Learn How to Pronounce Arigato gozaimasu
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)
The Expert's Take
Meaning and Context
Arigato gozaimasu is a formal and deeply respectful Japanese expression of gratitude, translating directly to "thank you very much." It is a cornerstone of polite Japanese communication, or keigo, and is essential in social and professional contexts where showing deference is crucial. Unlike the casual "arigato," using "arigato gozaimasu" demonstrates a conscious effort to honor the listener, making it appropriate when addressing superiors, elders, strangers, or clients, as well as in customer service interactions. The phrase is grammatically in the present tense, making it suitable for thanking someone for an action happening now or just completed. Its polite nature is enhanced by the addition of "gozaimasu," which is the polite form of the verb "to be" (aru), thereby elevating the thank you to a more formal and humble level. Mastering this phrase is fundamental for anyone engaging in Japanese business etiquette, cultural immersion, or polite travel phrases, as it reflects an understanding of the importance of hierarchy and respect in Japanese society.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct romanization of the phrase is "Arigato gozaimasu." However, several common misspellings and variations arise from attempts to phonetically transcribe the Japanese sounds into the Latin alphabet. Frequent errors include "Arigatou gozaimasu," which uses the extended vowel "ou" (a valid alternative romanization for the long 'o' sound), and "Arigato gozaimashita," which is the past tense form used for thanking someone for a completed action. Other common typos involve dropping the 'i' in "gozaimasu," resulting in "gozaimasu," or misspelling the first word as "Arigatou," "Arigatto," or "Arigatoo." The particle "gozaimasu" is also often misspelled as "gozaimas," "gozaimash," or "gozaimasu." When writing in Japanese, the phrase is ありがとうございます, and confusion can occur between this and the more casual ありがとう (arigato) or the more formal past tense ありがとうございました (arigato gozaimashita).
Example Sentences
After the interview, the candidate bowed slightly and said, "Arigato gozaimasu for your time and consideration."
When the shopkeeper carefully wrapped the delicate ceramic, the tourist smiled and offered a sincere "Arigato gozaimasu."
In a formal email to a Japanese colleague, it is appropriate to begin by writing, "Thank you for the report.
Arigato gozaimasu."
The phrase "Arigato gozaimasu" should be used when a waiter brings your meal, as it acknowledges their service with proper politeness.
He practiced the pronunciation of "Arigato gozaimasu" diligently before his business trip to Tokyo, knowing it would be essential for daily interactions.
Sources and References
I used Forvo to hear native Japanese speakers and YouGlish to see how the phrase is typically taught or used by English speakers in travel vlogs and cultural exchange videos.
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