ありがとう

arigatou
interjectionBeginner💡 thank you

ありがとう!

Thank you!

informal

An expression of gratitude or thanks, often used to show appreciation for someone's actions or kindness.

ごちそうさまでした。ありがとう!

Thank you for the meal! Thank you!

助けてくれてありがとう。

Thank you for helping me.

💡

This is a very common and polite way to express gratitude in Japanese. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though the level of politeness may vary depending on the situation and the relationship between the speaker and the listener.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Politeness Levels

In Japanese, the level of politeness is very important. 'ありがとう' is casual and can be used with friends and family. For more formal situations, use 'ありがとうございます'.

Gold Rule

Common Usage

'ありがとう' is one of the most common ways to say 'thank you' in Japanese. It is versatile and can be used in many different contexts, from casual to semi-formal.

📖Word Origin

The word 'ありがとう' is derived from the verb '有り難い' (arigatai), which means 'to be grateful' or 'to be thankful'. The 'う' at the end is a casual ending, making it more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation.

📝Usage Notes

While 'ありがとう' is generally informal, it can be used in a wide range of contexts. For more formal situations, 'ありがとうございます' (arigatou gozaimasu) is preferred. The phrase can also be shortened to 'ありがとう' in casual settings, especially among friends and family.

Word Breakdown

有り
to exist
root
+
難い
difficult
suffix
+
casual ending
suffix
和英辞典