Japanese for Beginners: How to Say Please and Thank You Politely
Learn to use onegaishimasu and arigatou gozaimasu in daily Japanese. Master formal and casual forms, and respond to thanks naturally.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In Japanese, the words for please and thank you change depending on how polite you need to be. The phrase onegaishimasu (please) is used when making a request, while arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) expresses gratitude. This lesson teaches you the most common forms for everyday interactions, from casual chats with friends to polite conversations with strangers. You will learn when to use each variation and how to respond when someone thanks you. By the end, you will be able to handle basic polite exchanges confidently.
By the end, you can…
- say please and thank you in both formal and informal situations.
- respond appropriately when someone thanks me in Japanese.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
お願いします
Please (polite)
onegaishimasu
Use when making a request to someone older, a stranger, or in a service setting. It is the standard polite form.
ありがとうございます
Thank you (polite)
arigatou gozaimasu
Use to express gratitude politely to anyone you are not close to, or in formal situations.
ありがとう
Thanks (casual)
arigatou
Use with friends, family, or people of similar age in casual settings. Avoid with superiors or strangers.
どういたしまして
You're welcome
dou itashimashite
A polite response to thanks. It is standard and safe in most situations.
いいえ、どういたしまして
No, not at all (humble)
iie, dou itashimashite
A humble, modest response to thanks. The 'iie' (no) downplays the thanks rather than literally meaning 'you're welcome'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To make a request politely, use onegaishimasu after the item or action you want. For example, when ordering in a restaurant, you can say 'Kore, onegaishimasu' (This, please). To thank someone, use arigatou gozaimasu in polite contexts. If you want to be more specific, you can say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' after someone helps you. For casual thanks, simply say 'Arigatou'. When responding to thanks, 'Dou itashimashite' is the most common polite reply. In casual settings, you might say 'Iie iie' (No, no) to downplay the thanks.
When to use it
Use onegaishimasu when you ask for something in shops, restaurants, or when requesting a favor from someone you don't know well. For example, 'Sumimasen, onegaishimasu' (Excuse me, please) when you want attention. Use arigatou gozaimasu when someone does something for you, like holding a door or giving you a gift. In casual situations with friends, arigatou is fine. When someone thanks you, dou itashimashite is always safe. If you are close to the person, you can just smile and say 'Iie' or 'Un' (Yeah) to be modest. Avoid using casual forms with people older or higher in status.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
すみません、メニューをお願いします。
Excuse me, the menu, please.Sumimasen, menyuu o onegaishimasu.はい、少々お待ちください。
Yes, please wait a moment.Hai, shoushou omachi kudasai.ありがとうございます。
Thank you.Arigatou gozaimasu.どういたしまして。
You're welcome.Dou itashimashite.A little context goes a long way
In Japanese, politeness is often shown through verb forms and set phrases. Using the correct level of politeness is important; casual arigatou with a stranger can seem rude. When in doubt, use the polite forms arigatou gozaimasu and onegaishimasu. Also, a slight bow often accompanies these phrases, but the depth depends on the situation.
One thing to watch for
Using arigatou with a teacher or boss.
Try this instead: Use arigatou gozaimasu instead. For example, after a teacher helps you, say 'Arigatou gozaimasu.' The casual form is only for close friends or family.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'please' when asking a stranger for help?
Show a sample answer
お願いします (onegaishimasu)
Onegaishimasu is the polite way to make a request. It is appropriate for strangers and formal situations. Other forms like 'kudasai' are used after specific verbs, but onegaishimasu is a general polite request.
2What is a polite response to 'Arigatou gozaimasu'?
Show a sample answer
どういたしまして (dou itashimashite)
Dou itashimashite is the standard polite reply. In casual settings, you might say 'Iie' or 'Un', but dou itashimashite is safe in most situations.
3When would you use 'arigatou' instead of 'arigatou gozaimasu'?
Show a sample answer
With close friends or family in casual situations.
Arigatou is the casual form. It is fine among friends, but using it with someone older or in a formal context can be impolite. Always use the polite form when unsure.
Remember: use onegaishimasu for polite requests and arigatou gozaimasu for polite thanks. With friends, you can use arigatou. Respond to thanks with dou itashimashite. When in doubt, choose the polite form.
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