Surviving in a country where English is not widely spoken and you don’t speak the language can be challenging at times. Perhaps the best word you can learn to show your willingness to learn is the old and faithful “thank you”. A little goes a long way and you can be sure to win some hearts with the locals. Knowing how to say thank you in German has certainly come in handy over the years I was travelling throughout Europe. And as for being in France, there is perhaps no nicer way to end an interaction than a simple “merci!” So if you want to say thank you in different languages, we’ve got the most popular translations for you. Here is how to say thank you in 50 languages so you’ll never be stuck again!
How to say thank you in 50 Languages
Here we go! You’re about to find out about the 50 most popular languages to say thank you. After almost a decade of travel, I’ve come to learn there is no more important word than saying thank you. So here we go!
1. How to say thank you in Afrikaans
“dankie”
Afrikaans is a language most commonly found throughout Southern Africa. In particular, it is widely spoken in South Africa and Namibia. It is less common in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The word “dankie” is however widely understood throughout Southern Africa and will go a long way if you are trying to win over the locals!
2. How to say thank you in Albanian
“faleminderit”
If you find yourself in Southern Europe and looking for a country to spend some time in on the cheap, check out Albania. This country has long been forgotten by the traditional tourist paths but for wanderers who seek a more cultural connection, you can’t beat it. Albania is quickly becoming a hot spot however, so be sure to add it to your list sooner rather than later!
Read more: The 20 best places in the Balkans you cannot miss!
3. How to say thank you in Arabic
“shukran”
No matter where you are travelling in the Arabic world, a courteous “shukran” is always going to render a smile. Throughout my travels in Northern Africa and the Middle East, this simple thank you has always come in handy. The simple act of saying thank you in Arabic is always welcomed and met with appreciation.
4. How to say thank you in Armenian
“Շնորհակալություն” / chnorakaloutioun
Armenia is a country still on my bucket list so for now it remains out of reach. If you have the privilege of visiting, learning to say thank you in Armenian is a sure way to bring a smile to any stranger you encounter. And while it is quite a long word for English native speakers, if you break it down it is quite simple to remember.
5. How to say thank you in Bosnian
hvala (HVAH-lah)
I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere more intriguing than Bosnia. When I first visited in my early twenties I was completely captivated. I couldn’t believe no one else was talking about this relatively unknown country! But of course nowadays Bosnia has become increasingly popular and rightly so. If you have the privilege of visiting, be sure to learn the local’s way to say thank you in Bosnian. And don’t miss out on visiting the monastery built into a rock face in Blagaj.
6. How to say thank you in Bulgarian
благодаря / blagodaria
If you are lucky enough to visit Eastern Europe you will soon learn there are so many hidden beauties. There are entire countries that go missed by many travellers and I have to say, Bulgaria is one of them. While you are in Bulgaria it will be useful to learn to say thank you in the local language, especially if you are spending a length of time here.
7. How to say thank you in Catalan
gràcies (GRAH-syuhs)
Over in Catalonia a thank you goes a long way. Locals absolutely love a simple and heartfelt “thank you” or “gràcies“, especially in the peak of tourist season when they don’t hear it as often. Barcelona is by far my favourite destination in the region, but there is so much more to Catalonia beyond this city! If you have more time, be sure to schedule in some day trips nearby or find a local homestay to perch yourself for a longer time. You won’t regret it!
8. How to say thank you in Cantonese
M̀h’gōi
Learning how to say thank you in Cantonese has certainly had its benefits over the years, especially when haggling down a price at the night markets in Hong Kong. You will always be met with a warm and friendly smile when you make the effort to say thank you in a different language and Cantonese speakers especially seem to enjoy it when visitors make the effort.
9. How to say thank you in Croatian
hvala (HVAH-lah)
Saying thank you in Croatia will be widely understood if you say it in English, but it doesn’t hurt to learn how to say thank you in Croatian. If you have ever visited Dubrovnik and rubbed elbows with the many tourists who transcend on the city every summer, you’ll know just why. Offering a brief “hvala” will go a long way in Croatia.
10. How to say thank you in Czech
děkuji (Dyekooyih)
Of all the countries I have travelled in Central Europe, Prague is certainly one of my favourites. There is just something so unique and ethereal about the architecture here, especially in Prague. I soon learned that saying thank you in Czech will go a long way with the locals. Especially if you’re ordering drinks at a bar!
Read more: Where to find the best views in Prague
11. How to say thank you in Danish
tak (tahg)
Saying thank you in Danish is very straight forward. A simple “tak” always comes in handy and the locals will appreciate your efforts, despite almost everyone knowing English. This will go down well with the older crowd of artisans and shopkeepers who either don’t speak English or speak very little as they appreciate the effort.
Read more: These are the most expensive cities in Europe to travel to
12. How to say thank you in Dutch
dank u
I’ll take any opportunity I get to tell anyone who will listen that there is so much more to the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam. So if you have the time to travel throughout the Netherlands, it can’t hurt to learn to say thank you in Dutch. And if you’re looking for a guide on where else to visit in the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam, check out my guide below. You won’t regret it!
Read more: 7 cities and towns you must visit in the Netherlands
13. How to say thank you in Estonian
tänan (TA-nahn)
I don’t think I’ve ever been more surprised by a country than I was by Estonia. Particularly the Old Town of Tallinn was as pretty as a postcard, so much so that I’ve since visited twice more. If you find yourself here on a day trip from Helsinki, a quick thank you in the local language will go a long way.
14. How to say thank you in Finnish
kiitos (KEE-tohss)
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Finland a handful of times now and every time brings me such joy. Finland has consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world so if you don’t learn to say thank you it is no big deal. Everyone here is pretty chilled and laidback. But if you do say “kiitos” when you get the chance, I can assure you they will appreciate it.
15. How to say thank you in French
merci
There is perhaps no other country in the world where I find it more important to say thank you in the local language than in France. The locals don’t just appreciate it, they expect it. And since you are in their country ~ that seems like a reasonable ask! All you need to do is learn a few key phrases and suffice it to say a simple “mercy” is one of them.
16. How to say thank you in German
danke
I’ll never forget the time I spent living in Berlin. The capital city of Germany has so many different personalities that one could never tire of living there. Indeed in the few months I was living in the city, I felt like I only just began to scratch the surface! One word I used on a daily basis was “danke”. Saying thank you in Germany is essential and if you learn just one word, make it this one. It goes a long way!
17. How to say thank you in Greek
ευχαριστώ (ef-hah-rees-TOH)
Greece is full of so many great bucket list destinations that many of us dream of one day making our way to the Greek Islands. If you’re lucky enough to visit, be sure to learn how to say thank you in Greek. The locals will appreciate your efforts.
18. How to say thank you in Hawaiian
mahalo (ma-HA-lo)
Although Hawaii is a state of the United States, they still retain their polynesian culture, heritage and of course, language. Mahalo is a beautiful way to say thank you and has such a lyrical flow that it just rolls off the tongue! The people in Hawaii are equally beautiful, kind hearted and laidback.
19. How to say thank you in Hebrew
.תודה / todah (toh-DAH)
Although it may not be easy to read Hebrew, it is fairly easy to say a quick “thank you” or “today” in Hebrew. This will come in handy as a way to appeal to the locals.
20. How to say thank you in Hindi
dhanyavād / shukriya
If you find yourself in India, it can’t hurt to learn a few words in Hindi. You will certainly be able to get by without it, but the locals will appreciate your efforts.
21. How to say thank you in Hungarian
köszönöm (KØ-sø-nøm)
Learning to speak Hungarian is not essential when you visit the country, but it certainly comes in handy outside of Budapest. Even so, learning to say thank you goes a long way even in the capital city!
22. How to say thank you in Icelandic
takk (tahk)
Saying thank you in Icelandic is so simple that you really have no excuse not to learn how to say “takk”!
23. How to say thank you in Indonesian
terima kasih. (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
Although it might look or sound difficult at first, I promise you saying thank you in Indonesian becomes addictive. The locals absolutely love it!
24. How to say thank you in Italian
grazie (GRAHT-tsyeh)
Saying thank you in Italy is easy and a lot of fun. Italians love sharing their culture with visitors, so it never hurts to use a word or two in Italian if you can get by with broken English.
25. How to say thank you in Japanese
arigatô (ah-ree-GAH-toh)
After all my trips to Japan, I still haven’t tired of travelling throughout this country. There’s just something so calming and peaceful about it. Learning to say thank you will be sure to win over the locals.
26. How to say thank you in Korean
감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Korea, be sure to learn how to say a quick thank you!
27. How to say thank you in Latvian
paldies (PUHL-dyehs)
Over in Latvia, thank you is as simple as “paddies”. It is pretty easy to remember and the locals will appreciate you trying to make an effort (even if it doesn’t sound quite right!)
28. How to say thank you in Lebanese
choukrane
Should you find yourself in Lebanon, a simple “choukrane” will go a long way.
29. How to say thank you in Lithuanian
ačiū (AH-choo)
In Lithuania saying thank you sounds like you are sneezing! It is therefore pretty easy to remember.
30. How to say thank you in Macedonian
Благодарам / blagodaram (blah-GOH-dah-rahm)
Saying thank you in Macedonian is a little more difficult to remember. But if you find yourself in the country, be sure to learn it. Not many western travellers make their way here, so it will be greatly appreciated.
31. How to say thank you in Malay
terima kasih (TREE-muh KAH-seh)
Saying thank you in Malay is the same as Indonesian. So if you’re travelling in South East Asia, be sure to offer a brief thank you with all your encounters!
32. How to say thank you in Maltese
grazzi (GRUTS-ee)
The location of Malta in the Adriatic Sea explains why this language is quite close to Italian. So if you find yourself travelling in Southern Europe, the similarities start to show!
33. How to say thank you in Mandarin
Xièxiè
If you are travelling throughout China, it will come in handy to learn a few key phrases. Thank you is of course one of them!
34. How to say thank you in Mongolian
Баярлалаа (bayarlalaa)
Should you find yourself in Mongolia all I can say is… lucky you! I have long dreamed of travelling throughout this country, especially if I ever get the chance to take the Trans-Siberian railway. Learning to say thank you will be appreciated by the locals.
35. How to say thank you in Norwegian
takk
Saying thank you in Norwegian is easy! It comes in handy across Norway, but of course if you ever forget how to say it, a simple “thank you” will always suffice.
36. How to say thank you in Polish
dziękuję (Jenkoo-yen)
Polish is one of the first languages I learned to say thank you in. I was travelling throughout Eastern Europe at the age of seventeen and Poland was hands down one of my favourite destinations. A simple thank you went a long way with the locals, whose faces lit up with enthusiasm.
37. How to say thank you in Portuguese
obrigado [masculine] / obrigada [feminine] (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
Saying thank you in Portuguese is a little more in-depth, with masculine and feminine variations. But once you’ve got the hang of it, it is quite easy to remember!
38. How to say thank you in Romanian
mulţumesc (mool-tzoo-MESK)
I spent a little more than a week in Romania back in my early twenties and I was so surprised by the country. There is so much to see and do here, especially if you love castles!
39. How to say thank you in Russian
спасибо (spuh-SEE-buh)
My travels through Russia are some of my favourite memories. Having studied Russian History at university, I’m a little obsessed with the country and its fascinating aristocratic history. If you find yourself in Moscow or St Petersburg, learning to say thank you goes a very long way here in Russia!
40. How to say thank you in Serbian
xвала / hvala (HVAH-lah)
It was a long time ago that I visited Serbia and due to time constraints, I only had the time to visit Belgrade. But the few nights I spent here were unforgettable. The people are so kind and welcoming, so be prepared to say thank you a lot!
41. How to say thank you in Slovakian
Ďakujem (JAH-koo-yehm)
If you find yourself on a tour of Europe, learning to say thank you in Slovakian will come in handy. This small landlocked country in the heart of Europe is a great stopover destination, especially if you are travelling by rail.
42. How to say thank you in Slovenian
hvala (HVAA-lah)
There’s something so captivating about Slovenia. I suppose it has to do with the fact that you don’t expect it to be so outrageously beautiful and offer so much to see for visitors. If you love castles, you will love Slovenia.
43. How to say thank you in Spanish
gracias (GRAH-syahs)
Hola Spain! Gracias is understood worldwide, but the saying of course originates from Spain.
44. How to say thank you in Swedish
tack
I used this a lot throughout my travels in Stockholm, Sweden! Saying thank you is quick, easy and quite addictive in Swedish. Read more about my travels to Stockholm here. It is one of my favourites cities in all of Europe!
45. How to say thank you in Tamil
nandri
Saying thank you in Tamil is pretty straight forward as an English speaker. You will find this comes in handy if you are in South Asia amongst Tamil natives.
46. How to say thank you in Thai
kop khun
There’s a reason Thailand is considered to be home to the nicest people in the world. So learning to say thank you is not just helpful, it is imperative! I promise you, the people are so kind and warm that you will always wants to pass on your thanks.
47. How to say thank you in Turkish
teşekkür ederim (teh shek uer eh der eem)
I won’t lie: I struggle to say thank you in Turkish. Being a native English speaker, I find this a bit of a mouthful. But after enough times saying it out loud it gets easier with time!
48. How to say thank you in Ukrainian
Дякую (DYAH-koo-yoo)
When I visited the Ukraine during my first tour of Eastern Europe, I was so surprised. This country is full of so much history, culture and a unique food palette. Speaking of food, I tried a lot of it. So saying “thank you” in Ukrainian came in very handy!
49. How to say thank you in Welsh
diolch (DEE-ol’ch)
I have to say, Welsh is one of the most difficult languages to read, write and speak. Some of the street signs I saw while I was driving through the countryside were more than twenty letters long! But saying thank you is fairly straight forward. Because Welsh is not a very common language, the locals will really appreciate your efforts.
50. How to say thank you in Zulu
ngiyabonga
If you find yourself in Zulu-speaking South Africa, I can assure you saying thank you in the local language is sure to go down a treat! Locals will not be expecting it and will appreciate it more than you can imagine.
This post was updated March 2021.
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