Japanese Symbol for Gratitude — 感謝 (Kansha)

Readings

感 ONカンkan
感 KUNかん(じる)kanjiru (to feel, to sense)
謝 ONシャsha
謝 KUNあやま(る)ayamaru (to apologize)

Meaning

Gratitude, thankfulness, appreciation. 感謝 combines 感 (feeling, emotion) with 謝 (to express thanks, to apologize). The same kanji 謝 covers both gratitude and apology — reflecting how deeply interconnected these two expressions of relationship are in Japanese culture.

Example words

ありがとう

arigatō

thank you

お礼

orei

thanks, expression of gratitude

恩

kindness received, debt of gratitude

おかげさまで

okagesama de

thanks to you (grateful acknowledgment)

いただきます

itadakimasu

I humbly receive (said before meals)

感謝祭

kansha-sai

Thanksgiving

Stroke order

いただきます (itadakimasu — "I humbly receive") said before meals expresses gratitude to the ingredients, the cooks, and the farmers. ごちそうさまでした (gochisōsama deshita — "it was a feast") after meals completes this ritual. The concept of 恩 (on — debt of gratitude) shapes lifelong relationships — receiving kindness creates a lasting bond of obligation to repay it.

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