How to Say “Thank You” in Asian Languages

“Thank you” is the most simple but powerful way to express our gratitude towards someone’s help. Thus, it should be spoken every day of our life. It is even greater if we can say thank you to someone in his or her own’s language because it shows how much we appreciate others’ efforts and do not take them for granted.

In today’s post, we will focus on how to say Thank you in 10 different Asian languages. 

#1. Say Thank You in Japanese

Arigatou (ありがとう), Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

“Arigatou” is the most common way to say thank you in Japanese. You can use this phrase in daily activities because its meaning is not too formal or too casual.

When showing your gratitude towards older people or those in a higher position, you should use “Arigatou Gozaimasu” – a more polite expression for “Thank you”.

#2. Say Thank You in Korean

Kamsahaeyo (감사해요), Kamsahae (감사해), Kamsahamnida (감사합니다)

Normally, you can use “kamsahaeyo” for someone in the same status as us to create a comfortable atmosphere.

In close relationships such as family, friends, and relatives, it is suitable to use the phrase “kamsahae” because its meaning makes a sense of warmth and intimacy.

For places that require more polite rituals like a company or a temple, it would be better if you use the phrase “kamsahamnida” which is a form of Korean honorifics.

#3. Say Thank You in Chinese

Xièxie (谢谢), xiè xiè nín de bāng zhù (谢 谢 您 的 帮 助)

“Xièxie” is the most common way to say “Thank you” in Mandarin, which is spoken mainly in the north and southwest of China. In more formal cases, you can use “xiè xiè nín de bāng zhù”, which means “thank you for your help”.

#4. Say Thank You in Arabic

(شكرا لك) shukraan lika, (شكرا جزيلا) shukraan jazilaan

Arabic people commonly use “shukraan lika” to indicate their thanks to others, while “shukraan jazilaan” means “thank you so much”, which is used if you need to show your sincere gratefulness.

#5. Say Thank You in Indian

dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद।), shukriya (शुक्रिया)

In India, people often say “dhanyavaad” and “shukriya” to thank to someone’s help. If you’re non-Indian speaker and first travelling to this country, you should use the two phrases to avoid rudeness.

#6. Say Thank You in Indonesian

Terima kasih

When travelling to Indonesia, you should know the phrase “terima kasih”, which means “thank you” to show your politeness. The Indonesian will appreciate and give you more love if you can say “thank you” in their language.

#7. Say Thank You in Thai

Khop khun (ขอบคุณ)

To respond to the enthusiastic help of Thai people, you should say “khop khun” to thank them. This saying will bring you closer to the people of a new country that makes your journey more enjoyable and fun.

#8. Say Thank You in Tagalog

Salamat

It is common for the Philippines to say “salamat” to thank for help. So if you are in the Philippines, you could say this word in order to express your gratitude. The locals will highly appreciate it when someone can speak their mother tongue.

#9. Say Thank You in Vietnamese

Cảm ơn, cảm ơn bạn

“Cảm ơn” and “cảm ơn bạn” are the most popular way to say “thank you” in Vietnamese. When visiting this country for the first time, you should learn the two phrases to show your gratitude. You can say it when someone opens the door for you, for example, or when the waiter brings you food.

#10. Say Thank You in Lao

khobchai (ຂອບໃຈ), khob chai rai(ຂອບ​ໃຈ​ຫຼາຍໆ)

“Khobchai” is a standard response in Laos when you need to say “thank you”. You can use this phrase in daily life because its meaning is polite enough but not too formal. If you want to show your gratitude more, you can say “khob chai rai”, which means “thank you so much”.

To Sum Up

Now you know several ways to say “thank you” in different Asian languages. We hope you can impress the locals with these phrases when travelling to Asian countries or you can simply use them to show your respect and gratitude towards Asian friends.

If you are curious about how to say Hello in different Asian languages, check out our blog post here.

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