谢谢，不客气
xièxie, bù kèqi
In Chinese, "thank you and your welcome" is expressed as 谢谢，不客气 (xièxie, bù kèqi).
The phrase 谢谢，不客气 represents a complete two-way exchange where one person expresses gratitude and the other responds politely. The first part, 谢谢, is the most common way to say thank you in Mandarin Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of two parts: 谢谢 (thanks) and 不客气 (literally 'don't be polite/formal').
Which one should you use?
While 不客气 focuses on the idea of "don't be formal," the alternative 不用谢 (bù yòng xiè) focuses on the sentiment that "there is no need to thank me."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase 不客气 is the standard, polite way to respond to thanks in most social situations. If you want to be slightly more formal when expressing gratitude, you can use 感谢. For very informal online or text conversations, the slang 3q is sometimes used to say thank you.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the expression for thank you is 唔該 (m̀h'gōi).
How do you pronounce it?
xièxie, bù kèqi
Did you know?
- In many Chinese families, saying 谢谢 to a parent or spouse can actually be seen as cold or distancing, as it implies the relationship is a formal transaction rather than based on familial duty.
- In Cantonese-speaking regions like Hong Kong, the phrase for 'thank you' can change depending on whether you are receiving a service or a gift. 唔該 is specifically used when someone provides a service or helps you.
- The response 不客气 literally translates to 'do not be a guest' or 'do not be polite'. It implies that by being formal, you are treating the speaker like a stranger rather than a friend.
Examples in context
- 谢谢你的帮助。Thank you for your help.
- 谢谢你的邀请。Thanks for inviting me.
- 感谢您的好意。I appreciate your kindness.
- 谢谢你的礼物。Thank you for the gift.
- 非常感谢您慷慨的捐赠。Thank you very much for your generous donation.
Example conversation
Junjie helps Jiayi carry a heavy box.
- 佳怡 Jiayi俊杰，谢谢！Jùnjié, xièxie!Junjie, thank you!
- 俊杰 Junjie不客气，佳怡。Búkèqi, Jiāyí.You're welcome, Jiayi.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你真是太好了。Nǐ zhēnshì tài hǎole.You are truly too kind.
- 俊杰 Junjie谢谢，不客气。Xièxie, búkèqi.Thank you, you're welcome.
