Saying Thank You in Chinese
Learning how to be polite is super important when starting a new language! These simple phrases will help you show respect and gratitude in Chinese right away! Let's learn the most essential polite expressions you'll use every day!
Basic Politeness Phrases
These six simple expressions will help you be polite in any situation:
Using These Phrases
Politeness is super important in Chinese culture! Let's see how to use each of these helpful phrases in everyday situations~
Thank You
谢谢thank you, thanks is the standard way to say "thank you" in Mandarin - use it whenever someone helps you or gives you something! For extra emphasis, you can say 谢谢你Thank you, which means "thank you (specifically to you)."
You're Welcome
When someone thanks you, respond with 不客气you're welcome, which literally means "don't be polite" but translates to "you're welcome" in English. It's the standard polite response to "thank you!"
I'm Sorry
对不起sorry means "I'm sorry" or "excuse me" - use it when you make a mistake or need to get someone's attention politely.
It's Okay/No Problem
没关系it doesn't matter, it's okay is how you respond when someone apologizes to you - it means "it doesn't matter" or "no problem" and is a kind way to show forgiveness.
Please
请please means "please" and should be used when making requests or asking for something. Adding this simple word makes any request sound much more polite!
Mini Conversation Practice
Try practicing these super simple polite dialogues:
Dialogue 1: Thanking Someone
- 👩🦰 给你。 - Here you are. (Giving something)
- 👩🎓 谢谢你！ - Thank you!
- 👩🦰 不客气！ - You're welcome!
Dialogue 2: Apologizing
- 👩🎓 对不起！ - I'm sorry! (After bumping into someone)
- 👩🦰 没关系。 - It's okay.
Dialogue 3: Making a Request
- 👩🎓 请给我水。 - Please give me water.
- 👩🦰 给你。 - Here you are.
- 👩🎓 谢谢！ - Thank you!
- 👩🦰 不客气！ - You're welcome!
Cultural Notes about Politeness in Chinese culture
In Chinese culture, politeness is shown in both words and actions:
- Saying thank you is common but might be used less between close friends and family (where helping each other is expected)
- Small gifts are often given as a way of saying thank you for significant help
- Respect for elders is very important - always greet older people first
- Using two hands to give or receive objects shows extra respect
Practice Tips 🌟
- Practice saying "谢谢" whenever someone helps you (even if they don't speak Chinese!)
- Use "请" before making requests to friends or family to practice
- Role-play the mini-dialogues with a friend or in front of a mirror
- Write down these phrases on sticky notes and put them around your home
Being polite in a new language immediately creates goodwill and shows respect for the culture! With just these few phrases, you can navigate basic social situations in Chinese. Keep practicing these simple expressions daily, and they'll quickly become natural! 加油 (jiā yóu) - you can do it!