Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| спаси́бо | spasíbo |
| благодарю́ | blagodarjú |
The word спаси́бо is the most common way to say "thank you" in Russian. You can increase the intensity of your gratitude by using Большое спасибо for "thank you very much" or Огромное спасибо for "thank you so much" or "a huge thanks". To express appreciation for a specific thing, use the construction спаси́бо за… (thanks for…). The related noun благода́рность can be used to refer to an expression of gratitude or grateful feelings.
What does it mean word for word?
The more formal verb благодарю́ is composed of благо (meaning good or blessing) and дарю (meaning I give or offer), literally translating to "I give/offer good/blessing".
Which one should you use?
спаси́бо is the standard, neutral way to say "thank you" in almost any situation. In contrast, благодарю́ is a more formal and elevated way to express gratitude.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Спасибо, брат (thanks, brother) is a colloquial way to express gratitude among close friends in Moscow and Central Russia.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "thanks for [something]", use the word спаси́бо followed by the preposition за and the noun in the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
spasíbo
When do people say it?
The standard response to спаси́бо is пожа́луйста, which means "you're welcome" or "please".
Did you know?
- The word спаси́бо originated from the phrase Спаси Бог, which means 'God save [you]'.
- In some social circles, saying спаси́бо too often can be perceived as a sign of weakness or excessive subservience.
- In a formal setting, using благодарю́ can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century classic novel rather than a modern person.
Examples in context
- Спасибо тебе за помощь с ужиномThank you for helping with dinner
- Большое спаси́бо за помощь.Bol'shoye spasibo za pomoshch'.Thanks a lot for the help.
- Спаси́бо, что пришёл.Spasibo, chto prishyol.Thanks for coming.
- Всё было вкусно, спаси́бо.Vsyo bylo vkusno, spasibo.Everything was delicious, thanks.
Example conversation
Andrei gives Olga a cup of coffee.
- Андрей AndreyВот твой ко́фе, О́льга.Vot tvoy kofe, Ol'ga.Here is your coffee, Olga.
- Ольга OlgaОй, спаси́бо, Андре́й!Oy, spasibo, Andrey!Oh, thanks, Andrei!
- Андрей AndreyНе за что.Ne za chto.You're welcome.
- Ольга OlgaТы очень до́брый.Ty ochen' dobryy.You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thanks” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
