Whether you’re trying to impress your new Chinese friend, ordering from a Chinese restaurant, or simply interested in learning more about Chinese culture, you want to make it right by using the most authentic way to say “thank you” in Chinese (Mandarin).
Saying 谢谢 (xiè xiè) is the most common and basic way to express appreciation in Chinese (Mandarin). It is used in both formal and informal situations alike.
In this article, we will cover various ways to say “thank you” in Mandarin, including common phrases, casual and formal ways to say it, cultural nuances, and the like. Our goal is to give you just enough phrases to get started.
Mandarin facts Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1 billion speakers (think of the 1.4 billion people in China alone!). It is the official language of China and Taiwan, and is also spoken in Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia. Mandarin uses a tonal system, with four main tones and a neutral tone, which can change the meaning of words.
Phrases for “Thank You” in Chinese Language (Mandarin)
In Mandarin, there are several ways to say thank you depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and the listener. Here are some of the most common phrases for saying “Thank You” in Chinese:
The most common way to say “thank you” in Mandarin – if you only have room for one phrase
谢谢 (xiè xiè) – This is the most common and basic way to say “thank you” in Chinese. It is used in both formal and informal situations and is appropriate for all ages.
Watch this video to learn 3 ways to say “thank you” in Chinese:
Casual ways to say “thank you” in Chinese
These are quick and informal ways to express thanks. They can be used in most daily conversations.
“谢了” (xiè le) – This phrase is equivalent to “thanks” in English. It is a super informal way to express thanks and it is often used in text messages
“感谢” (gǎn xiè) – This phrase means being grateful. It is more formal and is often used in professional settings or when expressing gratitude to someone who has gone above and beyond to help you.
Saying “thank you” in Chinese to someone directly
These phrases can be used to appreciate something that someone has done for you.
“谢谢你” (xiè xiè nǐ) – This phrase includes the pronoun “you” and is used to specifically thank someone.
“谢谢您” (xiè xiè nín) – The use of “您” (nín) as opposed to “你” (nǐ) from the above makes this phrase most polite and respectful.
This is appropriate when speaking to someone of higher status or in a formal setting. This phrase is also widely used by people in the servicing industry when talking to their customers.
How to say “many thanks” in Chinese?
“多谢” (duō xiè) – This phrase means “many thanks” and is a bit more formal than and is often used in more formal situations, such as when thanking a colleague for their hard work or expressing appreciation to a business partner.
Formal ways to say “thank you very much” in Chinese
“太谢谢了” (tài xiè xiè le) – This phrase means “thank you so much” used mostly in conversation. It is a more emphatic way of expressing your gratitude than simply saying “谢谢” (xiè xiè) which means “thank you.” So, if you want to express your appreciation in a more heartfelt way, this is a good choice.
“非常感谢” (fēi cháng gǎn xiè) – This can be read as (very-much-thank-you), which literally means “extremely grateful.” It is a common way to express gratitude in Chinese and is used in writing as well as very formal situations like a speech in an award presentation to express extreme gratitude.
Why saying thank you in Chinese is important?
In Chinese culture, showing appreciation and gratitude is crucial for building and maintaining relationships.
As such, saying “thank you” in Mandarin is an essential phrase to know for anyone who wants to connect with Mandarin speakers. Additionally, by demonstrating an understanding of Mandarin etiquette and culture, you can establish trust and respect with your Chinese counterparts.
Cultural nuances of “thank you” in Chinese
In Chinese culture, expressing gratitude is an important part of social etiquette. Here are some cultural nuances to keep in mind when using “Thank You” in Chinese:
Context is key
The appropriate way to express gratitude in Chinese varies depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and the listener. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of formality.
Interestingly, Chinese people don’t usually say “thank you” to their family and close friends often. Why? Are you serious?
Yes! It is because they think saying it is not enough to show appreciation. And instead of “just” saying so, they would put their thanks into action by doing something to express their gratitude.
How does it work? For example, they would send gifts and treat people they care about with delicious meals to show appreciation.
Here’s a related post: How to Say “Thank You” Without Saying It? (It’s the Next Level)
Respect for elders
In Chinese culture, showing respect for elders is very important. When thanking someone who is older or in a position of authority, it’s appropriate to use a more formal phrase such as “谢谢您” (xiè xiè nín).
Body language
In Chinese culture, body language and gestures also play an important role in expressing gratitude.
When saying “thank you” to someone who is older or in a higher position, it’s polite to bow slightly or nod your head.
Tone of voice
In Chinese, the tone of voice is just as important as the words themselves. When expressing gratitude, it’s important to use a sincere and respectful tone of voice.
How to reply when someone says “thank you” to you in Chinese?
What should you say when someone says “thank you” to you in Chinese?
In Chinese culture, it’s common to dismiss someone’s thanks by downplaying the significance of your efforts. There are several ways to respond to show your appreciation while still being humble.
One of the most common ways to say:
“不客气” (bú kè.qì) – This means “don’t be polite” or it can be translated as “you’re welcome”.
This phrase can be used in most situations and is an excellent way to acknowledge the gratitude of the person thanking you.
“别客气” (bié kè.qì) – This is a variation of the above. But it is usually used among family, relatives or close friends.
If you want to change things up, there are other ways to acknowledge someone’s thanks in Chinese:
“不用谢” (bú yòng xiè) – This means “no need for thanks.”
If you prefer a more casual response, you can use:
“没事” (méi shì) – This means “it’s nothing”.
“小意思” (xiǎo yì sī) – This means “it’s no big deal”.
Notice these phrases serve to downplay your efforts, which is considered to be polite in Chinese culture.
No matter which phrase you choose, responding to “thank you” in Chinese is an excellent way to show your gratitude and build stronger relationships with those around you.
Conclusion
In a culture with over 5000 years of history, you will be amazed at how much can a simple phrase entails. And this is the fun part of learning a language. Hopefully, this post has not made you more confused and serves to give you just enough phrases to say and respond to appreciate in Mandarin. Why not try it out for yourself when you place your order for a Chow Mein next time? You will be amazed by how Chinese people react with just a simple word of thanks in their language.