How to Say “Thank You” in Mandarin

In Mandarin Chinese, the most common way to say “thank you” is “谢谢” (xièxie). The word is pronounced with a falling tone on both syllables, though the second can sometimes sound lighter in casual speech. For a slightly more personal touch, you can say “谢谢你” (xièxie nǐ), literally “thank you.” If you want to express deeper gratitude, use “非常感谢” (fēicháng gǎnxiè), meaning “very grateful,” or “多谢” (duōxiè) for “many thanks.”

Although “谢谢” alone will suffice in most situations, context matters. In formal settings—such as business meetings, academic events, or interactions with people of higher status—opting for a more polite phrase can add warmth and respect. Don’t forget your body language: a small nod or smile helps convey sincerity. Once you master these basics, you’ll find that using them in everyday interactions—thanking someone for a favor or compliment—goes a long way toward building positive connections in Chinese-speaking environments.