gracias
/ˈɡɾaθjas/ [ˈɡɾa.θjas]
The English phrase 'thanks' is translated to Spanish as gracias.
gracias is the most common and universally understood way to say thanks in Spanish. When you want to specify what you are thanking someone for, use gracias por followed by a noun or an infinitive verb.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
Which one should you use?
While gracias is the standard way to say 'thanks', the related word agradecimiento refers to the abstract noun meaning 'gratitude' or 'grateful feelings'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you might hear the phrase Gracias, che! In Mexico and some other Latin American countries, Gracias, compa! is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'thank you very much', use the phrase muchas gracias. To express 'a thousand thanks' colloquially, use mil gracias.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈɡɾaθjas/', 'syllables': 3, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 3'}
When do people say it?
The most common response to gracias is de nada, which means 'you're welcome' or 'it's nothing'.
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, people might use the phrase Dios te lo pague (May God pay you) as a deeply traditional way to say 'thank you' when someone has done a significant favor.
- The word gracia (the singular form) can also mean 'joke' or 'wit' in Spanish, so saying someone has 'mucha gracia' means they have a great sense of humor.
- The word gracias shares the same root as the English word 'grace', both stemming from the Latin 'gratia' which relates to charm, favor, and beauty.
Examples in context
- Es gracias a ti.It's thanks to you.This sentence shows how to use gracias to say 'thanks to'.Tatoeba #4767242 by cueyayotl, translation #4767215 by Stalwartlover
- Gracias a la vida.Thanks to life.This sentence demonstrates the phrase 'thanks to' using gracias.Tatoeba #2096233 by marcelostockle, translation #2096234 by marcelostockle
- Dile gracias a Tom.Tell Tom thanks.This sentence shows how to use gracias when telling someone to thank another person.Tatoeba #9452874 by ignacio, translation #3199821 by CK
- ¡Hola! ¡Gracias por todo!Hello! Thanks for everything!
- 307 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier gives María a cup of coffee in the office.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Javier.Thank you very much, Javier.
- JavierDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
- MaríaEstá muy caliente.It is very hot.
- JavierTen cuidado.Be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thanks” translations and entries gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gracias, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
