Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Thank" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "thank", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ごちそうさま
ごちそうさま (gochisousama)
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 ごちそうさま and ありがとうございます.
In Japanese, ごちそうさま (ごちそうさま (gochisousama)) is typically associated with "Thank you for the meal (after eating)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents A polite phrase said after finishing a meal, expressing gratitude for the food and/or the hospitality. Often shortened to 「ごちそうさま」..
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 "ごちそうさま"
食事が終わったら「ごちそうさま」と言います。
After finishing the meal, I say "Gochisousama."
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: "食事が終わったら「 ＿＿＿ 」と言います。" (Meaning: "After finishing the meal, I say "Gochisousama."")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ごちそうさま" fits here because it means "Thank you for the meal (after eating)" in the context of: "After finishing the meal, I say "Gochisousama."". "ありがとうございます" represents "Thank you (polite)".