You're Probably Saying 'Thank You' Wrong in Japan
To say thanks (casual) / thank you very much (polite) in Japanese, say どうも / ありがとうございます (dōmo / arigatō gozaimasu).
Arigatō and dōmo are NOT interchangeable — here's when to use each.
どうも / ありがとうございます
dōmo / arigatō gozaimasu
thanks (casual) / thank you very much (polite)
In this video
- 「どうも」だけ…ちょっと注意！ “Dōmo” dake… chotto chūi! Saying just 'dōmo' to everyone? Small warning…
- 「どうも」= 軽い「thanks」。友達やカジュアルに。 “Dōmo” = karui “thanks.” Tomodachi ya kajuaru ni. 'Dōmo' is a light, casual 'thanks' — fine for friends or quick moments.
- 丁寧にしたいなら「ありがとうございます」。 Teinei ni shitai nara “arigatō gozaimasu.” Want to be polite — to staff, elders, hosts? 'Arigatō gozaimasu'.
- 迷ったら…ていねいな方が安全！ Mayottara… teinei na hō ga anzen! Rule of thumb: when unsure, go more polite. Always safe.
- これで完璧。どうも！…じゃなくて、ありがとうございます！ Kore de kanpeki. Dōmo!… ja nakute, arigatō gozaimasu! Now you've got it. Dōmo! …I mean — arigatō gozaimasu 😄 follow for more
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