Expressing gratitude is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. When you take the time to say “thank you” in someone’s native language, it shows respect, appreciation, and a willingness to connect on a deeper level. In this guide, we will provide you with a list of ways to say thank you in various languages, along with formal and informal variations. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
1. English
Formal: Thank you
Informal: Thanks, Thanks a lot, Thanks so much
2. Spanish
Formal: Gracias
Informal: Gracias, Muchas gracias (Thank you very much), Muchísimas gracias (Thank you very, very much)
3. French
Formal: Merci
Informal: Merci, Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much), Mille mercis (A thousand thanks)
4. German
Formal: Danke
Informal: Danke, Vielen Dank (Many thanks), Herzlichen Dank (Heartfelt thanks)
5. Italian
Formal: Grazie
Informal: Grazie, Grazie mille (Thanks a thousand times), Mille grazie (A thousand thanks)
6. Portuguese
Formal: Obrigado (M) / Obrigada (F)
Informal: Obrigado/a, Muito obrigado/a (Thank you very much), Muito obrigado/a mesmo (Thank you very, very much)
7. Japanese
Formal: Arigatou gozaimasu
Informal: Arigatou, Arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very much), Domo arigatou gozaimasu (Thank you very, very much)
8. Chinese (Mandarin)
Formal: Xièxiè
Informal: Xièxiè, Fēicháng gǎnxiè (Thank you very much), Wǒ xìngfu (I feel fortunate)
9. Russian
Formal: Spasibo
Informal: Spasibo, Spasibo bol’shoye (Thank you very much), Bol’shoye spasibo (Big thanks)
10. Arabic
Formal: Shukran
Informal: Shukran, Shukran jazeelan (Thank you very much), Alf shukr (A thousand thanks)
11. Swahili
Formal/Informal: Asante
Formal/Informal: Asante, Asante sana (Thank you very much), Nashukuru sana (I am very grateful)
12. Hindi
Formal: Dhanyavaad
Informal: Dhanyavaad, Bahut bahut dhanyavaad (Thank you very much), Aapka bahut bahut dhanyavaad (Thank you very, very much)
13. Swedish
Formal/Informal: Tack
Formal/Informal: Tack, Tack så mycket (Thank you very much), Tusen tack (A thousand thanks)
14. Greek
Formal: Efcharistó
Informal: Efcharistó, Efcharistó polý (Thank you very much), Eíme polý evcharistiméni (I am very grateful)
15. Korean
Formal: Gamsahabnida
Informal: Gamsahabnida, Gamsahamnida (Thank you very much), Jeogiyo (Thanks a lot)
Remember, sincerity is key when expressing gratitude, irrespective of the language you use. If possible, learn a few basic phrases in the local language to show your appreciation for the local customs and culture. Keep practicing and embracing different languages, as it will help you connect with people from diverse backgrounds and create meaningful connections.
One Last Tip: When you say “thank you” with a warm smile, it transcends any language barrier and creates a lasting impression of kindness and gratitude.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward
Now armed with the knowledge of saying thank you in various languages, go out and spread gratitude in the world!
