{"id":7756,"date":"2022-08-10T16:49:58","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T16:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=7756"},"modified":"2022-08-10T16:49:58","modified_gmt":"2022-08-10T16:49:58","slug":"domo-arigato-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/domo-arigato-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Domo Arigato \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did a friend just say 'domo arigato'<\/em> to you after you offered them a beverage? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression 'domo arigato'<\/em> is Japanese, translating to 'thank you'<\/em> in English. However, 'domo arigato'<\/em> is not a formalized greeting. It's more commonly used in informal conversations. People may also separate the use of 'domo' <\/em>and 'arigato'<\/em> for different purposes, depending on the conversation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For instance, using 'arigato' <\/em>is the better choice in professional situations, like wishing your boss farewell. 'Domo'<\/em> is the better choice for use in informal conversations with random people you meet, friends, and family. So, if you're greeting the shopkeeper after leaving his store, 'domo' <\/em>would be the better choice for saying farewell.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\"Domo arigato. That was an amazing afternoon. I always wanted to see the Yankees play at home. What an experience. I appreciate you.\"<\/p>\n

\"Domo arigato, I appreciate the effort. But there's no need to go out of your way to take me home. I'm fine with walking the rest of the way, and it will at least save you some gas money.\"<\/p>\n

\"Domo arigato. This was the best sushi I've ever had. I don't know how you manage to pull it off, but the wasabi is so much more flavorful than at other sushi restaurants.\"<\/p>\n

\"Domo arigato. This sake wine is an amazing gift. Come, let's retire to the den for a few drinks. You can tell me all about your travels to Japan.\"<\/p>\n

\"Domo arigato. We needed this so much, and we can't begin to thank you enough. This donation will help us buy food for the community during this troubling time. We appreciate everyone who donated to the campaign.\"<\/p>\n

\"Domo arigato. I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. We must discuss your son's behavior and how it disrupts the class. I think he might be dealing with ADHD.\"<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression 'domo arigato' originates from the Japanese language. The kanji term 'arigatou gozaimasu' is typically spelled using hiragana. However, it has kanji characters in the phrase, helping us unpack the meaning and origin of the saying.<\/p>\n

Spelled \u6709\u96e3\u3046\u3054\u3056\u3044\u307e\u3059 and pronounced 'Arigatou gozaimasu' with kanji characters. The kanji features two primary characters \u6709\u308b\uff08\u3042\u308b:aru), meaning 'to be' or 'to exist. The \u96e3\u3044\uff08\u304b\u305f\u3044:katai) means difficult or hard.<\/p>\n

In the kokugo Japanese dictionary, 'arigatashi' translates to 'something rare, which eventually changed to being 'thankful.' Language experts are unsure of when the saying entered the English lexicon as a farewell greeting.<\/p>\n