Japanese word

礼

Pronunciation

Romajirei

Meaning

  • nounthanks

Example

友達に礼を言います。tomo dachi ni rei o i i ma su

I thank my friend.

Illustration for 礼 (thanks)

More examples

助けてくれた人に礼を言いました。tasu ke te ku re ta hito ni rei o i i ma shi ta

I thanked the person who helped me.

Core concept

Expresses gratitude as a social act of acknowledging another person's kindness.

Common phrases

  • 礼を言うrei o yū

    give thanks

  • 礼を述べるrei o no be ru

    express thanks

Similar words

感謝kansha: Gratitude or an expression of gratitude for kindness received.
お礼orei: Words or an action used to show gratitude for kindness received.

Definition in Japanese

感謝の気持ちを表すこと。kan sha no ki mo chi o arawa su ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 礼 (rei, "courtesy") uses the Chinese character 礼, whose meaning includes polite conduct and gratitude.

Usage tips

  • In modern conversation, 礼 (rei) is usually less casual than ありがとう (arigatō) and often carries a sense of formal gratitude.

Word lists with this word