24 Essential Japanese Ways to Say Thank You

Expressing gratitude is one of the most beautiful things we can do, and Japanese offers so many heartfelt ways to say “thank you.”

Whether you’re traveling, making friends, or just want to sprinkle kindness in your daily conversations, knowing a variety of thank-you phrases can really brighten someone’s day. Japanese is rich with expressions that fit every situation.

From casual chats with friends to formal occasions, each phrase carries its own nuance and warmth. It’s fascinating how just one word can show so much appreciation and respect.

Learning these phrases not only helps you communicate better but also deepens your understanding of Japanese culture and etiquette. It’s a journey that connects language with heart.

Plus, mastering different ways to say thank you is a great way to make your interactions more genuine and memorable. People always appreciate when you make the effort to say it in their language.

So, let’s dive into 24 essential Japanese ways to say thank you that you can start using today!

Getting Started with Gratitude

Before we jump into the list, it’s good to know a bit about the culture behind saying thank you in Japan.

Gratitude is deeply embedded in everyday life, often expressed with humility and respect. Japanese thank-you phrases vary depending on context, formality, and closeness between people.

It’s always appreciated to match your phrase to the situation—whether that’s a casual thank you or a deeply formal one.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s also fun to learn these phrases in small chunks and practice them with friends or language partners.

These little language gems will boost your confidence and make your gratitude feel heartfelt and natural.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. ありがとう (Arigatou) – “Thank you”

This is the most common way to say “thank you” in everyday situations.

It’s simple, friendly, and perfect for when you want to express gratitude to friends or people you know well. Just say “Arigatou” (ah-ree-gah-toh) casually and warmly.

It’s a great starting phrase because it’s easy to remember and widely understood.

Try using it when someone does you a small favor or gives you a compliment.

If you want to be a bit more polite, add “ございます” (gozaimasu) to make it “ありがとうございます” (arigatou gozaimasu).

Keep practicing this one, and you’ll probably find yourself using it naturally in no time.

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

“Doumo” (doh-moh) is a very casual, quick way to say thanks.

It’s easy to remember and works well in informal chats or text messages when you want to be brief.

This word can also be combined with others for different meanings, so be mindful of the context.

A common mistake is using it in formal situations; it’s best saved for friends or casual acquaintances.

For example, if a friend hands you something, just say “Doumo!” with a smile.

This is a handy phrase that’s perfect for quick, friendly exchanges.

3. ありがとうね (Arigatou ne) – “Thanks, you know” (casual and friendly)

This adds a soft, friendly tone to “arigatou” by adding “ne,” which is like saying “you know.”

It’s casual and shows closeness, perfect for friends or family.

Using “ne” makes the gratitude feel warmer and more personal.

It’s a subtle way to express thanks without being too formal.

Try saying “Arigatou ne” when someone helps you out in a relaxed setting.

This phrase is great for everyday appreciation among people you’re comfortable with.

4. どうもありがとう (Doumo arigatou) – “Thank you very much” (casual polite)

This phrase combines “doumo” and “arigatou” to express a stronger thank you.

It’s casual but feels more heartfelt and sincere.

A simple way to make your gratitude stand out without being too formal.

Beware not to use this in super formal settings; it’s best for friends or coworkers.

Say “Doumo arigatou” when you want to show a bit more appreciation than just “arigatou.”

It’s a useful phrase to keep in your conversational toolbox.

5. サンキュー (Sankyuu) – “Thank you” (from English, casual)

This is the Japanese pronunciation of the English “thank you.”

It’s very casual and often used by younger people, especially in informal conversations.

It’s fun and easy to remember but should be avoided in serious or formal contexts.

Don’t confuse it with native Japanese phrases in polite settings.

Use “sankyuu” when chatting with friends or in relaxed environments.

It’s a cool phrase that shows you’re comfortable with casual slang.

6. ありがとー (Arigatoo) – “Thanks” (casual, elongated)

By stretching the “o” sound, “arigatou” becomes “arigatoo,” which sounds very casual and friendly.

It’s often used in spoken Japanese among close friends or family.

This relaxed form can make your gratitude feel more playful.

Just be careful not to use this in formal or business contexts.

Try it out with friends when you want to sound natural and easygoing.

It’s a charming way to keep your thanks light and cheerful.

7. ありがとうございまーす (Arigatou gozaimaasu) – “Thank you very much” (casual polite with elongation)

This is the polite “arigatou gozaimasu” with a playful elongated ending.

It’s polite but can sound more relaxed or casual in conversation.

Good for casual business or customer service settings.

Avoid using it in very formal speeches or letters.

Try this when thanking someone in a shop or casual service situation.

It’s a nice balance of respect and friendliness.

8. いつもありがとう (Itsumo arigatou) – “Thanks as always”

This phrase expresses gratitude for ongoing support or kindness.

“Itsumo” means “always,” so this is a warm way to thank someone you see regularly.

Perfect for friends, family, or coworkers you appreciate consistently.

It’s a thoughtful phrase that acknowledges continuous help.

Use it when you want to show appreciation for someone’s constant presence.

It deepens your connection and shows you notice their efforts.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

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

This is the formal and polite way to say “thank you.”

It’s suitable for strangers, coworkers, and formal interactions.

Adding “gozaimasu” makes it respectful and appropriate for most situations.

Don’t forget to bow slightly when saying this in person.

For example, you’d use this to thank a store clerk or a teacher.

It’s a must-know phrase for anyone wanting to sound polite.

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

This phrase adds “doumo” to increase the level of politeness and gratitude.

It’s perfect for formal occasions where you want to express deep thanks.

Using this shows humility and respect.

Try not to overuse it in casual settings to avoid sounding stiff.

For example, thank your host at a formal dinner with this phrase.

It’s a polished and sincere way to express your appreciation.

11. 恐れ入ります (Osoreirimasu) – “I’m very grateful” (formal, humble)

This expression is very formal and humble.

It literally means “I am sorry to trouble you,” but it’s used to show deep gratitude.

It’s common in customer service or business contexts.

Be careful not to use it casually; it’s reserved for serious thanks.

For example, thanking a client or someone who’s done you a significant favor.

It’s a respectful phrase that shows you value their effort highly.

12. ありがとうございますませ (Arigatou gozaimasemase) – “Thank you very much” (extra polite, rarely used)

This is an extra polite, old-fashioned version rarely used today.

Mostly found in historical dramas or very formal writing.

Not recommended for everyday use.

It’s useful to recognize if you hear it but avoid using it yourself unless you want to sound overly formal.

Use modern polite forms like “arigatou gozaimasu” instead.

Knowing this phrase adds cultural depth to your study.

13. お世話になっております (Osewa ni natte orimasu) – “Thank you for your continued support”

This phrase is a polite way to thank someone for their ongoing help or support.

It’s frequently used in business emails and formal communication.

It literally means “I am being taken care of,” showing humility.

Avoid using it in casual conversations; it’s business language.

For example, you might say this to a client or colleague after working together.

It’s an important phrase for professional relationships.

14. 感謝しております (Kansha shite orimasu) – “I am grateful” (formal)

This is a formal and heartfelt way to express gratitude.

“Kansha” means “gratitude,” and adding “shite orimasu” makes it humble and polite.

Great for letters, speeches, or formal thank-you notes.

Not used in casual talk.

For example, use it in business thank-you cards or special events.

It conveys deep appreciation with grace.

15. ご親切にありがとうございます (Go-shinsetsu ni arigatou gozaimasu) – “Thank you for your kindness”

This phrase thanks someone specifically for their kindness.

It’s polite and thoughtful, suitable for formal and semi-formal situations.

Adding “go-shinsetsu” (kindness) makes your thanks more specific.

Avoid overusing long phrases in casual chats.

Say this when someone goes out of their way to assist you.

It’s a sincere way to acknowledge their effort.

16. ありがとう存じます (Arigatou zonjimasu) – “Thank you” (very formal)

“Zonjimasu” is a humble verb meaning “to know,” making this a very formal and respectful thank-you expression.

It’s mostly used in written or ceremonial contexts.

Not common in daily conversation.

Use it to impress or show deep respect in formal events.

Recognizing this phrase helps you understand formal Japanese etiquette.

Stick to “arigatou gozaimasu” for polite everyday use.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. サンキューね (Sankyuu ne) – “Thanks, you know” (casual)

This is a casual, playful way to say thanks using the English loanword with “ne” to soften it.

It’s perfect for close friends and informal chats.

It adds a friendly, familiar vibe to your thanks.

Don’t use it in formal or unfamiliar settings.

Try it when thanking a buddy for a small favor.

It makes your gratitude feel easygoing and natural.

18. ありがとさん (Arigatou-san) – “Thanks” (casual, regional)

This is a casual and somewhat old-fashioned or regional way to say thanks, often used in western Japan.

It adds a folksy, warm touch to your gratitude.

Great for informal conversations in certain areas.

Not understood everywhere, so use it carefully.

Use “arigatou” in most places to be safe.

Learning this phrase gives you a taste of regional Japanese culture.

19. どうもね (Doumo ne) – “Thanks, you know” (very casual)

Similar to “doumo,” this adds “ne” to soften and personalize the thanks.

It’s very casual and relaxed.

Perfect for quick, informal thanks among friends.

Avoid in business or formal settings.

Example: When a friend passes you a snack, say “Doumo ne!”

This phrase keeps the mood light and friendly.

20. 感謝！ (Kansha!) – “Thanks!” (short and punchy)

This is a short, emphatic way to say “thanks” using the noun “kansha” (gratitude).

It’s informal and often used in text or social media.

Not suitable for formal speech.

Great for quick messages or when you want to sound upbeat.

Try it when replying to a helpful comment online.

It’s a neat, modern way to show appreciation.

21. ありがとーっす (Arigato-ssu) – “Thanks” (very casual, masculine)

This is a very casual, masculine way to say thanks, often heard among young men.

It adds a laid-back, cool vibe to your gratitude.

Not for formal or mixed-gender situations.

Use it with close male friends or in relaxed settings.

Example: “Arigato-ssu for helping me out!”

This phrase keeps things casual and friendly.

22. ありがとねー (Arigatonee) – “Thanks” (casual, elongated)

This is a casual and friendly way to say thanks with an elongated ending.

It sounds warm and approachable.

Perfect for friends and family.

Not appropriate in formal or business contexts.

Use it to close casual conversations on a cheerful note.

It makes your thanks feel light and genuine.

23. ありがとさんです (Arigato-san desu) – “Thanks” (casual polite)

This phrase combines casual and polite tones for a friendly but respectful thank you.

Good for people you know but want to stay polite with.

It’s less formal than “arigatou gozaimasu” but more than “arigatou.”

Use it in everyday social situations where you want to sound kind.

It’s a nice middle ground phrase to have handy.

Try it with coworkers or acquaintances in casual settings.

24. ありがとっす！ (Arigatossu!) – “Thanks!” (very casual, energetic)

This is a slangy, energetic way to say thanks, popular among youth.

It’s very casual and often used in lively, informal situations.

Not for formal or mixed company.

Perfect for friends or teammates after helping out.

Example: “Arigatossu for covering my shift!”

This phrase adds fun and energy to your gratitude.

Concluding Thought

Learning how to say thank you in Japanese shows not only your language skills but also your respect for culture and people.

With these 24 phrases, you have a rich toolkit to express gratitude in many situations, from casual chats to formal events.

Keep practicing, and your heartfelt thanks will surely be appreciated wherever you go!