Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| спаси́бо | spasíbo | |
| благодарю́ | blagodarjú | |
| мерси́ | mersí | colloquial |
The most common way to say thank you is спаси́бо. For a more affectionate and informal tone, you can say спаси́бки (thanks) or if you want to express immense gratitude in an informal setting, use огро́мное спаси́бо (a huge thank you).
What does it mean word for word?
The word спаси́бо is etymologically derived from the phrase спаси Бог, which means may God save (you).
Which one should you use?
спаси́бо is the standard, neutral way to say thank you in almost any situation. In contrast, благодарю́ carries a weightier sense of gratitude and means "I thank you" or "I am grateful".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
благодарю́ is a more formal way to express thanks, often used in written communication or to show deep appreciation. In informal, often playful or slightly affected speech, you may hear the borrowed French loanword мерси́.
How do you pronounce it?
spasíbo
When do people say it?
The standard response to спаси́бо is пожа́луйста, which also means "please". Another common informal way to respond to thanks is не за что, which literally means "there is nothing for (which to be thanked)".
Did you know?
- In Russian, the word благодарю́ is built from two parts: благо (good/blessing) and дарю́ (I give). It literally translates to 'I give a blessing' or 'I give a good'.
- Because спаси́бо is rooted in 'may God save', some highly religious people in the past avoided the word to avoid 'using' God's name casually. They preferred more formal or secular alternatives.
- The informal спаси́бки uses a diminutive suffix, which is a common feature in Russian to make words sound smaller, cuter or more affectionate.
Examples in context
- Спаси́бо за помощьThank you for your help.
- Спаси́бо, дружище!Thanks, buddy!
- Бла́годарю за щедростьI thank you for your generosity.
- Спаси́бки, приятель!Thanks, pal!
Example conversation
Andrei gives Olga a cup of coffee.
- Екатерина EkaterinaСпаси́бо, Андре́й!Spasibo, Andrey!Thank you, Andrei!
- Андрей AndreyПожа́луйста, О́льга.Pozhaluysta, Olga.You're welcome, Olga.
- Екатерина EkaterinaКо́фе очень вку́сный.Kofe ochen vkusnyy.The coffee is very tasty.
- Андрей AndreyЯ рад, что тебе́ понрави́лось.Ya rad, chto tebe ponravilos.I am glad that you liked it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
