「ありがとうございました」か「ありがとうございます」
I understand -ました is past tense, but I am always confused in which context to use past tense vs. present tense.....

When you (or someone else) is leaving work, should it be past or present tense?

If you are purchasing something, is it past or present tense?

How far into the past must it be for it to be past tense?

I get the grammar behind the two. I understand the difference. But it wasn't until living in Japan that the uses for each one stumped me. Explanations (why!) are helpful. Thanks!

Question

「ありがとうございました」か「ありがとうございます」
I understand -ました is past tense, but I am always confused in which context to use past tense vs. present tense.....

When you (or someone else) is leaving work, should it be past or present tense?

If you are purchasing something, is it past or present tense?

How far into the past must it be for it to be past tense?

I get the grammar behind the two. I understand the difference. But it wasn't until living in Japan that the uses for each one stumped me. Explanations (why!) are helpful. Thanks!

Answer

[Arigatougozaimasu]　→

"Present"  " It got up immediately after now "
" 現在（げんざい）"　”直後（ちょくご）のできごと”

example) 
　When someone serve tea for you       ありがとうございます
  When someone opens a door for you ありがとうございます
  When you receive a gift                         ありがとうございます

[Arigatou gozaimashita.] →

"The past"  "the past and the thing which occurred a short while ago"　
”過去（かこ）””すこしまえに起きたできごと”
 
example) 
 I received a gift 3days ago.And I am talking to him now.　　　
あのときは　ありがとうございました.
 When a school lesson has ended
  ありがとうございました.
 The telephone ends, and when cutting 
　ありがとうございました
 
We also use "ありがとうございました." when to end the scene and to complete the specific act.

* I am so sorry. My english level is too poor.I hope you can understand...

Answer

Please check out this site for a great explanation: http://japanese.about.com/library/blqow11.htm
I'll copy and paste the part that is the most pertinent here: [If something that has already been done for you, "Arigatou gozaimashita （ありがとうございました）" can be used. It is often used by clerks at the store, or an office in the service industry. "Arigatou gozaimasu （ありがとうございます）" is a general way of saying "Thank you". It can be used for either something that will be done or something that has been done.]

Answers · 2

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