In many countries, tipping at restaurants and hotels is seen as a “sign of thanks.”
In Japan, however, there is no tipping custom.
Even so, people express “thank you” through words and small actions in daily life.
In this article, we look at why there is no tipping and learn simple Japanese phrases to show gratitude.
Here are common expressions for “thank you.” Try them in everyday 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]
The most common polite thanks. Used for what someone does now or has just done.
「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 already finished. Good when leaving a shop.
「ごちそうさまでした」
「ごちそうさまでした」
[ɡotɕisoːsame deɕita]
Said after eating to thank the cook or the shop. At home or in restaurants.
「お世話になります」
「おせわになります」
[osewa ninaɾimasɯ]
Said before receiving help. Often in work or procedures.
「感謝申し上げます」
「かんしゃもうしあげます」
[kaɴɕa moːɕiaɡemasɯ]
Very formal. For letters and speeches.
Note
IPA is the International Phonetic Alphabet. In real speech, the vowel “う (ɯ)” can be weak (for example, 「です」 ≈ [des]). For learning, we show basic forms.
Instead of a tip, people use words to show gratitude.
Phrases like 「ありがとうございます」 and 「ごちそうさまでした」
stand for a culture of giving back with the heart, not with money.
Some people feel that giving money makes the relationship feel like hiring.
Gratitude is exchanged between equals; it is natural to use words and attitude, not cash.
Callout
In some hotels or tourist spots, a small “token” is not unheard of. But it is not common. Start with words first.
