Accepting complements (without rejecting them)

F

ForestBird

後輩

23 Jul 2014

9

0

• 23 Jul 2014

• #1

Hello everyone,

I find it much more sincere to accept compliments and show how grateful I am rather than to belittle myself. Therefore I would like to know some phrases in Japanese to accept compliments and show my gratitude rather than overhumbling myself. E.g. (not まだまだ） etc.

How do you accept compliments in Japanese without coming off as really arrogant (taking into consideration that the Japanese culture in general highly values modesty and humility)? Although in the West it is certainly possible to accept compliments and be modest at the same time.

Thank you

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 23 Jul 2014

• #2

ありがとうございます

Accompany it with a little お辞儀 to show you had some upbringing and you're good to go.

 

F

ForestBird

後輩

23 Jul 2014

9

0

• 23 Jul 2014

• Thread starter
• #3

Hello Mike,

I heard that just a "thank you" can come off as arrogant. However, the bow might counter-act that (does it work for you?).
Are there more ways to express this other than just a thank you.

E.g. in English we might say:

I'm very happy to hear that!
I'm glad you liked it (for a performance or something like that)
It's very kind of you to say that.

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 23 Jul 2014

• #4

It works for everybody, as far as I can tell.

 

Toritoribe

松葉解禁

Moderator

Fifteen-year veteran

22 Feb 2008

18,266

4,926

• 23 Jul 2014

• #5

ありがとうございます + something can work, but it differs very much depending on the context rather than a set phrase.
e.g.
ありがとうございます。そう言っていただけると嬉しいです。
ありがとうございます。気に入っていたただいてよかったです。
ありがとうございます。励みになります。

 

nekojita

先輩

14 Jan 2009

1,660

444

• 23 Jul 2014

• #6

お褒めに預かりまして光栄でございます♪ (not serious, in case the musical note didn't make it clear enough)