10 ways to go beyond a simple “thank you” in different languages
2020 has been a testing year for us all, to say the least. As a way of expressing our gratitude to all our language learners, language instructors, translators, interpreters, volunteers & team members throughout, here are 10 ways of saying thank you — in Arabic, French, Persian and Spanish!
1. تسلم / تسلمي (Tislam/Tislami)
Coming from the root verb “سلم” or “salama” meaning “to come out safe/healthy”, this phrase means “May you stay safe”, and can be used as a way to thank someone, while literally also wishing well for their health and safety!
2. يعطيك العافية (Ya‘tik al-‘afiya)
Literally translating to “may [God] give you health,” this is a recognition of someone’s hard work and allows you to show your appreciation.
3. Merci de tout coeur (mekh-see dah tu ker)
A heartfelt phrase in French meaning, “thank you with all my heart”.
4. C’est très gentil à toi / vous (seh tkheh jan-tee a twa/voo)
In more formal settings, one might say “that’s very kind of you”. Remember to use “vous” when speaking in a respectful manner!
5. Daste shomā dard nakone (دست شما درد نکنه )
Never realized how poetic Persian is? This phrase means “may your hand not hurt”, often used when someone gives you a gift or prepares food for you.
7. Te la/lo debo (te la/lo de-bo)
Spanish for “I owe you” – use this with friends to let them know you’re grateful for them and you got them next time!
8. (Estoy) Muy agradecido/a (ehs-toy muy agra-de-cido/a)
This is a lovely way to say “(I’m) very grateful for you” – another version of “thank you so much”, as the adjective “agradecido” is translated as “grateful”.
9. Mamnoun(t)ak/ek (ممنونك/ممنونتك)
You may hear this Arabic loanword, “mamnoun” or “ممنون”, in Arabic or Persian, as a way to say “thank you” or “I’m grateful to you”.
10. Merci (mekh-see)
Don’t be surprised if you hear “merci”, a common way to say “thank you”, beyond francophone countries, it’s also common in Middle Eastern countries and even Iran!
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