Language: A Critical Tool to Unlock Peace and Understanding
When we learn another language,
we are not just memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules, we are gaining insight into their worldview, culture, and experiences.
5 Ways to Say “Thank You” in Spanish
Reading Time: 2 minutes
“Bienvenido/a”! The holidays are (almost) here! As we enter the season of giving and gratitude, let us explore 5 ways of expressing gratitude in Spanish.
1. Gracias (grah-see-ahs)
The most common way to say “thank you” in Spanish can be used anywhere and anytime: from when you receive your “café con leche” at a cafe to when you thank someone for holding the door open. You can also add “muchas” in front of the word to give “many” thanks to someone in all Spanish-speaking countries. Added bonus: try to roll the “r” in the word to sound like a local!
A simple response to this would be “de nada” meaning “you’re welcome” or, literally “from nothing”.
2. (Estoy) Muy agradecido/a (ehs-toy muy agra-de-cido/a)
This is a lovely way to say “(I’m) very grateful” – a more polite version of “thank you so much”. The adjective “agradecido” is translated as “grateful”, and prefacing it with “estoy muy…” will earn you bonus points. Remember to modify masculine “agradecido” to “agradecida” if you’re speaking to a female!
3. Eres un sol (eres un sol)
This is slang-Spanish so make sure to read the room first! “Eres un sol” literally means “you are a sunshine” and by calling this person “the sun” or “sunshine” you are thanking them for something. For example, if you give your Spanish-speaking friend a gift, you may receive a flattering “eres un sol”, similar to the English endearment “you’re a doll”.
4. Eres recapo/a (eres reh-capo/a)
Anyone looking to head to Argentina once travel eases again? This is a term used by Argentines to mean “You’re the best” when you want to go beyond just “gracias”.
Did you know, the “acento argentino” or Argentine accent of Spanish is influenced by Italian, due to large waves of Italian immigration to Argentina in the 19th & 20th centuries? You may even hear Argentinians use the word “chao”, to mean “bye” – derived from the Italian “ciao”!
5. Te la/lo debo (te la/lo de-bo)
Spanish for “I owe you” – instead of responding with a simple “gracias” if your friend buys you tickets to see “un partido de fútbol”, or “a football game”, you can say “te la/lo debo” to let them know you got them next time.
Now, want to put these tips into practice? “¡Vámonos!” Let’s go…
Book a language session here, with one of our native Spanish language partners or gift a conversation here, to a loved one – near or far.
Book 3-hours of Sessions
Reimagine your language journey with NaTakallam.
Try a session in Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian or Spanish.
Book 10-hours of Sessions
Languages open doors and minds. Discover new worlds.
Learn Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian or Spanish.
Book 20-hours of Sessions
Deep dive into a language, packed with culture. Personalized to you.
Choose from Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian or Spanish.
Book 30-hours of Sessions
Deep dive into a language, packed with culture. Personalized to you.
Choose from Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian or Spanish.
You might also LiKe
Naguará: Learn Spanish to Connect to Venezuela’s Heart and Soul
Language Partner, Marije, shares her journey teaching Spanish and Venezuela’s culture. Learn Spanish online and discover how language connects people globally.
Sips of Culture: Summer Drinks from Around the World
Explore NaTakallam’s favorite summer drinks from around the world that tell stories of their people, culture and traditions.
