How To Say Thank You In Chinese

Did you know that expressing gratitude is a key to happiness?

Showing appreciation plays a crucial role in communication across all languages.

If you’re learning Mandarin, mastering how to say thank you in Chinese is an excellent way to connect with native speakers and demonstrate respect.

In both formal business settings and casual conversations with friends, understanding different ways to express appreciation will enhance your communication skills.

This guide will walk you through various ways to say thank you in Chinese, how to respond, and the level of formality of “xièxiè” (谢谢).

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How to Say Thank You in Chinese

The most common way to say thank you in Chinese is xièxiè (谢谢). This phrase is widely used across all Mandarin-speaking regions and is suitable for most situations. Whether you’re thanking someone for a small favor or expressing appreciation in everyday conversations, “xièxiè” is the perfect go-to phrase.

However, there are different levels of gratitude, and depending on the context, you may need a more formal or emphatic way to express your thanks.

Here are even more ways to say thank you in Chinese:

Xièxiè nǐ (谢谢你) – Thank you (casual, to one person)

Xièxiè nǐmen (谢谢你们) – Thank you (plural, when addressing a group)

Gǎnxiè nǐ (感谢你) – I appreciate you. Using “gǎnxiè” (感谢) instead of “xièxiè” adds more formality and depth to your gratitude. If you are thanking someone in a professional or serious setting, this is a great phrase to use.

Gǎnxiè nín (感谢您) – Thank you (very polite, addressing elders or superiors).

Duōxiè (多谢) – Thanks a lot (more casual).

Xièxiè dàjiā (谢谢大家) – Thank you, everyone.

Xièxiè nǐ de bāngzhù (谢谢你的帮助) – Thank you for your help.

Is Xièxiè Formal or Informal?

“Xièxiè” is considered a neutral phrase, meaning it can be used in both casual and polite conversations. However, for formal situations, such as thanking a boss, client, or elder, you may want to use a more respectful phrase, like “gǎnxiè” (感谢) or “fēicháng gǎnxiè” (非常感谢).

If you want to sound even more respectful, you can add nǐ (你, you) or nǐmen (你们, you all) to personalize the gratitude.

How Do You Say Thank You Very Much in Chinese?

If you want to show deeper appreciation, you can say:

Fēicháng gǎnxiè (非常感谢) – I am extremely grateful.

Xīnkǔ nǐ le (辛苦你了) – Literally, you’ve worked hard. Great for thanking someone who put in effort, like a coworker staying late.

Hēn gǎnxiè (很感谢) – I am very thankful.

Hěn gǎnxiè nǐ de zhīchí (很感谢你的支持) – I really appreciate your support.

Hěn gǎnxiè nǐ de lǐwù (很感谢你的礼物) – Thank you very much for the gift.

Shífēn gǎnxiè (十分感谢) – Deeply grateful.

Wàn fēn gǎnxiè (万分感谢) – Thanks a million.

Xīn lǐ chōngmǎn gǎnxiè (心里充满感谢) – My heart is full of gratitude.

Bǎifēn zhībǎi de gǎnxiè (百分之百的感谢) – A hundred percent thankful.

Duōxiè guānzhào (多谢关照) – Thanks for your care/support (common in business).

How to Say Thank You in Cantonese

In Cantonese, spoken in Hong Kong, Macau, and parts of Guangdong, there are two common ways to say thank you:

M̀h’gōi (唔該) – This is used to thank someone for a service or small favor, such as when a waiter brings your food.
Dòjeh (多謝) – This is used when receiving a gift, a compliment, or a significant favor.

How Do You Reply to Xièxiè?

When someone thanks you in Chinese, it is polite to acknowledge it with an appropriate response. Here are some common ways to reply:

Bù kèqì (不客气) – You’re welcome (most common and polite response).

Méi guānxi (没关系) – No worries.

Bù yóng xiè (不用谢) – No need to thank me.

Yīng gāi de (应该的) – It’s my duty (used when thanking professionals like doctors or teachers).

Hé qì hé qì (和气和气) – No problem (more casual and friendly).

Cultural Insights on Expressing Gratitude in China

In Chinese culture, gratitude is often expressed through actions rather than just words.

Excessive gratitude for small actions can feel unnecessary or even awkward.

In close relationships, constant verbal gratitude may seem overly formal.

One significant way to show appreciation is by giving gifts. Gift-giving is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions and serves as a powerful gesture of thanks.

Some common gifts to express gratitude include:

Tea – A traditional and elegant way to show appreciation, often given in high-quality packaging.

Fruit Baskets – A popular choice, symbolizing health and prosperity.

Chinese Specialty Snacks – Local delicacies can convey thoughtfulness and effort.

Fine Liquor or Wine – Given in more formal settings, such as business relationships.

Books – A meaningful gift for teachers, mentors, or colleagues.

Handwritten Letters, Notes, or Thank You Cards – A personal and heartfelt way to express gratitude. In China, beautifully designed thank you cards with thoughtful messages add a special touch to showing appreciation. These are often coupled with another gift, such as tea—like my favorite oolong, specialty snacks, or a small keepsake, to further demonstrate sincerity and respect.

Etiquette of Gift-Giving

While gifts are appreciated, there are cultural norms to follow:

Present gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.

Avoid gifts in sets of four, as the number sounds like “death” (死 – sǐ) in Chinese.

If receiving a gift, politely decline once or twice before accepting it to show humility, especially when interacting with elders. However, younger generations may be more inclined to accept gifts directly without the traditional back-and-forth.

Do not open a gift in front of the giver unless encouraged to do so.

Avoid clocks or sharp objects, as they symbolize death or severed relationships.

Saying Thank You Through Actions

Aside from gifts, actions also play a big role in expressing gratitude. These may include:

Hosting a meal – Inviting someone to a meal is a warm and generous way to thank them.

Helping in return – Returning the favor, like the saying “you scratch my back, I scratch yours.” This approach strengthens relationships by creating a cycle of mutual support instead of relying solely on verbal thanks.

Writing a Recommendation or Endorsement – A professional way to show appreciation in work settings.

Understanding these cultural nuances helps in building stronger connections when expressing gratitude in Chinese society.

Ready to Say Thank You in Chinese?

Mastering how to say thank you in Chinese opens the door to more meaningful interactions in Mandarin-speaking communities.

A simple “xièxiè” works in everyday conversations, while “fēicháng gǎnxiè” adds extra sincerity when deeper gratitude is needed.

Ready to practice? Try using these phrases in real conversations and share this guide with friends who want to learn Chinese!