Translation and Meaning of: 感謝 - kansha

The Japanese word 感謝 [かんしゃ] is an essential term for anyone wanting to understand the culture and language of Japan. Its meaning goes beyond a simple "thank you" and carries deep nuances of gratitude and recognition. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese life, and what its origins are. Additionally, you will discover practical tips for memorizing it and using it correctly in conversations.

The meaning and importance of 感謝

感謝 [かんしゃ] is translated as "gratitude" or "recognition" and expresses a deep feeling of thankfulness. Unlike ありがとう, which is a more casual "thank you," 感謝 conveys a more formal and sincere appreciation. This word is often used in contexts where there is a strong emotional bond, such as in speeches, letters, or moments of great significance.

In Japan, showing gratitude is a fundamental part of the culture. Society values gestures of respect and reciprocity, and 感謝 is one of the highest forms of expressing this. For example, at graduation ceremonies or important events, it is common to hear speeches filled with this word, reinforcing the value of interpersonal relationships.

The origin and the writing of 感謝

The word 感謝 is composed of two kanjis: 感 (kan), which means "to feel" or "to perceive," and 謝 (sha), which can be translated as "to thank" or "to apologize." Together, these characters form the concept of recognizing and expressing gratitude. This combination reflects the idea that gratitude in Japan is not just a verbal act, but a genuinely felt emotion.

It is worth noting that the kanji 謝 also appears in words like 謝罪 [しゃざい] (apology), showing that, in the Japanese language, expressing gratitude and apologizing can be connected by the same principle of humility and respect. This etymological connection helps to understand why 感謝 is such a significant word in Japanese communication.

How to use 感謝 in daily life

Although 感謝 is more formal than a simple ありがとう, it is not exclusive to solemn situations. At work, for example, it is common to hear phrases like 感謝しています (I am grateful) in emails or meetings. In the family environment, it can be used to express deep gratitude, such as in 家族に感謝する (being grateful to the family).

One tip to memorize this word is to associate it with memorable moments. If you have watched anime or Japanese dramas, you have probably heard 感謝 in emotional scenes. This natural exposure helps to anchor the term in your vocabulary. Another strategy is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting phrases like 心から感謝します (I thank you from the bottom of my heart) to reinforce your learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 謝意 (shai) - Feeling of gratitude
• 感謝の気持ち (kansha no kimochi) - Feeling of gratitude
• 謝礼 (sharei) - Reward or gift of thanks
• 感謝状 (kanshajō) - Certificate of Appreciation
• 感謝祭 (kanshasai) - Thanksgiving festival

感謝

Romaji: kansha
Kana: かんしゃ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: thanks; gratitude

Meaning in English: thanks;gratitude

Definition: To have a feeling of gratitude towards people and things. A heart of gratitude.

Example Sentences - (感謝) kansha

See below some example sentences:

偶々会えたことに感謝しています。

Guuguu aeta koto ni kansha shiteimasu

I'm grateful to have found you by chance.

I am grateful to have found.

• 偶々 (guuguu) - by chance, accidentally
• 会えた (aeta) - found, found oneself
• こと (koto) - Thing, fact
• に (ni) - target particle
• 感謝 (kansha) - gratitude, thankfulness
• しています (shiteimasu) - is doing, is feeling

先輩にはいつも感謝しています。

Senpai ni wa itsumo kansha shiteimasu

I am always grateful to my elderly.

I am always grateful to my elderly.

• 先輩 (senpai) - a Japanese term that refers to someone who is older or more experienced in a certain field
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the recipient of the action
• は (wa) - a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - a Japanese word meaning "always"
• 感謝 (kansha) - a Japanese word meaning "gratitude"
• しています (shiteimasu) - a polite form of the Japanese verb "suru" meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

偖しくもあなたと出会えたことに感謝しています。

Sasuga ni anata to deaeta koto ni kansha shiteimasu

I am grateful to have met you.

• 偖しくも (ayashikumo) - adverb meaning "in a mysterious way"
• あなたと (anata to) - personal pronoun "you" followed by the particle "com"
• 出会えた (deatta) - verb "to find" in the past
• ことに (koto ni) - particle that indicates "in relation to"
• 感謝しています (kansha shiteimasu) - verb "thank" in the present

感謝の気持ちを忘れずに生きていきたい。

Kansha no kimochi wo wasurezu ni ikiteikitai

I want to live without forgetting my gratitude.

• 感謝の気持ち - Feeling of gratitude
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 忘れずに - Without forgetting
• 生きていきたい - I want to live

真に感謝します。

Makoto ni kansha shimasu

I really appreciate it.

Thank you very much.

• 真 - real
• に - binding particle
• 感謝 - gratitude
• します - make

私たちを取り巻く自然の美しさに感謝します。

Watashitachi o torimaku shizen no utsukushisa ni kansha shimasu

I am grateful for the beauty of the nature that surrounds us.

Thank you for the beauty of nature around us.

• 私たち - 「私たち」
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 取り巻く - "囲む" ou "包む" em japonês
• 自然 - 自然 (Shizen)
• の - Possessive particle in Japanese
• 美しさ - "beauty" in Japanese
• に - Destination particle in Japanese
• 感謝します - "ありがとうございます" (Arigatou gozaimasu)

普段からありがとう。

Fudan kara arigatou

Thank you

Thank you usually.

• 普段 - It means "usually" or "routinely."
• から - It means "from" or "since".
• ありがとう - It means "thank you" or "grateful."