14 Polite Ways to Say “Thank You” in Chinese in All Kinds of Situations
Saying "thank you" can be a meaningful gesture. In Chinese culture, the way to express gratitude is different from that in English-speaking countries. Here are 14 of the most important ways to say thank you in Chinese.
The Most Common Ways to Say Thank You
These are the universal way to express gratitude in Chinese. They work in both formal and informal situations. They are appropriate expressions for daily life conversations as well as professional written communications.
1. 谢谢 (xiè xiè) - Thank You
Saying "谢谢" is the most common way to express "thank you" in Chinese. This word works on both formal and informal occasions. It can be used in almost any situation where you want to express appreciation and gratitude to someone.
2. 谢谢你 (xiè xiè nǐ) - Thank You
This has the same meaning as "谢谢" but is slightly more formal. "谢谢你" emphasizes the person you want to say thank you to. Another similar expression is "谢谢您 xiè xiè nín", which is more courteous and formal and can be used when you are thanking someone older than you or in a higher position.
3. 非常感谢 (fēi cháng gǎn xiè) - Thank You Very Much
"非常" means "very". "非常感谢" means "Thank you very much / Thank you a lot". Other variations include: "非常感谢你 fēi cháng gǎn xiè nǐ", "非常感谢您 fēi cháng gǎn xiè nín", "太谢谢你了 tài xiè xiè nǐ le".
4. 谢谢大家 (xiè xiè dà jiā) - Thank You All
"谢谢大家", with the meaning "thank you all', is used when you are expressing gratitude to more than one person, especially when you are in front of an audience, for example, at the end of a presentation or speech.
How to Say Thank You Casually
You can use some other phrases which are in a similar sense to the usage of "thank you". They are informal ways to express thanks between friends. These can also be used in SMS messages where short phrases are favored.
5. 谢了 (xiè le) - Thanks
"谢了" is a less formal way to say thank you. It can be used between family, friends or people you know really well in a work or school environment.
6. 多谢 (duō xiè) - Thanks a Million
"多谢" means "Many thanks / Thanks a ton / Thanks a bunch". It is a casual way to give thanks. Although you could use it in a formal setting when small things are done for you, it sounds better in informal environments.
7. 你太好啦 (nǐ tài hǎo la) - You Are the Best
This expression means "You are the best / You’re awesome". It is another way of saying thank you. This can be used after someone did you a favor. Usually, you can also use “Thanks” either before or after this expression.
How to say Thank You After Receiving a Favor
In addition to saying thanks, you can also use the following phrases to express your gratitude when someone did you a favor.
8. 谢谢你的帮助 (xiè xiè nǐ de bāng zhù) - Thank You for Your Help
It is a formal way of expressing gratitude when someone has done you a favor. It literally means "Thank you for your help / I appreciate your help." This expression is often used in formal settings and should be used in response to an actual favor.
9. 麻烦你了 (má fán nǐ le) - Sorry for the Troubles
This is a less formal way of expressing gratitude after someone has done you an actual favor. It means “sorry for the trouble or inconvenience to you.”
It is a great phrase to use when someone has done a favor for you that you didn’t ask for or when someone helps you beyond their obligation.
10. 感激不尽 (gǎn jī bú jìn) - I can’t thank you enough
It is another way of saying "Thank you very much", which is often used in formal situations.
How to Say Thank You to a Compliment in Chinese
unlike So, for native English speakers, “Thank you” is not just about the expression of gratitude, it is more a social etiquette and a way to be polite.
11. 哪里哪里 (nǎ lǐ nǎ lǐ ) - Not at All
It doesn't but it doesn't necessarily deny what others say. It's just an unassuming and polite way of thanking others for their compliments In Chinese culture, people seldom say "thank you" when someone says something nice to them.
12. 你过奖了 (nǐ guò jiǎng le) - You Are Exaggerating My Merits
The literal meaning of this phrase is "You are giving me too much credit", or "You are exaggerating". But it doesn't mean that you don't like their compliments or that what they say is untrue. It is just a modest response used as a response to other people's praise. Kind of another way of saying "I'm flattered".
How to Express Your Gratitude When Receiving a Gift
In Chinese culture, refusing a gift before you gratefully accept it is normal. So if someone got you a gift, you can try to give it back, saying something like:
13. 你太客气了 (nǐ tài kè qì le) - You Shouldn't Have
When you receive a gift from others, you can use this phrase as an alternate way of saying "Thank you for your gift."
14. 让你破费了 (ràng nǐ pò fèi le) - I hope you didn’t spend too much money on it
This is another way of expressing your gratitude when someone has got you a gift. Usually, you would use “Thanks” either before or after this phrase. For instance:
- "You shouldn't have, but thanks!". 你太客气了，谢谢你！
- "You shouldn't have, but I love it!" 你太客气了，我很喜欢！