Thank you, In English, are two words that can be used as a way of showing gratitude for anything from a gift to an act of kindness. But how would you say thank you in different languages? From “Grazie” to “Arigato,” here’s a guide on the many different ways to show your appreciation around the world!
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The world is full of different spoken languages, each with its own unique way of expressing gratitude. For instance, in Arabic the word “shukran” means thank you; in Mandarin Chinese, the phrase “xiè Xie ni” translates to thank you; and in Turkish it’s “teşekkür ederim.”
There are many languages around the world, but no matter what language you speak or where you are from, there’s always a way to show appreciation. This article will introduce some of those ways!
The origins of the phrase “thank you”
The origins of the phrase “thank you” are unknown, but it’s thought to have originated in either England or Germany. It has been used in various forms around the world for centuries and is still commonly used today.
Thank you is a universal way of expressing gratitude, and is used in many languages and cultures all over the world. It’s a simple phrase that can convey a lot of meaning and is a great way to show appreciation for someone’s kindness or generosity. Different languages may use different words, but the meaning is the same.
Saying thank you in different languages might sound different, but it expresses the same thing.
Thank you is a simple way to make someone feel good, and is a gesture that everyone can appreciate. Whether you’re traveling to a new country or speaking with someone from a different culture, knowing how to say thank you in their language can make them feel more comfortable.
Thank you is a universal way of expressing gratitude, and is used in cultures all over the world. It’s a simple phrase that can convey a lot of meaning and is a great way to show appreciation for someone’s kindness or generosity.
Below are 68 different ways to say thank you in the major languages! By knowing how to say thank you in multiple languages, you can show appreciation for people from all cultures and backgrounds.
Thank you in different languages
If you want to be able to thank someone in their own language, this list is for you. This list will allow you to show your respect for someone’s culture by thanking them in their native language. There are various languages that might be harder to pronounce, but if you want to show your respect for someone, thanking them in their local language is a good start.
How to say thank you in Latin
Gratias, or thank you in Latin, sounds similar to the English “Grace,” which is a fitting name for this phrase. Gratias is used at the end of formal speeches and letters.
It can also be translated as thank you; thanks; gratitude; or one who deserves thanks.
A few variations of Gracias are Toma (in Buenos Ayc) and Deo agaithi (in Church Slavonic).
Latin was widely spoken centuries ago and still influences modern languages such as Spanish today because it was passed down through history. The word Gratias originated from the Latin term gratiae, meaning grace. Although being so widely spoken in the past, Latin is not a national language in any country.
How to say thank you in Norwegian
In Norwegian, you would say “Takk” to say thank you.
In Norwegian, the term for thank you is “talk This.” word originated from the Old Norse phrase “tek mer,” which means “you have taken something,” and has been used in custom since at least the 14th century. The modern-day phrase can also be translated to mean a few meanings including to take care of someone; how much I appreciate what someone has done for me; how nice it was that they did this for me; or how patient that person is.
In Norwegian culture, it’s polite to use the formal version when thanking an elder or other respected person for their help or generosity. Another way people show gratitude in Norway is through physical contacts, such as hugging or shaking hands.
How to say thank you in Swedish
In Swedish, “Tack” is the word for thank you. Tack is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal situations. Tack can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say tack. Tack can also be used as a reply when someone says thank you to you.
In Sweden, people often show their gratitude by giving gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Romanian
If you want to say thank you in Romanian, you say “Mulţumesc” or the short and informal version from French, “Merci” (written as “Mersi” in Romanian). You usually get a reply with “Cu placere” which means “You’re welcome”.
There are many influences in Romanian given the geographical location of the country and the neighbouring countries.
How to say thank you in Ukrainian
Ukrainians say “Дякую” (Dyakuyu) to say thank you.
Another way to say thank you in Ukrainian is “spasibo” or “cheremuha.” Spasibo is the most common way to say thank you and can be translated as thanks, gratitude, or appreciation. Cheremuha is a less common term that can be translated as thanksgiving, favor, or kindness.
There are also many dialects and influences in Ukraine, especially in western Ukraine.
How to say thank you in Turkish
Turkey is a country located in the Middle East and Southeast Europe. It is a transcontinental country because it is located on two different continents (Europe and Western Asia).
Thank you in Turkish is “Tesekkür ederim.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say tesekkür ederim.
How to say thank you in Arabic
Thank you in Arabic is “Shukran.” This term can be translated to mean gratitude, appreciation, or thanks.
Shukran is a very common expression in Arabic and is used in both formal and informal situations. Shukran is often followed by the words “Jazakallahu khairan,” which means “may Allah reward you with goodness.”
In some cases, it’s also customary to give a gift or flowers when someone says thank you in the Middle East.
How to say thank you in Cantonese
Thank you in Cantonese is “M̀h’gōi”. This can be translated to mean thanks, appreciation, or gratitude. Doh jeh yum is a less common term that can be translated as thanksgiving, favor, or kindness.
Cantonese is the local language in Southeastern China. It is a Sino-Tibetan language and is part of the Yue branch. Cantonese has two main dialects: the Guangzhou dialect and the Hong Kong dialect. Cantonese is the fifth most spoken language in the world.
How to say thank you in Danish
In Danish, “tak” is the word for thank you. Tak can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say tak. Tak can also be used as a reply when someone says thank you to you.
How to say thank you in Finnish
Thank you in Finnish is “Kiitos”.
There are a few different ways to say thank you in Finnish, depending on how formal or informal the situation might be. In Finland, it’s common to shake hands with someone you want to say thank you to when saying thank you informally and with your family members. Saying “thank you” can sound more formal and less comfortable if spoken directly, so Finns often use the phrase “Tässäkö teille olisi kiitoksia?” which translates as “Would there be any compensation for this?”
In Finland, people often show their gratitude by giving gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Greek
Thank you in Greek is “efcharistó” (spelling: Ευχαριστώ). This term can be translated to mean gratitude, appreciation, or thanks.
Efharisto is a very common expression in Greek and is used in both formal and informal situations.
In some cases, it’s also customary to give a gift or flowers when someone says thank you in Greek. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Hungarian
Thank you in Hungarian is “Köszönöm” or “köszönöm szépen.” Köszönöm can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation. Köszönöm szépen is a more polite way to say thank you and can be translated as thank you very much.
Hungarians often show their gratitude with gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Afrikaans
Thank you in Afrikaans is “dankie.” This phrase can be translated to mean thank you very much. Baie dankies is how the word “thank you” sounds when it’s spoken by a person who speaks Afrikaans as their first language.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say baie dankies.
How to say thank you in Austrian
When someone says thank you in Austrian, the most common response is “Danke.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
How to say thank you in Gaelic or Irish
In Gaelic, there are a few ways to say thank you. The most common way to say thank you is “go raibh maith agat,” which is pronounced “Gwah rev mah-gut.” This phrase translates to mean “thank you” or “may it be of benefit to you.”
Another way to say thank you in Gaelic is “tuigeadh gu math” or “tugadh gu math duit,” which both translate to mean “you understand well.”
How to say thank you in Russian
In Russian, “спасибо” is the word for thank you. It can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say спасибо. спасибо can also be used as a reply when someone says thank you to you.
In Russian culture, people often show their gratitude by giving gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in German
In German, the word “danke” is how to say thank you.
In German culture, people often show their gratitude with gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Swahili
Swahili is the most widely spoken language in Central Africa.
Swahili is a Bantu language spoken by over 125 million people in Central Africa. It is the official language in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Swahili also has a large presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Mozambique. Swahili is a beautiful and poetic language that is rich in culture and history.
If you want to express your gratitude or thank someone, you should say “Asante”. This means thank you in Swahili.
How to say thank you in Indonesian
Thank you in Indonesian is “Terima kasih.” This term can be translated to mean gratitude, appreciation, or thanks.
Terima kasih is one of the most common expressions in Indonesian and is used in both formal and informal situations. Terima kasih is often followed by the words “Ucapan terima kasih yang sebesar-besarnya,” which means “my deepest gratitude.”
In some cases, it’s also customary to give a gift or flowers when someone says thank you in Indonesian. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Belgian
Thank you in Belgian is “Dank u.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
How to say thank you in Bulgarian
Thank you in Bulgarian is “благодаря” (Blagodarya ti). This term can be translated to mean gratitude, appreciation, or thanks.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say благодаря.
How to say thank you in Czech
Thank you in Czech is “Děkuju”. This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
Děkuji is a very common way to say thank you in Czech. When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say děkuji.
How to say thank you in Hebrew
In Hebrew, “תודה” is the word for thank you.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say תודה.
How to say thank you in Italian
Thank you in Italian is “Grazie.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
In Italian culture, people often show their gratitude with gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Malay
In Malay, just like in Indonesian, “terima kasih” is how to say thank you.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say terima kasih.
How to say thank you in Latvian
Latvian speakers often show how grateful they are by giving a person a gift or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
When someone says thank you in Latvian, the most common response is “Paldies.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
In Latvian culture, people often show how grateful they are by giving a person a gift or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian
When someone says thank you in Croatian, the most common response is “Hvala.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
Hvala is how the word “thank you” sounds when it’s spoken by a person who speaks Croatian as their first language.
How to say thank you in Macedonian
When someone says thank you in Macedonian, the most common response is “Ви благодарам” (Vi blagodaram). This term can be translated to mean gratitude, appreciation, or thanks.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say благодарение.
How to say thank you in Mongolian
Thank you in Mongolian is “баярлалаа” (Bayarlalaa). This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
How to say thank you in Polish
Just like in many other languages, the word for “thank you” in Polish is “Dziękuję Ci”.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say dziękuję. You can also use this word to show gratitude for a gift or favor.
In Polish culture, people often show their gratitude with gifts or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
How to say thank you in Portuguese
When someone says thank you in Portuguese, the most common response is “Obrigado.” This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
How to say thank you in Slovak
Thank you in Slovak is “ďakujem” and “ďakujeme”. When you say thank you in Slovak, this could mean that the transaction is complete and we’re through talking.
How to say thank you in Slovenian
Thank you in Slovene is “Hvala” and “Hvala vam”. When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say hvala lepa or “thank you very much.”
How to say thank you in Thai
In Thai, “khop khun” is how to say thank you.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say khop khun.
How to say thank you in Zulu
Zulu is a Bantu language spoken in South Africa. It is the most commonly spoken African language in the country, with around 10 million speakers. In its written form Zulu is currently rendered in Latin script. However, when Zulu was first being written it used a version of the Greek alphabet which eventually fell out of use, giving way to Roman letters. This has led to Zulu having two different alphabets that are often confused for each other.
Thank you in Zulu is “Ngiyabonga”. This term can be translated to mean thanks, gratitude, or appreciation.
When someone has done something nice for you, it’s customary to say Ngiyabonga.
How to say thank you in Spanish
Spanish is the official language in Spain but can be heard in other countries except for Spain.
Spanish speakers often say “muchas gracias” when they want to say how grateful they are. This term can be written in Spanish as “muchas gracias.”
In Spanish culture, people often show how grateful they are by giving a person a gift or flowers. It’s also common to hug or shake hands when saying thank you in person.
The most common response in Spanish is muchas gracias which means thanks, and contextually it could mean we’re through talking after someone has done something nice for you (because it translates back to closing the conversation).
How to say thank you in Japanese
Saying thank you is a common courtesy that everyone should show, but it doesn’t have the same meaning of gratitude in Japanese. In Japan, the phrase “arigato” means thank you, but it is typically reserved for expressing gratitude to someone for giving or serving you.
How to say thank you in French
In French, the word for thank you is “merci”. This word can be used in both formal and informal situations and is often accompanied by a bow or a handshake. Merci can also be changed to mean “you’re welcome.”
How to say thank you in Korean
To express your appreciation or gratitude for someone in South Korea, you should say 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida).
There is a stark difference between the language spoken in South Korea and North Korea. The difference is most notable in the written form of the language. In North Korea, all writing is done in accordance with the directives of the supreme leader, Kim Jong-un.
In South Korea, there are two writing systems in use: Hangul and Hanja. Hangul was invented by King Sejong in 1443 and is now the official writing system of the country. Hanja are Chinese characters that are used in South Korea for words that have been imported from Chinese.
How to say thank you in Dutch
In Dutch, you say “Dank u.” This is a polite way to say thank you and is often used in formal situations. Dank u can be translated to mean thank you, gratitude, or appreciation.
The extended list and the pronunciations of widely spoken languages
Thank you in different languages
Afrikaans – dankie
Albanian – faleminderit
Arabic – shukran
Armenian – Շնորհակալություն / chnorakaloutioun
Bengali – Dhannyabad
Bosnian – hvala (HVAH-lah)
Bulgarian – благодаря / blagodaria
Burmese – (thint ko) kyay tzu tin pa te
Catalan – gràcies (GRAH-syuhs)
Cantonese – M̀h’gōi
Croatian – hvala (HVAH-lah)
Czech – děkuji (Dyekooyih)
Danish – tak (tahg)
Dutch – dank u
Estonian – tänan (TA-nahn)
Fijian – Vinaka
Finnish – kiitos (KEE-tohss)
French – merci
German – danke
Greek – ευχαριστώ (ef-hah-rees-TOH)
Haitian – mèsi
Hawaiian – mahalo (ma-HA-lo)
Hebrew – .תודה (toh-DAH)
Hindi – dhanyavād (shukriya)
Hungarian – köszönöm (KØ-sø-nøm)
Icelandic – takk (tahk)
Indonesian – terima kasih. (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
Irish – Go raibh mile maith agat (Go-Rev-Meela-Mah-Agut)
Italian – grazie (GRAHT-tsyeh)
Japanese – arigatô (ah-ree-GAH-toh)
South Korean / North Korean– 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
Latvian – paldies (PUHL-dyehs)
Lebanese – choukrane
Lithuanian – ačiū (AH-choo)
Luxembourgeois – merci
Macedonian – Благодарам (blah-GOH-dah-rahm)
Malay – terima kasih (TREE-muh KAH-seh)
Maltese – grazzi (GRUTS-ee)
Mandarin – Xièxiè
Mongolian – Баярлалаа (bayarlalaa)
Maori – Kiaora Koe
Myanmar – Jae Zu Din Pa De
Nepali – Dhan-ya-vaad
Nigerian – Yoruba (ese) Igbo (Daalu) Hausa (na gode)
Norwegian – takk
Polish – dziękuję (Jenkoo-yen)
Portuguese – obrigado (men) or obrigada (women) (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
Romanian – mulţumesc (mool-tzoo-MESK)
Russian – спасибо (spuh-SEE-buh)
Samoan – Fa’afetai (fah-ah-feh-ta-e)
Scottish – Cheers
Serbian – xвала (HVAH-lah)
Slovak – Ďakujem (JAH-koo-yehm)
Slovenian – hvala (HVAA-lah)
Somali – waad mahadsantahay
Spanish – gracias (GRAH-syahs)
Swahili – Ahsante (ah-sahn’-teh)
Swedish – tack
Tahitian – Maururu
Tamil – nandri
Thai – kop khun
Tibetan – Thuk Ji Chhe
Turkish – teşekkür ederim (teh shek uer eh der eem)
Ukrainian – Дякую (DYAH-koo-yoo)
Vietnamese – Kam ouen
Welsh – diolch (DEE-ol’ch)
Yiddish – a dank
Zulu – ngiyabonga
The importance of gratitude in different languages
Gratitude is one of the most important emotions that a person can feel. When you’re grateful, you’re appreciative of the good things in your life. Gratitude can make you happier and more positive, and it can also improve your relationships.
Gratitude can also have some pretty amazing health benefits. Studies have shown that gratitude can increase your energy levels, improve your sleep, and even reduce stress. So, why not benefit from all of this with only a few words.
So why is gratitude so important? Well, think about it this way: if you’re constantly focusing on the negative things in your life, you’re going to be unhappy. But if you focus on the good things, you’ll be much happier. Gratitude is a key ingredient to happiness and peace of mind. The next time someone does something nice for you, take a moment to say how grateful you are!
The most common types of gratitude include appreciation, thankfulness, and recognition. Gratitude is expressed in many different ways, such as giving a person a gift or treasuring the memory. Perhaps the biggest expression of gratitude is saying thank you. The process of saying thank you can be seen as a transaction, with each person giving and receiving gratitude.
Express gratitude in their native language
This is why, when you’re traveling to a foreign country, it’s always important to learn a few phrases and words in the native language that will help you get by. One of the most important phrases to know is “thank you.” Saying thank you in the national language and in the right way can go a long way in making a good impression, and can even make some people’s day. Don’t worry if you don’t sound as good as native speakers do, it’s important that you tried and made an effort. When you do thank someone in their official language, sign language and gestures can also help you.
So, before you depart on your next adventure, take the time and learn how to say thank you in different languages. You won’t regret it.