Arigato Meaning

Arigato

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A Japanese word that means “thank you” or “thank you very much.”
2. An expression of gratitude or appreciation in Japanese culture.
3. A polite way to acknowledge a favor, gift, or kind gesture.
4. A term used in Japanese to convey thanks in both formal and informal settings.

History and Origin

Arigato comes from the Japanese verb arigatou (ありがとう), which means “thank you” or “thanks.” The word originates from the Classical Japanese arigatashi (有難し), which means “rare” or “difficult to find.” Over time, this evolved to signify something that is appreciated or rare, ultimately leading to its use as an expression of gratitude. The phrase arigatou is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and is widely used in everyday interactions to show politeness and respect.

Detailed Explanation

Arigato is a commonly used expression in Japanese to convey thanks or gratitude. It can be used in various situations, from thanking someone for a gift or favor to expressing appreciation for a service or assistance. In its more formal usage, it is often extended to arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます), which adds a higher level of politeness. The word can also be made more casual by saying simply arigato (ありがとう) in informal contexts. While its primary meaning is to express gratitude, the usage and level of formality vary depending on the situation and the relationship between the people involved.

Example Sentences

1. Arigato for helping me carry my bags.
2. She said arigato after receiving the gift.
3. Arigato gozaimasu for your kind assistance.
4. I want to say arigato for everything you’ve done for me.
5. Arigato for the delicious meal!
6. He bowed and said arigato after the gift exchange.
7. I heard him say arigato when I handed him the documents.
8. She smiled and said arigato gozaimasu for the help with the presentation.
9. Arigato for taking the time to meet with me today.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Thank you – The English equivalent of arigato, used to express gratitude.
2. Thanks – A more casual form of expressing gratitude, similar to arigato.
3. Much appreciated – A more formal or emphatic way to express thanks, conveying a similar sentiment to arigato.
4. Grateful – A state of being thankful or appreciative, closely linked to the sentiment expressed by arigato.
5. Thank you very much – A more formal version of thank you, similar to arigato gozaimasu.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Doumo – Another informal way to say thank you in Japanese, often used with doumo arigato for emphasis.
2. Sensei – A title used for teachers or respected individuals in Japan, often said with arigato to show appreciation for their guidance.
3. Kansha – The Japanese word for gratitude or thankfulness, related to the sentiment of arigato.
4. Osewa – Refers to the concept of being indebted to someone for their care or help, often linked with expressions like arigato.
5. Giri – A term related to social obligation or duty, often connected to the context in which arigato is expressed as part of maintaining social harmony.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Domou – A more casual form of arigato used in informal settings.
2. Gochisousama – A phrase used after a meal to express gratitude, similar in sentiment to arigato.
3. Onegaishimasu – A polite way to request something, used in contrast to arigato when asking for help or favors.
4. Itadakimasu – A phrase said before eating, conveying gratitude for the meal, related to arigato.
5. Arigatou gozaimashita – A past tense form of arigato gozaimasu, often used after a service has been provided, expressing thanks for something that has already happened.

Antonyms

1. Neglect – The opposite of expressing thanks, implying a lack of appreciation.
2. Indifference – A lack of interest or concern, the opposite of showing gratitude with words like arigato.
3. Unappreciative – Describes someone who does not express or feel gratitude, in contrast to using arigato.
4. Disrespect – The opposite of showing gratitude, such as the attitude that would not involve saying arigato.
5. Ingratitude – A lack of thankfulness, which contrasts with the concept of expressing appreciation through words like arigato.