Formal to Superior
Workplace · Meeting
大変参考になりました。ありがとうございます。 — That was very helpful / instructive. Thank you. (Workplace · Meeting, Formal to Superior, JLPT N4)
You
大変参考になりました。ありがとうございます。
たいへんさんこうになりました。ありがとうございます。
That was very helpful / instructive. Thank you.
Romaji: Taihen sankō ni narimashita. Arigatō gozaimasu. / Reply Romaji: Oyaku ni tatete yokatta desu.
Reply
お役に立てて良かったです。
おやくにたてて よかったです。
I'm glad it was useful.
Gesture & etiquette
Bow slightly with genuine warmth; make brief eye contact to show the gratitude is heartfelt; if you've been taking notes, glance at them to show the advice was captured and will be acted upon.
参考になりました' (it became a reference / it was helpful to reference) is a graceful expression of intellectual gratitude — stronger than 'ありがとうございます' alone because it specifies what you gained. Use it after receiving expert advice, a mentor's feedback, or a colleague's valuable perspective. Specific follow-up ('特に〜の点が参考になりました', especially the point about...) makes the thanks even more memorable.