Japanese Conversation · Level 30
90 words
Japanese word
ありがたい
Pronunciation
Romajiarigatai
Meaning
- i-adjectiveappreciated
Example
手伝ってくれてありがたいです。te tsuda tte ku re te a ri ga ta i de su
I appreciate your help.
More examples
忙しい日に食事を作ってくれる家族がありがたいです。isoga shi i hi ni shoku ji o tsuku tte ku re ru ka zoku ga a ri ga ta i de su
I appreciate family members who cook for me on busy days.
Core concept
The word ありがたい (arigatai) presents something received as a valuable kindness, a welcome benefit, or a reason for gratitude.
Common phrases
ありがたい話a ri ga ta i hanashi
welcome news
ありがたいことにa ri ga ta i ko to ni
fortunately
ありがたい申し出a ri ga ta i mō shi de
welcome offer
Similar words
うれしいureshii: Describes a feeling of pleasure or happiness about something.
Definition in Japanese
親切や援助などを非常にありがたく感じ、望ましいこととして喜ぶさま。shin setsu ya en jo na do o hi jō ni a ri ga ta ku kan ji nozo ma shi i ko to to shi te yoroko bu sa ma
Word origin
In ありがたい (arigatai), the older form ありがたし (arigatashi) reflects あり (ari, "exist") plus 難し (katashi, "difficult"); "hard to find" developed into valuing a kindness.
Usage tips
- The same adjective can describe a welcome offer or condition, as in ありがたい申し出 (arigatai mōshide), so its meaning extends beyond personal gratitude.
Other meanings
- gratefuli-adjective
- welcomei-adjective
Related words
- ありがたさarigatasagratefulnessnoun
- ありがたみarigatamivaluenoun
- ありがたがるarigatagaruappreciateverb