There are (too?) many ways to say “thank you” in Japanese.

The difference depends on the degree of politeness.


Most polite;
Hontouni Arigatougozaimasu(with bowing)
=Thank you (very) very much (sir or maam) I really appreciate it.
 
Arigatougozaimasu.
=Thank you very much.(sir or maam)(to your boss or customer)
 
Arigatou.
=Thank you (to your friends or child)
 
Sankyuu.
=Thank you (to your friends or child )
 
Doumo
=Thank you (flatly)
(I have read that a Japanese-language guide tells this phrase “Doumo” is very useful. But I do not suggest you use it very often. In my opinion, it does not sound polite at all. Presumably some Japanese people feel annoyed when they hear your “doumo.” )
 
 
Lately Japanese people do not say Arigatou and not express their appreciation to others ( or spouses, family members) as often as we are supposed to do.Therefore, non-Japanese people’s Arigatou would remind Japanese people of the importance of expressing their appreciation.
 
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