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thank you

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interjection British English pronunciation: thank you

Other entries for this word

1
used for telling someone that you are grateful for something that they have said or done
'That's a nice jacket.' 'Thank you.'
thank you for (doing) something:
Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you for coming here today.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thank you
2
used for politely accepting something that is offered to you
'Would you like a cup of coffee?' 'Oh, thank you, that would be great.'
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thank you
1. a.
  used with 'no' for politely refusing something that is offered to you
  'Another glass of wine?' 'No, thank you.'
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thank you
3
used at the end of a sentence for telling someone firmly that you do not want something
I can lift this on my own, thank you.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of thank you

Expressing yourself: thank you

Ways of saying thank you

Thanks (a lot/very much)	the most usual way of saying thank you
That's very kind of you	a formal way of saying thank you, often used when refusing an invitation
Much obliged	a formal way of thanking someone for something they have done for you
You've saved my life/I owe you one	an informal way of saying thank you, used when someone has helped you in a difficult situation
Cheers	a more informal way of saying thank you
Thanks a bunch	used ironically, when someone has not helped you at all
You're too kind	used for saying thank you in a way that sounds polite but is not completely sincere
You shouldn't have	used when someone gives you a present
I'd like to thank...	used when making a formal speech
Many thanks	a formal way of saying thank you, used in letters and emails

Examples:

Thanks a lot for all your help.

That's very kind of you, Mrs Wilson, but I'm afraid we've already arranged to have lunch in town.

I am much obliged to you for your patience during the recent difficulties.

Oh, thanks, John, you've saved my life! She was just about to ask me for my homework. ♦ Thanks for telling my mum I wasn't here. I owe you one!

Cheers, Sara! I'll buy the drinks next time.

'You could always join us later.' 'Yeah, thanks a bunch, just when all the food is finished.'

'Since you did all the housework and cooked dinner, I'll clear up the dishes.' 'You're too kind!'

Oh, you shouldn't have! These flowers are beautiful.

I'd like to thank my mother, my father, and all those who've helped me over the years.

Many thanks for the lovely present.

Expressing yourself: thank you

Ways of accepting thanks

You're welcome/Don't mention it	used in reply to someone who has thanked you to say that you were happy to help
Not at all/It's nothing/(It's) my pleasure	a more formal way of replying to someone who has thanked you
It's/That's all right/(It's) no problem	used in reply to someone who has thanked you when you know the person well

Examples:

'Thank you very much for the lift.' 'Don't mention it. I was going this way anyway.'

'Thanks a lot for looking after the children.' 'It's my pleasure. I adore children.'

'Cheers, Rory. I couldn't have managed without your help.' 'No problem, mate.'

This is the British English definition of thank you. View American English definition of thank you.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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