Part of Speech

The phrase "thank you" is an interjection.

Phonetic Transcription

/θæŋk ju/

Meaning and Usage

"Thank you" is an expression of gratitude or appreciation in English. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts to acknowledge a favor, gift, or kind gesture. The phrase is very frequent in English, especially in social interactions, making it an important part of conversational etiquette.

• Frequency of Use: Very common
• Context: Used more in oral speech but also prevalent in written forms such as emails, cards, and messages.

Example Sentences

1. "Thank you for helping me with my project."
   Translation: "Gracias por ayudarme con mi proyecto."

2. "I just wanted to say thank you for your support."
   Translation: "Solo quería decir gracias por tu apoyo."

3. "Thank you for the lovely gift!"
   Translation: "¡Gracias por el regalo tan bonito!"

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "thank you" is often part of various idiomatic expressions in English, reflecting appreciation in different contexts.

1. "Thank you for your understanding."
   Translation: "Gracias por tu comprensión."

2. "A big thank you to everyone who helped."
   Translation: "Un gran agradecimiento a todos los que ayudaron."

3. "Thank you for your time."
   Translation: "Gracias por tu tiempo."

4. "I owe you a thank you."
   Translation: "Te debo un agradecimiento."

5. "Thank you for being there for me."
   Translation: "Gracias por estar ahí para mí."

6. "Thank you for your kind words."
   Translation: "Gracias por tus amables palabras."

Etymology

The phrase "thank you" derives from the Old English word "þanc," meaning "thought, gratitude," and the modern word "you," which is a pronoun in English used for the second person. The combination reflects the action of expressing gratitude towards the listener.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Thanks
• Cheers
• Gratitude

Antonyms

• Disregard
• Indifference
• Ingratitude

By understanding the phrase "thank you," one can appreciate its significance in social interactions and the variety of ways gratitude is expressed in English.