多謝
to-siā
The English phrase 'thanks' is expressed in Hokkien as 多謝 (to-siā).
多謝 is used to express appreciation or gratitude. It is typically used to express gratitude for gifts, favors or formal gestures.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
Which one should you use?
While 多謝 (to-siā) is a common way to express gratitude, 感謝 (kám-siā) is a more formal and profound way to say 'thank you'. Additionally, 謝謝 (Siā-siā) is a polite phrase suitable for formal situations.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwanese, 多謝 (Toa-siā) is used to express gratitude formally.
How do you pronounce it?
to-siā
Did you know?
- The concept of gratitude in Hokkien is deeply tied to the idea of 'debt', where 多謝 acknowledges a social obligation that the speaker may need to reciprocate later.
- In some Hokkien communities, it is culturally common to respond to 多謝 by politely declining the thanks or suggesting the favor was nothing, rather than saying 'you are welcome'.
- While 多謝 means 'many thanks', the word 多 can also be used to describe someone who is talkative or 'wordy' in a negative sense.
Example conversation
Meiling gives Jiahao a drink.
- 美玲 Mei-ling家豪，予你喝水。Ka-hâu, hōo lí hit chuǐ.Jiahao, here is some water for you.
- 家豪 Ka-hao多謝美玲！to-siā Bí-lîng!Thanks, Meiling!
- 美玲 Mei-ling無什麼。bô-sián-mih.It's nothing.
- 家豪 Ka-hao你真好。lí chin hó.You are very kind.
