Give tanks God
The English phrase 'thank you God' is translated into Jamaican as Give tanks God.
This phrase is an expression of gratitude used to show thanks to God for a blessing or a positive outcome. It is frequently used as an exclamation of relief after someone has survived a difficult situation or received good news.
Did you know?
- In Rastafarian-influenced speech, such expressions often substitute 'God' with 'Jah', so you might hear similar sentiments phrased as 'Give tanks Jah'.
- The phrase can be used ironically or sarcastically in certain contexts to express disbelief when something unexpectedly good happens in a bad situation.
- The phrase follows a pattern where the verb 'give' is used to present an offering of gratitude to a higher power, a structure common in Caribbean spiritual-linguistic traditions.
Examples in context
- Mi a seh thanks an' praise to di Most High.I am saying thanks and praise to the Most High.
- Mi gi thanks fi di blessin', Jah.I give thanks for the blessings, God.
- Give tanks God fi di blessing.Give thanks God for the blessing.
- Mi deh yah, so mi give tanks God.I am here, so I give thanks God.
- Give tanks God mi pass di exam.Give thanks God I passed the exam.
Example conversation
Kevon tells Tanesha that he found his lost wallet.
- KevonTanesha, mi find mi wallet deh!Tanesha, I found my wallet!
- TaneshaBig blessings, Kevon. Give tanks God.Big blessings, Kevon. Give thanks God.
- KevonYeah, mi glad mi no lose it.Yeah, I am glad I didn't lose it.
- TaneshaGod is good, true.God is good, truly.
