How to Say Thank You, Please, and Sorry in Japanese (Simple Guide)
If you’re travelling to Japan or learning the language, one of the first things you’ll need is knowing how to say thank you, please, and sorry in Japanese.
But here’s the catch — it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Japanese has multiple ways to express these phrases depending on the situation, level of politeness, and who you’re speaking to.
This guide keeps things simple and practical, so you can start using these phrases confidently.
How to Say Thank You in Japanese
ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) — Thank you very much
This is the most common and polite way to say thank you.
Use it when speaking to:
- Strangers
- People older than you
- Anyone in a formal setting
More casual variations include:
- ありがとう (Arigatou)
- どうも (Dōmo)
- どうもありがとう (Dōmo arigatou)
Tip: Stick with ありがとうございます if you’re unsure — it always works.
How to Say You’re Welcome
どういたしまして (Douitashimashite)
Used as a response to “thank you”:
A: ありがとう
B: いいえ、どういたしまして
The use of いいえ reflects Japanese politeness and humility, implying:
“It was nothing.”
How to Say No Problem
もんだいないです (Mondai nai desu)
A relaxed way of saying “no problem”.
More polite version:
もんだいありません (Mondai arimasen)
How to Say Please in Japanese (Requests)
ください (Kudasai)
Used when asking for something.
However, a more polite and commonly used phrase is:
おねがいします (Onegaishimasu)
This is the safest and most versatile way to say “please” in Japanese.
How to Say Please (When Offering)
どうぞ (Douzo)
Used when:
- Offering something
- Giving permission
- Inviting someone
Meaning:
“Here you go” / “Go ahead”
Useful Japanese Workplace Phrases
おつかれさまです (Otsukaresama desu)
Used to acknowledge someone’s effort or hard work.
Common in:
- Offices
- Meetings
- End of the workday
しつれいします (Shitsurei shimasu)
Means “excuse me” in formal settings.
Example:
おさきにしつれいします
“I’m sorry for leaving before you”
shitsurei shimasu Excuse me
Like おつかれさま です, you are likely to hear this from a Japanese workplace generally when you are about to enter someone’s workspace or request for help. しつれい します loosely translates to “excuse me for my rudeness”. しつれい します is often combined with another word おさきに – as in おさきにしつれい します meaning “I am sorry for leaving before you”. As the translation connotates it is usually used when you are leaving work before everyone else.
How to Say Sorry in Japanese
How to Say Sorry in Japanese
すみません (Sumimasen)
One of the most useful Japanese phrases.
Used for:
- Getting attention (“excuse me”)
- Light apologies
ごめんなさい (Gomen nasai)
A stronger, more direct apology.
Casual version:
ごめん (Gomen)
Final Thoughts
Learning basic Japanese phrases isn’t just about words — it’s about understanding politeness and social context.
Once you get that, everything starts to click.
