Expressing gratitude is a universal sentiment that can help build connections and foster positive relationships. Learning how to say “thank you” in different languages not only shows respect and appreciation for the local culture but can also be a delightful way to surprise and impress people you interact with. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say thank you in multiple languages, including formal and informal expressions.
Table of Contents
1. European Languages:
1. English:
- Formal: Thank you.
- Informal: Thanks!
2. French:
- Formal: Merci beaucoup.
- Informal: Merci!
3. Spanish:
- Formal: Muchas gracias.
- Informal: Gracias!
4. German:
Tip: In Germany, it is often appreciated to use the person’s title and last name followed by “vielen Dank” (thank you very much).
- Formal: Vielen Dank.
- Informal: Danke!
5. Italian:
- Formal: Molte grazie.
- Informal: Grazie!
6. Portuguese:
- Formal: Muito obrigado/a.
- Informal: Obrigado/a!
2. Asian Languages:
1. Mandarin Chinese:
- Formal: Xièxiè (谢谢).
- Informal: Dōu xiè (都谢)!
2. Japanese:
- Formal: Arigatō gozaimasu (ありがとうございます).
- Informal: Arigatō (ありがとう)!
3. Korean:
- Formal: Gamsahamnida (감사합니다).
- Informal: Gamsahabnida (감사합니다)!
4. Hindi:
- Formal: Dhanyavād (धन्यवाद).
- Informal: Shukriyā (शुक्रिया)!
5. Thai:
- Formal: Khop khun khrap (ขอบคุณครับ – for males) or Khop khun kha (ขอบคุณค่ะ – for females).
- Informal: Khop khun (ขอบคุณ)!
3. Other Languages:
1. Arabic:
- Formal: Shukran (شكراً).
- Informal: Shukran!
2. Swahili:
- Formal: Asante sana.
- Informal: Asante!
3. Russian:
- Formal: Bol’shoye spasibo (Большое спасибо).
- Informal: Spasibo (Спасибо)!
4. Turkish:
Tip: In Turkey, a typical phrase to show gratitude is “teşekkür ederim” (I thank you).
- Formal: Teşekkür ederim.
- Informal: Teşekkürler!
Remember, regional variations and dialects may exist within these languages, so it’s always a good idea to learn the specific phrases used in the particular region you are visiting or interacting with.
Now armed with these phrases, don’t hesitate to use them and spread gratitude across cultures. Showing appreciation is a valuable gesture that can open doors, create friendships, and make your travels or interactions much more meaningful.
