Ways to Show Thanks in Different Countries

You love to travel and you enjoy getting to learn about new places, people and cultures. Travelers have to first learn something about the respective traditions and language of the country, in order to behave adequately.

Learning how to say Thank You is very important. This is one of the firs things you will need to get familiar with.

Apart from the simple words, many cultures have specific ways in which gratitude is expressed. It could be a ritual or a facial expression that makes the statement sincere. This is what you will have to know about saying thank you in different countries.

Master the phrase in several basic languages. The English ‘thank you’ will be accepted and understood in many countries but it will also be wise to know how to express your gratitude in Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Russian. These languages increase your chances of being understood.

Try to get the phrase from a local person. Pronunciation and the right gestures will help you do it right. Practice and ask people to correct you, in case you are making a mistake with the phrase.

Ask about any accompanying rituals or the appropriate body language. Body language differs across countries and the manner in which you move your arms or shake your head could be misunderstood.

You will have to know how to thank someone who has offered you a helping hand or who has invited you to a party – a birthday, a baby shower or an anniversary. Inquire about the appropriate ways to attend a party in the respective country. Knowing habits and traditions will be very useful.

The German word for thank you is Danke. Vielen Dank is the expression used to say that you are very thankful. The French word is an easy one – Merci. It is also understood and utilized in many European countries.

In Spain and Spanish-speaking countries you will use the word Gracias. Muchas Gracias should be said when you are very thankful.

The Arabic word for thank you is Shoukran. You can utilize that word in both Asian and African Arab countries.

Sposibo expresses gratitude in Russia. If you are exceptionally thankful, you can say Sposibo Bolshoie.

Certain countries have their thank you rituals and specifics. Being unaware of these will make it difficult for you to overcome the culture shock and to get accepted. This is true of countries that have cultures much different from your own.

You have probably heard the Japanese word for thank you. It is Arigato. The problem, however, is that this word cannot be used with everyone. You cannot address superiors (like teachers, older people and officials) and bosses in this way. When talking to such people, you will have to say Domo Arigato Gozaimasu or simply Domo.

Learning the specifics of cultures will be fun and very useful. You will have to make some effort, especially if you plan to spend more time in the specific place. You should never be afraid to ask. Locals will be glad to offer a helping hand and to get you acquainted with traditions and language.




Criss White writes about party and etiquette topics like baby shower thank you poems for various websites, including Baby Shower Ideas. Criss enjoys travel and is knowledgable about etiquette and foreign cultures.