In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!
Table of Contents
- 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Chinese
- Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
- Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
- Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
- How ChineseClass101 Can Help You
So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Chinese? You can learn easily! Below, ChineseClass101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Chinese speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.
1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Chinese
1- Thank you.
谢谢。
Xièxiè.
The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!
2- That’s very kind of you.
您真是太好了。
Nín zhēnshì tài hǎo le.
This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.
3- Thanks for your kind words!
感谢您的赞美之辞。
Gǎnxiè nín de zànměi zhī cí.
Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!
4- Thank you for coming today.
感谢您今天的光临。
Gǎnxiè nín jīntiān de guānglín.
This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Chinese speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Chinese guests!
5- Thank you for your consideration.
谢谢您的关心。
Xièxie nín de guānxīn.
This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.
6- Thanks a lot!
多谢了！
Duōxièle!
This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Chinese. Use this in an informal setting with your Chinese friends or teachers.
7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.
像您这样的老师不容易找到。
Xiàng nín zhèyàng de lǎoshī bù róngyì zhǎodào.
Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your ChineseClass101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!
8- Thank you for spending time with us.
谢谢您花时间和我们在一起。
Xièxie nín huā shíjiān hé wǒmen zài yìqǐ.
Any host at a gathering with Chinese speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Chinese language teacher for her time.
9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.
感谢您的耐心并帮助我提高。
Gǎnxiè nín de nàixīn bìng bāngzhù wǒ tígāo.
This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Chinese teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in China, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!
10- You’re the best teacher ever!
您是有史以来最好的老师！
Nín shì yǒushǐ yǐlái zuì hǎo de lǎoshī!
This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!
11- Thank you for the gift.
谢谢你的礼物。
Xièxie nǐ de lǐwù.
This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.
12- I have learned so much thanks to you.
我非常感谢你。
Wǒ fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ.
What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.
2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
In China, there are numerous ways to say “thank you.” Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways to express ones gratitude.
1- 謝謝。Xiè Xie
By far the most common phrase used to express ones thanks is xiè xie (Thank you.). This is undoubtedly the phrase of gratitude you will here the most throughout your journeys, and conveniently the easiest to pronounce.
As Chinese is a tonal language, it is important to correctly pronounce the tones, as an incorrect pronunciation of a tone can change the meaning of a word and in turn, the meaning of the phrase. In the case of xiè xie, however, the phrase is used so frequently that no matter how badly you mispronounce the tones, this expression of gratitude will be understood. As the phrase xiè xie consists of two of the same characters, it literally means, “Thank(s), thank(s).” However, it is translated as “Thank you.”
2- 謝謝你。Xiè Xie Nǐ
Xiè xie nǐ (Thank you.), or the politer version xiè xie nin (Thank you.[formal]), are common variations of the phrase Xiè xie. (Thank you.). In both of these phrases xiè xie is followed by the word for you, nǐ (you) or the politer version nín (you, formal). The literal meaning of these phrases are closer to their English counterpart “Thank you.” as both phrases includes the word you.
3- 多谢。 Duō Xiè
Another polite way to express one’s gratitude is the phrase, Duō xiè. (Thank you so much.) which literally means “Many thanks.” or “A lot of thanks.” The components of this sentence are duō (many) and xiè (to thank). Literally many thanks, but translated as “Thank you very much.”
4- 我很感谢。 Wǒ Hěn Gǎnxiè
Finally there is a phrase that expresses one’s utmost gratitude. This phrase is Wǒ hěn gǎn xiè. (Thank you so much.) which literally means “I very feel thanks.” but is translated as “Thank you so much.” This phrase is reserved for very special occasions, such as when someone does something extremely kind or particularly helpful.
Cultural Insights
Quick Tip 1
The gesture for thank you in Chinese is to cover one’s right hand with the left, and raise them chest or head high while bowing one’s head.
Quick Tip 2
When in a dining situation, the waiter or waitress will often pour beverages for the patrons. A commonly used way of expressing gratitude for this action is to ,tap the table with one’s index and middle fingers. This gesture, often repeated several times, and expresses the receiver’s gratitude as well as that notion “that is enough of what is being poured.”
On the run to China? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Chinese language will only improve their impression of you! ChineseClass101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Chinese in no time!
3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Chinese, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Chinese in China!
Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!
At ChineseClass101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Chinese that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in China, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Chinese’ again…!
4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.
5. Why would ChineseClass101 be the perfect choice to learn Chinese?
However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Chinese – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Chinese friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!
ChineseClass101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases
With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At ChineseClass101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.
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Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Chinese on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.
