【日本語入門】「ありがとう」の正確な訳 or Exact translation of "Aligatou"

The Japanese word “ありがとう” (aligatou) is often translated simply as “thank you,” but its true meaning goes much deeper. The word can be broken down into two parts: “あり” (ali) and “がたい” (gatai).

• “あり” (ari) means “to exist” or “to be.”

• “がたい” (gatai) means “difficult” or “rare.”

When combined, “あり・がたい” (aligatai) conveys the idea that something is so rare and precious that it is difficult to come by. Therefore, “ありがとう” (aligatou) expresses a profound sense of gratitude for something that is not just appreciated but is also recognized as a rare and valuable occurrence.

This deeper meaning highlights that the gratitude expressed with “ありがとう” is not just a simple thank you, but a heartfelt acknowledgment of something truly special and uncommon. It reflects a deep appreciation for the rarity and value of the environment or situation, making it a more profound expression of thanks.

Therefore, when you say "ありがとう/Aligatou" in English, saying it while feeling "Hard to exist" is speaking Japanese in the true sense of the word.
Of course, there are cases when the Japanese themselves forget what this means.