Say it in Chinese
How to say thank you in Chinese
Updated
Thank you in Chinese is 谢谢. You can say it to anyone: a cashier, a driver, a stranger who shows you the way. The usual answer is 不客气 (you’re welcome).
The phrase
What it means
谢谢 means “thank you” or “thanks”. It is the same character twice.
It fits every situation, from getting your change to a big favour. 谢谢你 (thank you) adds “you” and sounds a little warmer.
How to say it
Say xiè xie. xiè falls from high to low. xie is short and soft, with no tone.
Two strong falls, xiè xiè, sound a little stiff. Keep the second one soft.
The pinyin shows how people really say it, the same as in the game.
When to use it
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When someone hands you something
Your breakfast, your change, a room card. Say 谢谢 as you take it.
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After someone helps you
A stranger shows you the way to the metro. A clerk tells you where something is. Say 谢谢 before you walk off.
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When someone praises your Chinese
Say 谢谢. Or give the modest answer, 只会一点点 (only a tiny bit).
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To say no politely
Put 不用了 (no need) in front: 不用了，谢谢 (no need, thanks). That phrase has its own page.
Other ways to say it
Other ways to say thanks in the game.
- 谢谢你！ (xiè xie nǐ!) Thank you!
Adds “you”. A little warmer. People say it after a real favour, like help finding something.
- 谢谢你啊！ (xiè xie nǐ a!) Thank you!
Ends with a soft “a”. It sounds relaxed and warm. Older people say it, like a grandmother in a shop after you reach something on a high shelf for her.
- 好的，谢谢 (hǎo de, xiè xie) OK, thanks
Say it when you accept advice or a suggestion.
What people say back
- 谢谢 (xiè xie) Thank you
A passer-by has shown you the way.
They may say 不客气！ (bú kè qi!) You're welcome! (The most common answer to thanks.) - 谢谢 (xiè xie) Thank you
The hotel receptionist gives you your room card late at night.
They may say 不客气，晚安！ (bú kè qi, wǎn ān!) You're welcome. Good night! - 谢谢 (xiè xie) Thank you
A driver tells you your Chinese is not bad.
They may say 不客气！真的不错。 (bú kè qi! zhēn de bú cuò.) You're welcome! Really not bad. (He says he means it.) - 谢谢你！ (xiè xie nǐ!) Thank you!
Someone was glad to help you.
They may say 不用谢 (bú yòng xiè) No need to thank (Another way to say you’re welcome.)
Common mistakes
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Saying thanks back
When someone thanks you, answer 不客气 (you’re welcome) or 不用谢 (no need to thank me). Saying 谢谢 back sounds as if you did not hear them.
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Thanking family for every small thing
Close family and friends rarely thank each other for small things. If you thank your hosts all the time, they may wave it away. That is normal.
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Two strong syllables
Make the second syllable short and soft: xiè xie, not xiè xiè.
Where it comes up in the game
The first night
The hotel receptionist hands you your room card. You say 谢谢. She answers 不客气，晚安 (you’re welcome, good night).
Asking the way
You ask people on the street for the metro. The first ones do not know. An auntie pulling a shopping cart does. You say 谢谢 and she answers 不客气.
Praise from strangers
A driver says your Chinese is not bad. You answer 谢谢 or 只会一点点 (only a tiny bit), and he answers each one differently. At the mall, some people you ask for directions praise your Chinese first. You thank them, then they show you the way.
Questions
How do you say thank you in Chinese?
Thank you in Chinese is 谢谢. The first syllable falls. The second is short and soft. You can say it in any situation.
How do you say you are welcome in Chinese?
You’re welcome in Chinese is 不客气. Another common answer is 不用谢 (no need to thank me).
Why does 不 sound different in 不客气?
不 (not) is bù on its own. Before a falling tone it becomes bú. 客 falls, so 不客气 is bú kè qi.
What is the difference between 谢谢 and 谢谢你?
谢谢 is “thanks”. 谢谢你 is “thank you”, with “you” added. It sounds a little warmer and is often said after a real favour.
How do I answer when someone says my Chinese is good?
Say 谢谢 (thank you), or answer modestly with 只会一点点 (only a tiny bit). Both are normal. The modest answer often gets you more praise.
Is it wrong to say both syllables of 谢谢 strongly?
Two strong syllables are not wrong. People understand them everywhere. Native speakers make the second syllable short and soft: xiè xie.