How To Say ‘Thank You’ In 20 Languages?

Thank You in Different Language

In English, we always use thank you and even have special times of the year when we emphasize how thankful we are (i.e., at Thanksgiving).

However, there are so many other ways to say thank you across cultures—here are 20 of them!

Arigatou (Japan)

Arigatou is a Japanese word that can be translated into English as Thank you. This word is used in various contexts but is most commonly used when somebody has done something for you, or you appreciate something.

It can also be used as an expression of gratitude or thanks. One way to say thank you in Japanese is by saying Arigatou gozaimasu.

A similar phrase in Indonesian is terima kasih atau terima kasih sekali lagi. In Malaysia, the equivalent term is terima kasih. In Armenian and some other languages, eskerrik asko means thank you.

Many people worldwide learn another language to experience another culture and meet new people.

A basic understanding of a foreign language can take many years to achieve. A foreign language like English may be difficult to learn because there are so many rules and exceptions to those rules that are difficult for a learner who doesn’t speak English natively.

Gracias (Spain & Latin America)

Gracias is a Latin American word that means thank you in Spanish. It’s also used in many other countries, including Spain and Latin America.

This word can be used for formal and informal situations, so switching to another word is unnecessary if you want to be more formal or less formal.

Gracias is one of the most widely-used Spanish words by native speakers, so it would be a good choice for language learners to learn.

How this word is pronounced will depend on where you are, but it is often said with an s at the end (rather than an x).

Hvala vam (Slovenia)

Kop khun krup hap thai nok (Thailand)

Terima Kasih (Malaysia)

España gracias: España gracias is what Spaniards say when they’re thanking someone.

For example, Muy agradecido con tu ayuda would mean I’m very grateful for your help. Gracies es un buen lugar para aprender el español si estás empezando porque es muy común en la cultura hispana y tiene diferentes usos sociales.

Köszönöm (Köszi) (Hungary, Croatia, etc.)

Köszönöm is used in Hungarian, Croatian and other languages of Hungary’s former territories. The word means I thank.

In Russian and Bulgarian, this word can be translated as Благодарю which means Thank you.

In Serbian, Bosnian, Macedonian and Slovenian, it translates to Hvala, meaning Thanks.

To express your gratitude in Irish Gaelic, say Maith thú or Má tá go maith agat. The latter is more formal.

To say thanks in Esperanto, use Ĝis la revido! Which translates to See you soon! Polish uses Dziękuję za pomoc, Turkish- Bizimle olmayı unutma, French – Merci de votre aide

Xie Xie (China, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Malaysia)

Shukran (Khoda Hafez, شكرا هدایتزمشی ) (Arabic countries & Iran)

Thanks is Arabic for Shukran; in Arabic culture and languages, it is a universal word to express gratitude. شكرا هدایتزمشی له من و لديه من (Shukran Hoda zamshid minna walideena) translates to: Thank you, may God repay you with good in English.

Shukran means thank you in the Lebanese dialect of Arabic, and it’s also common across other Arab countries like Oman, Qatar, UAE and Syria.

In Iran, they use the same word, Shukran, but pronounce it slightly differently. It is still translated to thank you and pronounced more similarly to shaw-kra-nahn.

Many Indonesians know Terima Kasih which means thank you or thanks very much, thanks a lot. For Malaysian speakers, say terima kasih, which also means thanks very much or so much.

If someone says this phrase back to them, they should reply with terima kasih juga or terima kasih pun juga, which both mean you’re welcome.

English speakers can express gratitude simply by saying “thank you,” while female speakers may add “please” and “thank you” at different points in an interaction when showing appreciation. This polite response is customary in English-speaking cultures to acknowledge kindness or assistance.

Obrigado (Portuguese)

In Portuguese, the most common way to say “thank you” is by using the expression “Obrigado” if you are a male and “Obrigado” if you are female. The word “Obrigado” expresses gratitude and is appropriate for most situations. If you want to say “thank you very much,” you can say “muito obrigado” if you are male or “muito obrigada” if you are female.

In formal situations, Portuguese speakers often use capital letters when expressing thank you in Portuguese sentences, whereas in informal settings or casual situations, common expressions and polite phrases are prevalent.

English language learners may encounter these nuances through authentic videos, such as music videos. On the other hand, German speakers may employ specific German phrases in formal and everyday contexts, contributing to a rich linguistic experience in various language learning scenarios. In casual conversations, these language learners might observe the subtle differences in how gratitude is expressed across cultures.

Arigato gozaimasu (Domo arigato) (Thank you very much) (Japan, China, Korea & Philippines)

Arigato gozaimasu (Domo arigato) is a polite expression for saying thank you in Japanese.

It means Thank you very much and is considered to be one of the most polite expressions that can be used.

The Chinese version of this phrase, thank you very much, uses both characters: 很感谢你。

The Korean version, 고맙습니다, shares more or less the same meaning as Arigato gozaimasu.

Lastly, Terima Kasih can also mean thank you in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Singapore’s Linguistic Tapestry: Singlish to Standard English

In Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and languages, one can encounter a delightful fusion of expressions from various linguistic realms. Singlish phrases, with their unique blend of English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, pepper conversations with colorful colloquialisms that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city-state. Meanwhile, the romance languages, such as French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, evoke a sense of elegance and passion, enriching interactions with their melodious cadence and poetic charm. Amidst this linguistic tapestry, the national language, Malay, binds Singaporeans together, serving as a symbol of unity and identity. Amidst all this linguistic diversity, lovely expressions transcend language barriers, encapsulating emotions with heartfelt sincerity. Through this linguistic mosaic, Singapore English, or “Singlish,” bridges gaps across cultures, showcasing its influence in the English-speaking world, and serving as a testament to Singapore’s cosmopolitan allure.

The study published in the RELC Journal delves into the nuances of Standard Singapore English, a formal version of the language that reflects the influence of various cultures, notably Chinese culture, which has left an indelible mark on Singapore’s linguistic landscape. Amidst this linguistic amalgamation, Portuguese language elements can also be discerned, a testament to the historical interactions between Singapore and Portuguese-speaking regions. Native speakers of Singapore English navigate this linguistic tapestry with ease, effortlessly transitioning between colloquial expressions and formal discourse, showcasing the rich diversity and adaptability of the language in a cosmopolitan society like Singapore.

Linguistic Diversity in Singapore

In Singapore, where diversity is celebrated, one encounters a linguistic tapestry woven from an array of common languages. Singlish phrases, a hallmark of Singaporean identity, infuse conversations with their unique blend of English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, adding color and character to everyday interactions. Meanwhile, the romance languages, with their melodic tones and poetic cadence, echo sentiments of love and passion, enriching the cultural fabric of the city-state. Amidst this linguistic mosaic, expressions of gratitude transcend linguistic boundaries, serving as universal gestures of appreciation and goodwill. Institutions like the Singapore Institute of Management and Singapore University, in collaboration with prestigious publishers like Oxford University Press, play a pivotal role in fostering linguistic diversity and academic excellence, ensuring that Singapore remains a beacon of multiculturalism and learning in the global landscape.

Singapore University Press, in its commitment to linguistic diversity, offers a rich selection of authentic sentences encompassing various common languages. Whether in English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, or other languages prevalent in the multicultural tapestry of Singapore, these sentences capture the essence of everyday communication. From single-worded phrases to nuanced expressions, they traverse a spectrum of emotions and experiences, including navigating negative situations with resilience and grace. Through its publications, Singapore University Press not only promotes linguistic fluency but also fosters cultural understanding, presenting a mosaic of authentic language usage that reflects the vibrant essence of Singapore’s linguistic landscape.

Politeness Across Cultures

In interactions around the world, polite phrases like “teşekkür ederim” in Turkish, “thank you” in English, and equivalents in various languages serve as bridges between individuals, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. English speakers commonly use “thank you” as one of the most ubiquitous and universally understood expressions of gratitude. Similarly, in Portuguese, “obrigado” or “obrigada” expresses appreciation in various contexts. Whether uttered by native speakers or those learning a new language, these polite phrases are fundamental in fostering goodwill and understanding across diverse communities, embodying the essence of human connection and reciprocity.

In Dutch culture, informal versions of language often reflect the warmth and familiarity ingrained within its social fabric. Native speakers effortlessly navigate between formal and informal situations, employing common expressions that reflect the Dutch penchant for directness and conviviality. Meanwhile, the influence of the Portuguese language, though less pronounced in the Netherlands, adds a layer of linguistic diversity, particularly in regions with historical ties to Portuguese-speaking countries. In formal situations, such as business settings or official gatherings, Dutch speakers may adopt a more polished and structured approach to communication. However, even in these contexts, the Dutch maintain a sense of approachability and openness, exemplifying their unique blend of formality and informality in everyday interactions.

Linguistic Diversity: Global & Local

English speakers worldwide often encounter expressions from various languages, such as “teşekkür ederim” from Turkish, in their daily interactions. While English serves as the official language in many countries, the influence of other languages, like Portuguese, adds depth to linguistic exchanges. In multilingual environments, it’s common to hear Portuguese sentences seamlessly integrated into conversations, reflecting the cultural diversity present in many English-speaking communities. However, in formal settings, speakers may revert to a more polished and formal version of English, maintaining professionalism while still acknowledging and appreciating the linguistic richness brought by other languages.

In Singapore, a melting pot of cultures and languages, the influence of romance languages adds a touch of elegance and charm to the linguistic landscape. Despite English being the national language, elements from romance languages like French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese enrich conversations and cultural expressions. This cultural tapestry is further enriched by the presence of Chinese culture, which has deeply embedded itself in Singaporean society. Institutions like the Singapore Institute of Management, in collaboration with prestigious publishers like Oxford University Press, play a pivotal role in promoting linguistic diversity and academic excellence. Scholarly publications such as the RELC Journal provide insights into the nuances of Singapore English, reflecting its significance both locally and on the global stage as part of “English World-Wide”.

Language Skills & Cultural Expressions

In today’s globalized world, language skills are highly valued, facilitating communication and fostering understanding across diverse communities. Institutions like Singapore University Press and the Singapore Institute of Management, often in collaboration with esteemed publishers like Oxford University Press, provide resources to enhance language proficiency. Through a curated selection of sentences and educational materials, learners are equipped with the tools to navigate the complexities of a common language, such as English, which serves as a bridge connecting speakers worldwide. English speakers, whether native or non-native, can access these resources to broaden their linguistic repertoire, enabling them to express gratitude in various languages, such as Turkish with “teşekkür ederim”. As individuals hone their language skills, they contribute to a more interconnected and inclusive global society.

The Portuguese language, with its rich history and widespread usage across the globe, is replete with common expressions that capture the essence of daily life and cultural nuances. From heartfelt greetings like “bom dia” (good morning) to expressions of gratitude such as “obrigado” (thank you), Portuguese speakers effortlessly navigate a repertoire of phrases that reflect warmth and conviviality. Whether engaging in casual conversation or formal discourse, these common expressions serve as linguistic threads that bind communities together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. In both Portugal and its former colonies, from Brazil to Angola and beyond, these expressions are integral to the fabric of everyday communication, embodying the vibrancy and diversity of the Portuguese-speaking world.

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