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Which Japanese phrase means 'Thank you very much'?

Arigatoo gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

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  1. Wakarimashita (わかりました)
  2. Yookoso irasshaimashita (ようこそいらっしゃいました)
  3. Arigatoo gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) ✔

Why: Arigatoo gozaimasu is the polite way to thank shop staff and strangers. Wakarimashita means 'I see', and yookoso irasshaimashita is a host's welcome.

Huh, didn't know that: In NHK's first lesson, Tam says it after Mi Ya offers to walk her to Haru-san House.

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Answer: Arigatoo gozaimasu (ありがとうございます). Arigatoo gozaimasu is the polite way to thank shop staff and strangers. Wakarimashita means 'I see', and yookoso irasshaimashita is a host's welcome.

  1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN Easy Japanese, Lesson 1 www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/lesson/en/lessons/01.html
    Hai. Arigatoo gozaimasu. OK. Thank you very much.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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