N5 · Phrase guide
Arigatou Gozaimasu — Thank You That Lands
ありがとうございます
ありがとうございます
Thank you (polite)
Nuance
Polite default in shops, offices, and with strangers. ありがとう alone is for close friends and casual moments.
Cultural note
Bow slightly or nod when saying it to staff. Repeating it when leaving (お邪魔しました + ありがとうございました) is common.
Examples
ありがとうございます。
Thank you very much.
After receiving change at a store
いつもありがとうございます。
Thank you as always.
Regular client or teammate
Common mistakes
- Using casual ありがとう with customers or superiors
- Forgetting past tense ありがとうございました after a completed favor
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