Unit 2 - Section 3: Thanks and Apologies
Thanks and Apologies
Learn how to express gratitude and apologize in Japanese. These phrases are essential for polite daily communication.
Expressing Thanks
ありがとう（ございます）
[Arigatou (gozaimasu)]
Meaning: Thank you
Use "ありがとう" casually, "ありがとうございます" politely
どうもありがとうございます
[Doumo arigatou gozaimasu]
Meaning: Thank you very much
More formal and emphatic
ありがとうございました
[Arigatou gozaimashita]
Meaning: Thank you (past tense - for something that already happened)
Apologies
Different Levels of Apology:
ごめん / ごめんね
[Gomen / Gomen ne]
Meaning: Sorry (casual - used with friends)
ごめんなさい
[Gomen nasai]
Meaning: I'm sorry (polite)
すみません
[Sumimasen]
Meaning: Excuse me / I'm sorry (polite - very versatile)
Can also mean "excuse me" to get attention
もうしわけございません
[Moushiwake gozaimasen]
Meaning: I'm very sorry / I sincerely apologize (very formal)
Useful Polite Phrases
おねがいします
onegaishimasu
Meaning: Please / I request
Used when asking for something or making a request
どういたしまして
douitashimashite
Meaning: You're welcome
Response to "thank you"
いいえ
iie
Meaning: No / Not at all
Can also mean "you're welcome" (casual)
失礼します
shitsurei shimasu
Meaning: Excuse me (when leaving/entering)
Used when entering/leaving a room
失礼しました
shitsurei shimashita
Meaning: I'm sorry (for the interruption)
After leaving or interrupting
恐れ入ります
osore irimasu
Meaning: I'm grateful / Thank you (humble)
Very polite expression of gratitude
When to Use Each Phrase
| Situation | Japanese | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Someone helps you | ありがとうございます | Formal thanks |
| Friend gives you something | ありがとう | Casual thanks |
| You bump into someone | すみません | Quick apology |
| You make a mistake | ごめんなさい | Sincere apology |
| Getting someone's attention | すみません | Excuse me |
| Entering a room | 失礼します | Polite greeting |
Practice Dialogue
At a store:
A: すみません、これをください。
A: Excuse me, I'd like this please.
B: はい、どうぞ。
B: Sure, here you go.
A: ありがとうございます。
A: Thank you very much.
B: どういたしまして。
B: You're welcome.
Cultural Notes
- Frequency: Japanese people say "thank you" and "sorry" much more often than in English-speaking cultures.
- すみません versatility: This word can mean "excuse me," "sorry," or even "thank you" in some contexts.
- Body language: These phrases are often accompanied by bowing. The deeper the bow, the more sincere the thanks or apology.
- Context matters: Choose the level of politeness based on who you're speaking to and the situation.
Course Navigation
Study Tips
- Read each example carefully
- Practice pronunciation aloud
- Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
- Finish the section quiz