gracias
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas]
In Spanish, thank you is said as gracias. Wiktionary also lists muchas gracias.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| gracias | /ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas] /ˈɡɾasjas/ [ˈɡɾa.sjas] (Latin America, Philippines) |
| muchas gracias | /ˌmut͡ʃas ˈɡɾaθjas/ /ˌmut͡ʃas ˈɡɾasjas/ |
The phrase is used to express gratitude.
Which one should you use?
muchas gracias is a stronger and more emphatic version, often translated as many thanks or thank you very much.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say 'thank you for [something]', use the preposition por instead of para.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈɡɾaθjas/.
When do people say it?
The most common way to respond to gracias is de nada, which means you're welcome.
Did you know?
- The word gracias is the plural form of gracia, which can mean 'grace', 'wit' or 'a joke' depending on the context.
- In many Latin American countries, if someone says gracias to you, replying with a usted is a more respectful way to say 'thank you, too' than the standard de nada.
- In certain regions, you might hear mil gracias instead of muchas gracias, which literally translates to 'a thousand thanks'.
Examples in context
- No gracias, ya comí.No, thank you. I already ate.This sentence shows how to use gracias when declining something.Tatoeba #5058128 by don_ramon, translation #5057521 by AlanF_US
- Bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?Fine, thank you. And you?This sentence shows how to use gracias when answering a question about how you are.Tatoeba #532246 by cueyayotl, translation #239430 by sundown
- Gracias por la ayuda.Thank you for the help.This sentence demonstrates using gracias with the preposition por to express thanks for a specific thing.Tatoeba #1901472 by marcelostockle, translation #2646007 by CK
- Agradezco sinceramente tus amables palabras por mi cumpleañosI sincerely appreciate your kind words for my birthday
- Mil gracias por tus felicitaciones de cumpleañosA thousand thanks for your birthday congratulations
- 328 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro gives Elena a coffee at the office.
- AlejandroElena, aquí tienes tu café.Elena, here is your coffee.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, es un placer.You're welcome, it's a pleasure.
- ElenaEres muy amable.You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thank you” translations and entries gracias, muchas gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
