25 Ways to Say “Thank You” in English

The words thank you are often among the first few words you learn in any language, and there are different ways to say it in English.

Today I’ll be showing you many interesting words and phrases you can use for expressing your thanks in English. We’ll also look at how you may choose to communicate your thanks.

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Thanking Someone Casually

The checkout clerk rings up your items at the grocery store. Your friend or co-worker hands you a cup of coffee or a sandwich. A random stranger gives you directions for getting to the nearest train station. What do you say?

1. Thank you.

This is the simplest and most basic way of saying thanks. You can’t go wrong with this since it’s suitable for both casual and formal situations.

2. Thanks!

It’s a shorter, more casual form of thank you that you could use with friends, family and peers.

3. Thanks so much.

Use this to emphasize (stress) your thanks.

4. Thanks a million.

With close friends and family, you can say this more casual version.

When Someone Has Done You a Favor

When someone does you a favor (helps you with something), they’re often not only willing to help but sometimes they may even offer to help without you asking. For example, you might request help with your class project from another student, or your neighbor might offer you a ride to the train station if it’s raining or snowing outside.

5. That’s very kind of you.

This expression works well in this situation, when you want to thank someone for their kindness and help.

6. You made my day.

You can say this if someone made your day a little less unpleasant and more bearable (by keeping you from getting caught in the rain or snow, for example).

7. You’re awesome!

This is a great way to thank someone for being such a wonderful and caring person:

When Someone Does Something Unexpected for You

Has someone ever done something for you that you didn’t expect? Your brother who never cleans his own room offers to clean your house and do your errands after noticing how busy you are. Your friend drives 100 miles to visit and bring you a housewarming gift after you move to your new job in another city.

Surely that would have you both surprised and grateful at the same time.

8. I don’t know what to say!

You could be so surprised at someone’s thoughtful words or actions that you simply can’t find the words to thank them enough. 

9. Oh, you shouldn’t have!

10. How thoughtful of you!

Though you may be pleasantly surprised, you may also be feeling a little awkward or shy about someone having gone out of their way to be so thoughtful towards you in their words or actions. These two expressions capture that feeling. 

When Someone Has Helped You Achieve an Important Goal

Achieving success or an important goal isn’t always easy. Oftentimes, it’s the encouragement and support of people around you that push you to succeed. Maybe it’s your parents who have cheered you on, your friends who have been there for you or your team members who have put in their time and effort.

Here are some ways to thank those people who have played a part in your success:

11. I couldn’t have done it without you.

12. I really want to thank you for your help.

13. I really appreciate everything you’ve done.

When Someone Has Helped You Through Tough Times

We all know what a relief it is when someone comes to your assistance during tough (bad) times. Whether you lost your job, were hit by a natural disaster (like an earthquake or flood) or had to deal with financial (money) issues, you’re grateful to people who reach out to help.

14. I’m really grateful for your help.

15. This means a lot to me. 

16. Thanks for having my back.

These expressions will let them know how much you value your support.

When someone has your back it means that person is there watching out for your well-being and supporting you.

17. I owe you one.

This is the phrase you would use to thank someone you feel indebted to (feel you owe something) and hope to repay someday when you get the chance.

Thanking Someone for Something Specific

18. Thank you for your guidance.

19. Thanks for explaining this to me.

You can say any of these two expressions to thank those who have shared their knowledge, wisdom and experience with you.

20. Thank you for stopping by.

Use this to thank someone for visiting your house, office, etc. to see you in person.

21. Thanks for…

If you’re thanking someone for something specific that they’ve done for you, be sure to mention what it is so that they know exactly what you’re thanking them for. For example, you could say: “Thanks for taking care of my dog.” 

Feel free to adapt this phrase to your needs.

Thanking Someone Formally

When you’re dealing with companies, businesses or official matters, you may want your message to sound more formal.

22. Thank you for contacting me.

23. Thank you for your prompt reply.

You’d say this to thank someone for responding to you.

24. I appreciate your feedback.

25. I’m grateful for your assistance.

You can also use formal words like appreciate and grateful to show your thanks. The word feedback is similar in meaning to “reply” or “response,” and assistance is a more formal word for “help.”

Of course, mastering phrases like this in a different language is always a little difficult. The best way to learn them properly is to see them used by native speakers in real situations. You can do this by listening to English conversations or watching English videos that show them. 

Videos are especially good since they can safely show you how customs and expressions work before you use them in real life. You can use videos you find on YouTube or the ones on the language learning program, FluentU.

How to Respond When Someone Says “Thank You”

Now that you’ve learned many ways to thank someone, what do you say when someone thanks you for something you’ve done for them?

You’re welcome.

While this is the most formal way to respond, it can also be used in casual situations:

Don’t mention it.

No worries.

Not at all.

In casual and less formal settings such as with friends, family or even strangers, you could say these.

It’s my pleasure.

If someone thanks you for a meal or a service, you could express that you’re pleased that you’ve had the opportunity to dine or work with them with this expression.

How to Best Communicate Your Thanks

Thanking someone face-to-face is often considered the most sincere and personal way of communicating your gratitude (appreciation).

However, it’s not always possible to thank someone in person. Maybe it’s inconvenient to meet, or maybe they’re far away.

Not to worry, though, there’s always the phone. While texting is also an option, calling someone to thank them directly will probably appear to be much more personal and sincere.

When dealing with official matters, such as after a job interview or a conversation with a company or business, it’s best to say thanks in writing, either in an email or letter. According to a survey reported in Business News Daily, sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of a job interview could increase your chances of getting the job.

When you receive a gift or invitation from someone, it’s always a nice personal gesture to send them a thank-you card with a hand-written message. The Emily Post Institute article “Complete Guide to Writing Thank You Notes” offers tips on how to write the perfect thank-you note.

 

With this long and varied list of English phrases and words in your vocabulary, you can now begin adapting them to your own use.

Whenever you come across other ways of saying thank you, be sure to take note and practice using them.

Thank you for reading this post and learning with me today!

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)