Response to Arigato: 10 Creative Replies to Impress Your Japanese Friends

Unravelling a list of thoughtful and culturally appropriate responses to “arigato”!

Ever been stumped by how to respond to “arigato” without sounding like a robotic language app? Fear not, you’ve just hit the jackpot. From traditional “Dou Itashimashite” to the casual “No prob,” we’ve got a buffet of responses that’ll turn your thank-you banter into a flair parade. Dive in, and get ready to level up your gratitude game.

Key takeaways:

Dou Itashimashite – Polite response for formal occasions.
Iie, Iie – Modest refusal of thanks for casual chats.
Zenzen – Chill and effortless way to downplay gratitude.
Mochiron – Enthusiastic “Of course”, universally positive response.
Uun – Casual, informal response suitable for relaxed situations.

Dou Itashimashite

A classic, polite go-to response. It’s like saying, “You’re welcome!” but with a touch more grace. Imagine a bow and a smile—it’s humble, yet warm.

It’s ideal for formal or semi-formal settings.
Great for use in professional environments where respect is crucial.
Appropriate when you want to keep things courteous and traditional.

Use it to make your thank-you exchange feel like a gentle nod of mutual respect. Perfect for those “I’m-cultured-and-I-know-it” moments!

Iie, Iie

Ah, “Iie, Iie” – the double no that’s actually a yes! Only in Japan, right? Unlike its literal meaning of “no, no,” it’s used to humbly refuse thanks. Picture it as a verbal bow, deflecting gratitude with grace. People saying “Iie, Iie” aren’t being dismissive; they’re downplaying their role, a classic move in the art of humility.

Here’s the lowdown:
Perfect for casual conversations.
Shows you’re modest and don’t want to take credit.
A great response when you’ve done something simple but appreciated.
Keeps the vibe light and friendly.

So, next time someone showers you with “Arigato,” whip out an “Iie, Iie” and bask in the unspoken camaraderie. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Zenzen

Picture this: You’re casually sipping your matcha, someone thanks you with a heartfelt “Arigato,” and you coolly respond with “Zenzen.” What just happened?

First off, Zenzen transforms the vibe into something chill and effortless. It’s like saying, “No biggie” or “Don’t even mention it.”

Interestingly, Zenzen traditionally means “completely” or “not at all” in other contexts. But in this instance, it implies that their gratitude was unnecessary because it was your pleasure to help.

Imagine the scenario like you’re a hero in a casual Japanese indie film: someone thanks you, and you Zenzen their appreciation into an art form of cool, effortless nonchalance.

There you go—short, sweet, and making you look effortlessly awesome. Use it wisely.

Mochiron

A delightful way to respond to ‘arigato’ is with “Mochiron.” It translates to “Of course” and adds a hearty sprinkle of enthusiasm. It’s like saying, “No biggie, I’m happy to help!” Here’s why it’s fabulous:

It shows eagerness: “Mochiron” conveys genuine willingness, making the gratitude exchange more personal.
Easy to remember: Unlike some tongue-twisting responses, “Mochiron” is short and sweet.
Universally positive: It carries no hidden sarcasm or negativity, keeping the vibe upbeat.

So next time someone drops an “arigato,” toss back a “mochiron” and watch smiles appear like magic!

Uun

Alright, let’s move on to a less formal response. Uun is a casual way to say “no” in Japanese. Imagine it as the chill cousin of the more formal “iie.” It’s the head nod or shrug equivalent.

Feel like keeping it breezy? Use Uun when the situation is relaxed, like chatting with friends or close coworkers. Perfect for when someone says thanks and you want to say “ah, no worries, mate.”

It’s versatile but informal, so maybe save it for non-business settings. It’s like giving a high-five instead of a handshake—personal and friendly.

Hai

Using it is a bit of a paradox. In Japanese, it means “yes,” but here, it’s employed to acknowledge thanks rather than a straightforward agreement. Let’s unravel this peculiar puzzle.

It’s your multi-tool word. Picture this scenario: someone hands you a delightful bento box. You say “Arigato,” and they respond with a simple, yet assertive “Hai.” Sounds formal, a touch authoritative maybe, but it’s actually warm and affirmative.

The beauty? It suits almost any occasion. Casual chats, office settings, or even at that sushi place you frequent. It’s an instant, courteous acknowledgment.

But beware – don’t overdo it with the intonation. Too enthusiastic, and it might sound like you’ve just landed a breakthrough in quantum physics. Keep it mellow, folks.

Sē No

“Sē no” is like the Japanese way of saying, “Let’s do this together!” It’s usually tossed around in group settings when starting something simultaneously. Imagine a synchronized “1, 2, 3, go!” moment, but in Japanese.

It’s a team spirit kind of phrase.
Often used to pump up everyone before a task.
Acts as an informal cheer.

Using it as a response to “arigato” might puzzle some Japanese folks. But hey, language is full of surprises, right? Keep it in your back pocket for those group activities and enjoy the puzzled but amused faces.

Kekkō Desu

Absolutely, you can use this response when you want to be polite but succinct. It’s like saying “It’s enough” or “I’m good, thanks.”

Perfect for situations when you’re fine as is but still want to acknowledge the gesture. Imagine receiving another cookie when you’re already stuffed.

Or someone trying to over-pack your bento box—you get the picture.

So next time your friend offers you that fifth cup of green tea, feel free to say it with a smile. Quick, efficient, and still oh-so-polite. It’s simplicity with a side of respect.

No Prob

Who knew “no prob” could be the coolest way to say “you’re welcome” in Japan? You might initially think it’s not in the Japanese lexicon, but the modern era is full of surprises.

First, it’s super friendly. Imagine your friend Misaki just lent you their favorite manga. You say, “arigato,” and they flash a grin and say, “No prob!” A simple, easy-going way to keep the convo light-hearted.

Second, it’s casual. If formality isn’t your thing or if you’re chummy with the person, “no prob” fits right in. It’s less stiff than some traditional responses, making it great for friends and equals.

Lastly, it keeps things snappy. No long-winded phrases to memorize. Just two little words that carry a big dose of friendliness. Plus, it adds a modern twist to your Japanese speaking finesse. You’ll sound contemporary, relatable, and downright breezy.

Cheers

For a dash of casual coolness, replying with “Cheers” works surprisingly well. It’s a laid-back way to show appreciation without getting too formal. Plus, it adds a bit of Western flavor, which can be a fun twist.

Friendly Vibe: “Cheers” conveys a warm, friendly tone that puts people at ease.
Universal Language: Even non-English speakers often catch the drift, making it globally understood.
Informal but Polite: It’s perfect for casual settings, striking the right balance between respect and relaxation.
Short and Sweet: No need for long-winded phrases—just one word does the trick.

Remember, it’s all about the context. With close friends or in a chill environment, this response can hit the spot just right.