Formal — to stranger
Cultural · Communication
いろいろとお世話になり、感謝しきれません。 — I can't begin to express my gratitude for all your help. (Cultural · Communication, Formal — to stranger, JLPT N3)
You
いろいろとお世話になり、感謝しきれません。
いろいろとおせわになり、かんしゃしきれません。
I can't begin to express my gratitude for all your help.
Romaji: Iroiro to o-sewa ni nari, kansha shikiremasen. / Reply Romaji: Iie, o-tagai sama desu.
Reply
いいえ、お互い様です。
いいえ、おたがいさまです。
Not at all — we're in this together.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow deeply (30-45 degrees) while saying this, or pause and make sincere, sustained eye contact with a composed expression. The phrase itself carries emotional weight — resist the urge to minimize or add humor; receive it seriously.
This phrase captures the Japanese concept of 'on' — a deep sense of social debt and gratitude for kindness received. Unlike casual thanks, this acknowledges that the help went beyond what could be easily repaid. It is used for significant, sustained support from someone.