gracias
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas]
In Spanish, thank you is gracias. Wiktionary also lists muchas gracias.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gracias | /ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas] /ˈɡɾasjas/ [ˈɡɾa.sjas] (Latin America, Philippines) |
| muchas gracias | /ˌmut͡ʃas ˈɡɾaθjas/ /ˌmut͡ʃas ˈɡɾasjas/ |
You can intensify this appreciation by adding muchísimo to the end, which means very much or a lot.
Which one should you use?
gracias is the standard expression, while muchas gracias is a stronger and more emphatic way to say many thanks or thank you very much.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'thank you for [something]', use the preposition por after the word, as in gracias por…
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas].
When do people say it?
The most common way to respond to someone saying gracias is to say de nada (you're welcome).
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, it is common to use mil gracias instead of 'muchas gracias' to express an even higher level of intense gratitude.
- The word gracias shares its root with the English word 'grace', referring to both divine favor and elegance.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to accompany gracias with a light touch on the arm or a kiss on the cheek to show sincerity.
Examples in context
- No gracias, ya comí.No, thank you. I already ate.This example shows how to use gracias to politely decline an offer.Tatoeba #5058128 by don_ramon, translation #5057521 by AlanF_US
- Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Fine, thank you. And you?This example shows how to use gracias when answering a question about how you are.Tatoeba #532246 by cueyayotl, translation #239430 by sundown
- Gracias por la ayuda.Thank you for the help.This example shows how to use gracias to express thanks for a specific action.Tatoeba #1901472 by marcelostockle, translation #2646007 by CK
- Gracias por venir.Thank you for coming.
- Gracias sinceras.Sincere thanks.
- Gracias eternas.Eternal thanks.
- 328 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo hands Lucía a glass of water.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo.Thank you, Mateo.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
- LucíaTenía mucha sed.I was very thirsty.
- MateoNo hay problema.No problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries gracias, muchas gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
