How to Say Thank You in Mandarin Chinese

The Two Syllables of Thank You Are Said Differently

谢谢 (xièxie) is the same character twice, but the two syllables are not said the same way. The first falls sharply from high to low, which is the fourth tone. The second is light, short and unstressed. You will still be understood if you give both syllables equal weight. Please check the audio to hear the tones.

Thank You Is Used Less Often Between Friends and Family

Within a family, and between close friends, thanks is used more sparingly than an English speaker expects. Repeated thanks for small kindnesses can suggest you are treating the other person as an outsider. However this does not apply to strangers, to shop and restaurant staff, or to anyone helping you in the street. 谢谢 (xièxie) is always correct there.

The Usual Replies to Xièxie

The common reply is 不客气 (bú kèqi), which means "don't stand on ceremony". 不用谢 (búyòng xiè), "no need to thank me", is just as common and means the same thing.

• 谢谢你

  xièxie nǐ

  SHYEH-shyeh NEE

  Thank you, with "you" added. A little warmer and more personal.

• 谢谢您

  xièxie nín

  SHYEH-shyeh NEEN

  The same, using the respectful form of "you", for someone older or senior.

• 多谢

  duōxiè

  DWOR-shyeh

  Many thanks. Short, and slightly informal.

• 太感谢了

  tài gǎnxiè le

  tie GAN-shyeh luh

  Thank you so much, for something that genuinely helped.