Arigato Meaning, Origin and Examples

Arigato Meaning and Origin

Key Takeaways

• “Arigato” is a versatile expression of gratitude in Japanese culture.
• The term can be altered for formality with the addition of “gozaimasu.”
• Body language, like bowing, often accompanies the verbal expression of thanks.

What Does Arigato Mean?

Arigato (ありがとう) is a Japanese word that means “thank you.” It’s a common expression used to show gratitude in everyday situations. The full phrase for “thank you very much” in Japanese is “Arigato gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます), which is a more polite and formal version of “thank you.”

The word “arigato” comes from the Japanese phrase “arigatashi,” which originally meant “rare” or “difficult.” Over time, it evolved to express thankfulness for something that is valuable or appreciated, indicating that receiving kindness or help is something special or rare.

Origin of Arigato

The term “arigato” has its roots in the Japanese language and can be traced back to the phrase “arigatou gozaimasu”. This longer form is the result of historical evolution from the old Japanese word “arigatashi”, which means “to be” or “to exist” in a state worthy of gratitude. Over time, “arigato” emerged as the casual abbreviation favored in daily discourse.

Other Meanings of Arigato

Beyond its primary usage, arigato may occasionally take on additional meanings contextually. These nuances might envelop a deeper level of appreciation or a more profound sense of indebtedness, but fundamentally, “arigato” remains a symbol of gratitude in its essence.

Related Terms to Arigato

• Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – A more polite and formal way to say “thank you.” It is commonly used in more formal settings or when showing respect.
• Arigato gozaimashita (ありがとうございました) – This is the past tense form of “arigato gozaimasu,” meaning “thank you” for something that has already been done. It is often used after receiving help or services.
• Domo arigato (どうもありがとう) – A slightly more casual way to say “thank you very much.” “Domo” adds emphasis, making it more heartfelt.
• Domo arigato gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます) – A very polite and formal expression, meaning “thank you very much.” It combines both “domo” and “gozaimasu” for a higher level of politeness and emphasis.
• Osewa ni narimasu (お世話になります) – This phrase means “thank you for your care” or “I will be in your care.” It is commonly used in business or formal contexts when expressing gratitude for someone’s ongoing support or help.
• Okagesama de (おかげさまで) – This phrase means “thanks to you” or “because of you,” and is often used to express gratitude for someone’s help in achieving a positive result.
• Domo (どうも) – A casual and brief way to say “thanks.” It can be used on its own in very informal situations.

Synonyms for Arigato

• Thanks: Informal expression of gratitude in English.
• Thank you: A direct English synonym carrying a formal tone.

Antonyms for Arigato

• Gomenasai (ごめんなさい): Translates to “I’m sorry,” which is an expression of apology rather than gratitude.
• Sumimasen (すみません): Though sometimes used to express thanks, it primarily means “excuse me” and can denote an apology.

Commonly Confused Terms with Arigato

Arigato vs. Arigatou

Arigato and Arigatou (ありがとう) are often mistakenly thought to be different words, but they represent the same expression of gratitude. “Arigato” is a romanization of the Japanese word, while “Arigatou” is a more accurate representation of the original Japanese pronunciation.

Arigato vs. Arigatai

While Arigato is used to thank someone, Arigatai (ありがたい) conveys a sense of gratitude but is an adjective meaning “grateful” or “thankful.” For instance, one might say “Arigatai” to express feeling thankful for a kind act.

Arigato vs. Domo

Arigato is commonly used for “thank you,” but Domo (どうも) is a more informal and casual expression. On its own, “Domo” can mean thanks, but it’s less formal than “Arigato.” It can also be used in combination with “Arigato” as in “Domo arigato” to heighten the level of thanks.

Arigato Examples

In this section, we’ll explore various scenarios where “Arigato” is used, demonstrating its versatility in expressing gratitude in Japanese. We will look at how it fits into everyday conversations, casual texting and social media posts, and some other common instances.

In Conversations

Formal setting:

• Person 1: “I really appreciate your help with the project.”
• Person 2: “Arigato, I’m glad I could assist.”

Informal setting:

• Person 1: “Thank you for inviting me to your party.”
• Person 2: “Arigato for coming, I’m happy you could make it.”

In Texting and Social Posts

Other Examples of Arigato

• Service Industry: If a server refills our tea without being asked, we would say “Arigato” to acknowledge their attentive service.
• Gift Receiving: Upon receiving a gift, regardless of the setting, it’s common to express gratitude by saying “Arigato” or “Domo arigato” for added emphasis.