4 Japanese Expressions of "Thank You" or "You're Welcome": Formal and Informal Ways

Kapanlagi.com - Japanese has become one of the increasingly popular foreign languages to learn nowadays. When learning Japanese, it is important to understand its culture, including its customs in expressing gratitude. In Japanese, the common expression of gratitude is conveyed through the phrase "Arigatou gozaimasu". However, when someone says "Arigatou gozaimasu", how do you respond with "thank you back" or "you're welcome"?

Currently, the ways to express "thank you back" in Japanese are still rarely discussed. This causes many people to not know the proper way to respond to expressions of gratitude or "Arigatou gozaimasu". However, in Japanese, there are actually several ways to say "thank you back" or "you're welcome" in response to "Arigatou gozaimasu".

Curious about how? To find out, let's directly take a look at the following discussion.

1. Douita Shimashite

Douita Shimashite (credit: unsplash)

Douita shimashite is one of the common responses used to answer "Arigatou gozaimasu" with the meaning of "you're welcome" or "same to you". More specifically, this expression actually means "no need to thank".

This expression is usually conveyed when feeling that someone doesn't need to thank for the action or help given. It could be that the help or action done is considered normal to do.

In terms of daily usage, "Douita shimashite" is classified as a formal expression. Therefore, it is suitable to be addressed to older people or superiors in the workplace.

Example:

A: "Doumo arigatou gozaimashita!" (Thank you very much!)

B: "Douita shimashite." (You're welcome or "no need to thank")

2. Kyoushuku de Gozaimasu

Kyoushuku de Gozaimasu (credit: unsplash)

Another expression to say "thank you back" or "you're welcome" as a response to "Arigatou gozaimasu" is "Kyoushuku de Gozaisimasu". Literally, this expression actually means "it has become my obligation". Therefore, this expression can be used as a response to Japanese expressions of gratitude.

In terms of daily usage, "Kyoushuku de Gozaimasu" tends to be formal, so it is more suitable to be addressed to older people or superiors in the workplace.

Example:

A: "Okage sama de tasukarimashita." (Thank you, I was very helped.)

B: "Kyoushuku de gozaimasu." (It has become my obligation.)

3. Enryo Shinaide

Enryo Shinaide (credit: unsplash)

The fourth variation to respond to "Arigatou gozaimasu" is "Enryo Shinaide". The expression "Enryo shinade" can also be interpreted as "you're welcome" or "thank you back" in Japanese. However, literally, this expression means "Don't be shy" or "Don't hesitate".

In terms of everyday usage, the Japanese expression "thank you" (Enryo shinade) is also considered formal. This means that it is more suitable to address older people or superiors in the workplace.

Example:

A: "Yushoku arigatou gozaimasu." (Thank you for dinner.)

B: "Enryo shinaide, Mashima-kun." (You're welcome, Masima, or Don't hesitate, Mashima.)

4. Kochira Koso

Kochira Koso (credit: unsplash)

Kochira koso is an expression used to respond to "Arigatou gozaimasu" and means "you're welcome" or "thank you back". Additionally, this expression can also mean "I should be the one thanking".

This expression emphasizes the mutual gratitude between two parties who help each other. In daily usage, "Kochirakoso" is considered a semi-formal expression, so it is suitable for friends of the same age.

Example:

A: "Yamada-san, kite kurete arigatou gozaimasu." (Thank you for coming, Yamada-san.)

B: "Kochira koso. Kekkon omedetou gozaimasu." (You're welcome. Congratulations on your marriage.)

Those are some variations of Japanese expressions for "you're welcome" or "thank you back" in response to "Arigatou gozaimasu". Hopefully, it is useful and can broaden your knowledge, especially for those who are enthusiastic about learning Japanese!

(kpl/psp)