Deo gratias
[ˈde.oː ˈɡraː.ti.aːs]
The English phrase "thank God" is translated into Latin as Deo gratias.
Deo gratias is an exclamation of gratitude or relief. While it can serve as a general exclamation of relief, it is most commonly used in a liturgical or religious context.
Meaning: exclamation of gratitude or relief (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the dative noun Deo (to God) and the plural noun gratias (thanks or gratitude), literally meaning "to God, thanks".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to use "thank God" as a verb phrase (for example, "I thank God"), Latin typically uses the idiom Deo gratias agere (to do or render thanks to God). An alternative way to express the action of thanking God is Deo gratias dicere (to say thanks to God).
Did you know?
- In Latin, you do not 'give' thanks as in English, but rather you 'do' thanks using the verb agere in the phrase Deo gratias agere.
- In many traditional Christian settings, the phrase is not just an exclamation but a call and response, where a leader says one part and the congregation replies Deo gratias.
Examples in context
- Deo gratias.Thank God.This example shows the use of Deo gratias as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #6170081 by CarpeLanam, translation #370585 by saeb
- Gratias tibi ago, Domine, pro beneficiis tuis.I give thanks to you, O Lord, for your blessings.
- Tibi ago gratias, Deus meus, pro omnibus donis tuis.To you I give thanks, my God, for all your gifts.
- Gratiam refero, O Divinitas, pro fructu vitae, quem mihi dedisti.I return thanks, O Divinity, for the fruit of life you have given me.
- Tibi gratias, pater, quod ades.Thanks to you, Father, for being here.
- Deo gratias, tandem domum venimus.Thank God, we have finally come home.
Example conversation
Lucia and Marcus are discussing a lost book that was just found.
- LuciaMarce, librum meum inveni!Marcus, I found my book!
- MarcusDeo gratias, ubi erat?Thank God, where was it?
- LuciaIn mensa erat.It was on the table.
- MarcusOptime, Lucia.Great, Lucia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank God” translations and entries Deo gratias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
