Expressing gratitude correctly is one of the most important skills in Japanese business communication. It affects how professionally you are perceived, how well you build trust, and whether your message feels polite or overly stiff. While English uses a few simple expressions like “thank you” or “I appreciate it,” Japanese has several levels of nuance—each signaling a different degree of respect, distance, and formality.

Understanding these levels helps you send emails that sound natural, competent, and culturally appropriate. Below are the seven key levels of gratitude commonly used in Japanese business emails, along with explanations, nuances, and the right situations to use each.

Level 1: Basic Polite – ありがとうございます / ありがとうございました

This is the foundation of all polite Japanese.

• ありがとうございます → for current or ongoing help

• ありがとうございました → for completed actions

Although simple, it is perfectly acceptable in business. It works in emails to colleagues, familiar clients, and internal communication. The tone is polite but not overly formal, making it a safe default for most situations.

Examples:

• 昨日はお時間をいただき、ありがとうございました。

• ご確認ありがとうございます。

Use this level when the relationship is not highly hierarchical, but respect is still required.

Level 2: Soft Business Formal – 感謝しております

This phrase literally means “I am grateful,” but it carries a more professional tone than basic ありがとう expressions. It sounds measured, respectful, and slightly formal, making it ideal for business emails—even with people you do not know well.

Examples:

• この度は迅速なご対応に感謝しております。

• ご協力いただき、心より感謝しております。

Use this when you want to show appreciation without sounding too emotional.

Level 3: High Formality – 御礼申し上げます

This is significantly more formal and is commonly used in professional emails, reports, and official notifications. It signals deep respect and is typically used when the recipient is above you in status—clients, executives, or external partners.

Examples:

• ご支援いただきましたこと、厚く御礼申し上げます。

• 貴重なお時間を頂戴し、誠に御礼申し上げます。

This phrase positions you as a polite, conscientious professional.

Level 4: Very High Respect – 深く感謝申し上げます

This expression emphasizes depth of gratitude, leaning toward ceremonial language. It is appropriate for major support, important collaborations, or when the recipient has gone out of their way to assist you.

Examples:

• この度のご尽力に対し、深く感謝申し上げます。

• 温かいご支援を賜り、心より深く感謝申し上げます。

Use this when a situation truly warrants heightened respect.

Level 5: Humble Expression – お力添えいただき、誠にありがとうございました

Japanese business communication values humility, especially when asking for or acknowledging help. This phrase highlights that you received support, not just simple “help.”

Examples:

• プロジェクト成功に向けてお力添えいただき、誠にありがとうございました。

• 長期間にわたりお力添えいただき、感謝申し上げます。

This level conveys sincerity, cooperation, and a strong sense of partnership.

Level 6: Gratitude for Future Support – 今後ともよろしくお願いいたします

Although this phrase does not explicitly say “thank you,” it is one of the strongest gratitude signals in Japanese business culture. It expresses appreciation for the relationship itself, implying trust and continued collaboration.

It’s almost always used at the end of an email.

Examples:

• 引き続きご指導のほど、よろしくお願いいたします。

• 今後とも変わらぬご支援のほど、よろしくお願い申し上げます。

This level communicates both gratitude and expectation of future partnership.

Level 7: Highest Level – 心より御礼申し上げます / 厚く御礼申し上げます

These expressions combine formality, humility, and emotional sincerity. They are used for major favors, long-term business relationships, significant achievements, or when expressing gratitude on behalf of a company or team.

Examples:

• 多大なるご支援を賜り、心より厚く御礼申し上げます。

• 長年にわたるお力添えに、心より御礼申し上げます。

This level is appropriate for major milestones, thanking VIP clients, or sending official messages.

How to Choose the Right Level of Gratitude

Use casual → formal depending on:

• The hierarchy between you and the recipient

• The importance of the action you’re thanking them for

• Whether the relationship is internal or external

• Company culture and industry expectations

Quick guide:

• Internal team / colleagues: Levels 1–2

• Clients or external partners: Levels 2–4

• Formal letters or announcements: Levels 3–7

• Long-term strategic partnerships: Levels 5–7

Choosing too low a level may seem overly casual.Choosing too high a level may feel stiff or unnatural.

The goal is to match the tone of the relationship and the context.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing overly casual and highly formal phrases in the same email

Consistency is essential.

2. Overusing “大変” or “誠に”

These amplify emotion and can feel heavy if repeated too often.

3. Using “ありがとうございます！” with exclamation marks

Exclamation marks are rarely appropriate in business emails.

4. Direct translations from English

Expressions like “I really appreciate your help” cannot be translated word-for-word without sounding unnatural.

Conclusion

Gratitude in Japanese business emails is more than simple politeness—it is a communication strategy that builds trust, credibility, and long-term relationships. By understanding the seven levels of expressing thanks, you can respond appropriately to any situation, from simple internal messages to highly formal client communication.

Mastering these expressions brings you one step closer to writing professional, culturally aligned Japanese emails with confidence.