How to Say Please and Thank You in Japanese: Politeness in Language

Politeness is highly valued in Japanese culture, and using the appropriate expressions to convey respect and gratitude is essential in daily interactions. In this blog post, we will explore how to say please and thank you in Japanese, along with the cultural nuances and polite language etiquette associated with these expressions.

Please: Onegaishimasu (お願いします)

The word “onegaishimasu” is commonly used to mean “please” in Japanese. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to make requests, ask for assistance, or show politeness. It is often added at the end of a sentence to express politeness and respect.

Thank You: Arigatōgozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

To express gratitude and say thank you in Japanese, “arigatōgozaimasu” is the standard phrase. It is a formal and polite way to show appreciation. The phrase can be used in both casual and formal settings, and it carries a deeper sense of gratitude compared to the more casual “arigatō.”

Other Polite Expressions

In addition to “onegaishimasu” and “arigatōgozaimasu,” there are other polite expressions related to please and thank you in Japanese:

  1. Sumimasen (すみません): This word can be used to mean “excuse me” or “I’m sorry” depending on the context. It is a versatile phrase used to show politeness when seeking assistance, getting someone’s attention, or apologizing for inconveniences.
  2. Doumo (どうも): This is a casual and friendly way to say thank you. It is commonly used among friends, family, and colleagues. However, in formal or business settings, it is best to use the more formal “arigatōgozaimasu.”

Cultural Considerations

When using please and thank you expressions in Japanese, it’s important to consider the cultural context and etiquette:

  1. Bow: In Japanese culture, bowing is a common gesture of respect and politeness. When saying please or thank you, a slight bow can be appropriate, especially in more formal or professional settings.
  2. Timing: In Japanese culture, it is customary to express gratitude immediately after receiving help or a favor. Promptly saying thank you shows appreciation and acknowledges the person’s assistance.

Conclusion

Politeness is a core aspect of Japanese culture, and using the appropriate expressions to say please and thank you is crucial for effective communication. Whether you choose to use “onegaishimasu” to make a request or show politeness, or “arigatōgozaimasu” to express gratitude, incorporating these expressions into your interactions will demonstrate your respect and appreciation. Embrace the cultural nuances of politeness in Japanese language and communicate with grace, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

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Krisada Hemsoe

I'm Krisada, the creator of JLPT TUTOR. I created this site to share the path of my Japanese learning That I achieved my JLPT N1. You may struggle with Kanji , Grammar , Listening, reading and fail again and again. I know how you feel when you see "Not Pass" I want to share what I learnt in this past through this website. Hope you enjoy

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