Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thank" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thank", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いただきます
いただきます (itadakimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ありがとうございます
ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "thank" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いただきます and ありがとうございます.
In Japanese, いただきます (いただきます (itadakimasu)) is typically associated with "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A polite phrase said before eating or drinking, or when receiving something, expressing gratitude. It implies 'I humbly receive this food/drink/item'..
On the other hand, ありがとうございます (ありがとうございます (arigatou gozaimasu)) maps to "Thank you (polite)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite way to express gratitude. Often shortened to ありがとう. A literal translation of "thank" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いただきます"
食事の前に「いただきます」と言います。
I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.
Bilingual Context for "ありがとうございます"
プレゼント、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for the present.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "食事の前に「 ＿＿＿ 」と言います。" (Meaning: "I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いただきます" fits here because it means "Thank you for the meal (before eating); I humbly receive" in the context of: "I say "Itadakimasu" before a meal.". "ありがとうございます" represents "Thank you (polite)".