor, Lalita Park, Gali No - 2, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi – 110092
- Call Us: 91 8700956038
- Email Us: tls@teamlanguages.com
At TLS – The Japanese Language School, we offer structured Japanese language courses in Delhi and online, helping learners of all levels master Japanese with confidence.
