Navigating through a country where the local language is unfamiliar can often be more manageable than it sounds. Indeed, for travelers, this challenge might be less daunting compared to the perplexed locals trying to decipher your questions, often leading to an impromptu and extensive game of charades.

Consider the countless times service staff, bus drivers, and local vendors go the extra mile to assist disoriented travelers who grapple with the language barrier. In these moments, a simple gesture of appreciation can brighten someone’s day immensely. And sometimes, all it takes are two small but powerful words: “thank you.” Mastering the phrase “thank you” in the native language of your destination is invaluable. It’s not just a token of gratitude; it’s an expression of respect, acknowledging the effort of reaching out in their tongue.

So, whether your international journey is taking you to the historic streets of Rome, the vibrant markets of Thailand, or the vast landscapes of Mongolia, there’s no reason not to be prepared. Here’s your guide to saying those transformative words in 58 different languages:

“Thank You”

1. Afrikaans: dankie (DAHN-kee)
2. Albanian: faleminderit (fah-leh-MEEN-deh-reet)
3. Arabic: shukran (shook-RAHN)
4. Armenian: Շնորհակալություն / chnorakaloutioun (shno-rha-ka-loo-tee-OON)
5. Belarusian: Дзякую / dziakuju (jah-KOO-yoo)
6. Bosnian: hvala (HVAH-lah)
7. Bulgarian: благодаря / blagodaria (blah-goh-DAHR-yah)
8. Catalan: gràcies (GRAH-syuhs)
9. Cantonese: M̀h’gōi (m̀h’gōi)
10. Croatian: hvala (HVAH-lah)
11. Czech: děkuji (DYE-koo-yee)
12. Danish: tak (tahk)
13. Dutch: dank u (dahnk oo)
14. Estonian: tänan (TA-nahn)
15. Finnish: kiitos (KEE-tohss)
16. French: merci (mehr-SEE)
17. German: danke (DAHN-kuh)
18. Greek: ευχαριστώ (ef-hah-rees-TOH)
19. Hawaiian: mahalo (ma-HA-lo)
20. Hebrew: תודה / todah (toh-DAH)
21. Hindi [formal]: धन्यवाद / dhanyavād (dhun-yuh-VAHD); [casual] शुक्रिया / shukriya (shook-ree-YAH)
22. Hungarian: köszönöm (KUH-suh-nuhm)
23. Icelandic: takk (tahk)
24. Indonesian: terima kasih (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
25. Italian: grazie (GRAHT-tsyeh)
26. Japanese: ありがとう / arigatō (ah-ree-GAH-toh)
27. Khmer: akun (Aw-koon)
28. Korean: 감사합니다 / gamsahamnida (gahm-sah-HAHM-nee-dah)
29. Lao: khob chai (khob CHAI)
30. Latvian: paldies (PUHL-dyehs)
31. Lebanese: choukrane (SHOOK-rah-ne)
32. Lithuanian: ačiū (AH-choo)
33. Macedonian: Благодарам / blagodaram (blah-goh-DAH-rahm)
34. Malay: terima kasih (tuh-REE-mah KAH-seh)
35. Maltese: grazzi (GRUTS-ee)
36. Mandarin: 谢谢 / Xièxiè (shyeh-shyeh)
37. Mongolian: Баярлалаа / bayarlalaa (bah-YAHR-lah-lah)
38. Norwegian: takk (tahk)
39. Persian: [formal] mamnun (mum-NOON) / [casual] mersi (MER-see)
40. Polish: dziękuję (JEN-koo-yeh)
41. Portuguese: obrigado [masculine] / obrigada [feminine] (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
42. Romanian: mulţumesc (mool-tzoo-MESK)
43. Russian: спасибо / spasibo (spuh-SEE-buh)
44. Serbian: хвала / hvala (HVAH-lah)
45. Slovak: Ďakujem (JAH-koo-yehm)
46. Slovenian: hvala (HVAA-lah)
47. Spanish: gracias (GRAH-syahs)
48. Swahili: asante (ah-SAHN-teh)
49. Swedish: tack (tahk)
50. Tamil: nandri (NAHN-dree)
51. Thai: ขอบคุณ / kop khun (khop KHUN)
52. Turkish: teşekkür ederim (teh-shehk-kewr EH-deh-reem)
53. Ukrainian: Дякую / Dyakuyu (DYAH-koo-yoo)
54. Urdu: شکریہ / shukriya (shook-REE-yah)
55. Welsh: diolch (DEE-ol’ch)
56. Wolof: djiere dieuf (JEE-reh jyuf)
57. Yiddish: a dank (ah DANK)
58. Zulu: ngiyabonga (ngee-yah-BONG-gah)

FAQs: 

Q: Are there cultural nuances to consider when expressing gratitude in different languages?
A: Yes, cultural nuances play a role in expressions of gratitude. In some cultures, formal language may be more appropriate, while others may emphasize informal and personal expressions. Additionally, gestures or customs accompanying the words may vary, so being aware of cultural context is essential.

Q: What are some tips for pronouncing foreign words correctly?
A: Listen to native speakers, either in person or through online resources. Break the word down into syllables and practice each one. Pay attention to the tone and rhythm of the language. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or corrections from native speakers.

Q: How can I remember these phrases while traveling?
A: Use flashcards or language learning apps to practice regularly. Try to use the phrase in your daily interactions while traveling. Associating the phrase with a gesture or situation can also help in memorizing it.

Q: Should I use formal or informal greetings in a foreign country?
A: It’s generally safer to use formal greetings, especially when addressing older individuals or people in official positions. Once a relationship is established, you may switch to informal greetings if it’s culturally appropriate.

Q: What if I mispronounce a word or phrase?
A: Most locals appreciate the effort, even if it’s not perfect. Mispronunciations are common when learning a new language, and many people will be willing to help you correct it. Just smile, apologize if needed, and try again.

Q: Is it essential to know other phrases besides “thank you” in a foreign language?
A: While “thank you” is crucial, knowing other basic phrases like “hello,” “please,” “sorry,” and “I don’t understand” can be incredibly helpful in everyday interactions and show respect for the local culture.

What other phrases have you found helpful while traveling abroad? Let us know in the comments below!