Learning About Life in Japan Through Words (4) How to say “thank you” in Japan without tipping?

Today’s Topic

Many countries use tips as a “sign of thanks.” In Japan, there is no tipping custom. Even so, people express “thank you” with words and small actions in daily life.

This article explains why there is no tipping and teaches easy Japanese phrases for gratitude.

Today’s Words (Reading + IPA)

Common ways to say “thank you.” Try them in simple situations.

Japanese	Reading (kana)	IPA	Meaning & usage
「ありがとうございます」	「ありがとうございます」	[aɾiɡatoː ɡozaimasɯ]	Most common polite thanks. Used for present or recent actions.
「ありがとうございました」	「ありがとうございました」	[aɾiɡatoː ɡozaimaɕita]	Thanks for something finished. Good when leaving a store.
「ごちそうさまでした」	「ごちそうさまでした」	[ɡotɕisoːsame deɕita]	After eating. For home or restaurants.
「お世話になります」	「おせわになります」	[osewa ninaɾimasɯ]	Before receiving help. Common at work or in procedures.
「感謝申し上げます」	「かんしゃもうしあげます」	[kaɴɕa moːɕiaɡemasɯ]	Very formal. Used in letters or speeches.

Note

IPA is the International Phonetic Alphabet. The vowel “う (ɯ)” can be weak in speech (for example, 「です」 ≈ [des]). We show basic forms for learning.

Culture Note: In Japan, feelings are shared with words

Instead of money, people use words to show gratitude. Phrases like 「ありがとうございます」 or 「ごちそうさまでした」 represent giving back with the heart.

Some feel that giving money makes it feel like a hired relationship. Gratitude is exchanged between equals, with words and attitude.

Callout

In a few hotels or tourist spots, a small “token” may appear, but it is not common. Start with words.

Grammar Point: 「〜てくれてありがとう」 (Thank you for …)

State clearly what you are thankful for. It feels warmer.

Basic form

「〜てくれてありがとう」（Thank you for doing …）

Sentence	Meaning
「手伝ってくれてありがとう。」	Thank you for helping me.
「来てくれてありがとう。」	Thank you for coming.
「話してくれてありがとう。」	Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

It is close to “Thank you for doing …,” but in Japanese it often sounds more empathetic toward the action.

To be more polite, use 「〜てくださってありがとうございます」.

Practice: Rewrite (A2)

Turn these into 「〜てくれてありがとう」.

「きのう、道を教えてくれました。」→「道を教えてくれてありがとう。」（Yesterday you told me the way. → Thank you for telling me.）
「ドアを開けてくれました。」→「ドアを開けてくれてありがとう。」（You opened the door. → Thank you for opening it.）
「メールを送ってくれました。」→「メールを送ってくれてありがとう。」（You sent an email. → Thank you for sending it.）

「〜てくれて」って？

「〜てくれて」 shows that the person did something for you. It carries your warm feeling.

Learn “thank you” by situation

Words and small actions speak clearly, even without tips.

At a shop: Slight bow + 「ありがとうございました」 (Thank you very much.) after paying.
After a meal: Before standing up, 「ごちそうさまでした」 (Thank you for the meal.).
When helped: 「助かりました。ありがとうございます」 (That helped me. Thank you.).
When shown the way: 「ありがとうございます。助かりました」 (Thank you. That helped me.).
When requesting work help: 「お世話になります。どうぞよろしくお願いします」 (I appreciate your support.).

Note

A small bow and a natural smile work well. Keep your voice considerate of others.

Today’s Summary

In Japan, people thank with words rather than tips.
Gratitude is an exchange of equal feelings, not money.
「〜てくれてありがとう」 tells exactly what you appreciate.
A bow and a smile also carry kindness.

Next time: “Life in Japan Through Words (5)” Why are trains quiet? — Learn kindness through words