Signification
To say thank you or express one's appreciation.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Nido-no-orei' means thanking someone twice: once immediately, and once the next time you meet. This shows the favor was not forgotten. In business, 'orei' is often followed by a 'temiyage' (small gift). Saying the words is step one; the gift is step two. Japanese parents often ask children 'Chanto orei itta?' (Did you say thanks properly?) to instill social awareness from a young age. When receiving a gift, it is common to 'say orei' by criticizing oneself for causing the other person trouble ('sumimasen' is often used as a form of orei).
The 'Ni' Rule
Always remember the person you are thanking is the destination of your words, so use 'ni'.
Not a Greeting
Don't say 'Orei o iu' to someone's face as a thank you. It's like saying 'I am now performing the act of thanking' in English—very weird!
Signification
To say thank you or express one's appreciation.
The 'Ni' Rule
Always remember the person you are thanking is the destination of your words, so use 'ni'.
Not a Greeting
Don't say 'Orei o iu' to someone's face as a thank you. It's like saying 'I am now performing the act of thanking' in English—very weird!
The Second Thanks
To sound like a pro, use this phrase to refer to 'the other day' (senjitsu) when you meet someone again.
Bowing
When you 'say orei', a small physical bow makes it 100% more authentic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct particle and verb form.
{田中|たなか}さん（ ）お{礼|おれい}を（ ）ました。
The recipient takes 'ni' and the verb is 'iu'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to report that you thanked your boss?
Which one is correct?
'Iu' is the only verb that fits the context of expressing thanks.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {昨日|きのう}はありがとうございました。 B: いえいえ。あ、{佐藤|さとう}さんにも（ ）おいてね。
B is telling A to make sure to thank Sato-san as well.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say '{直接|ちょくせつ}お{礼|おれい}を{言|い}いたい'?
'Chokusetsu' means directly/in person.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices{田中|たなか}さん（ ）お{礼|おれい}を（ ）ました。
The recipient takes 'ni' and the verb is 'iu'.
Which one is correct?
'Iu' is the only verb that fits the context of expressing thanks.
A: {昨日|きのう}はありがとうございました。 B: いえいえ。あ、{佐藤|さとう}さんにも（ ）おいてね。
B is telling A to make sure to thank Sato-san as well.
When would you say '{直接|ちょくせつ}お{礼|おれい}を{言|い}いたい'?
'Chokusetsu' means directly/in person.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in business, but the verb 'iu' changes to match the formality.
Yes, 'arigato to iu' (to say thank you) is very common and slightly more casual than 'orei o iu'.
'Iu' is just words. 'Suru' often implies giving a gift or doing something in return.
In almost all modern contexts, yes. Saying just 'rei o iu' sounds very stiff or like a dictionary definition.
Use '{彼|かれ}にお{礼|おれい}を{言|い}い{忘|わす}れた' (Kare ni orei o iiwasureta).
Yes, '{神様|かみさま}にお{礼|おれい}を{言|い}う' is perfectly natural.
'Sumimasen' acknowledges the trouble caused, which is a high form of 'orei' in Japanese culture.
It is a formal thank-you letter (お礼状).
Yes, e.g., 'Kinou wa orei o ienakute gomen' (Sorry I couldn't thank you yesterday).
Yes, it's a standard phrase for all ages.
Expressions liées
{感謝|かんしゃ}する
synonymTo feel/express gratitude
{礼|れい}を{述|の}べる
specialized formTo state one's thanks
{恩返|おんがえ}しをする
builds onTo return a favor
{詫|わ}びを{入|い}れる
contrastTo apologize
