Spanish, like most languages, has many different ways to say “thank you”.
Most of us default to gracias, but there’s a whole bunch of alternatives to express gratitude in Spanish - each suited for specific situations.
In this guide, I’ll cover options for saying ‘thank you’ and their appropriate responses, whether you’re in a casual or formal setting.
Gracias: the most common and well-known ‘thanks’ in Spanish
In Spanish, the simplest way to express gratitude is with the word gracias.
Whether you’re in a casual chat or a formal conversation, this expression is perfectly suitable. Fun fact: it’s always used in its plural form because it comes from a feminine noun (gracia, which means “grace”).
Consider these examples:
Dejé tu paquete junto a la puerta. ¡Gracias!
Tu ayuda marcó la diferencia. Gracias.
The singular gracia doesn’t mean “thanks” at all - it actually translates to “grace” in English. Like the word “gratitude”, it goes all the way back to Latin gratus, meaning “thankful”.
Here are a few examples of some usage variations of the term gracias:
Español | English |
---|---|
Gracias | Thanks |
Gracias por todo | Thanks for everything |
Gracias a ti | Thanks, to you (informal) |
Gracias a usted | Thanks, to you (formal) |
Muchas gracias | Thanks a lot |
Mil gracias | (lit.) a thousand thankyous |
Muchísimas gracias | Thanks very much |
Estoy tan agradecido por… | I’m so grateful for… |
Te doy gracias por… | I give you thanks for… |
Other ways to say thank you in Spanish
Below I’ve put together a longer, more comprehensive list of Spanish gratitude expressions, in addition to gracias and the ones in the table above.
You’ll find basic thanks, phrases for specific situations, more heartfelt or emphatic expressions, casual variations, and finally some common responses to “thank you.”
Gracias
English translation: Thanks
A simple, everyday expression used to show gratitude in any setting.
Muchas gracias
English translation: Thank you very much
Adds extra emphasis, conveying a deeper level of appreciation.
Muchísimas gracias
English translation: Thanks a lot
An even stronger thank you, ideal when you want to highlight significant gratitude.
Mil gracias
English translation: A thousand thanks
A hyperbolic way to express immense gratitude, suggesting your thanks are countless.
Un millón de gracias
English translation: A million thanks
An over-the-top expression used when you want to underline extraordinary thankfulness.
Gracias por todo
English translation: Thanks for everything
Used to recognize someone’s overall contribution or support in various aspects.
Gracias por la comida
English translation: Thanks for the meal
Often said after dining, to show appreciation for the food and hospitality.
Gracias por todo y buen provecho
English translation: Thanks for everything and enjoy your meal
Combines gratitude with a wish for a pleasant dining experience.
Gracias por todo lo que haces
English translation: Thanks for all that you do
Acknowledges ongoing efforts or consistent support from someone important.
Gracias por tu tiempo
English translation: Thanks for your time
Expresses appreciation for someone dedicating their time to help or spend with you.
Gracias por sus compras
English translation: Thanks for your purchases
A polite way to thank customers or clients for their business.
Gracias por tu ayuda
English translation: Thanks for your help
Directly acknowledges assistance received in a specific situation.
Gracias por tu apoyo
English translation: Thanks for your support
Recognizes the value of someone’s backing, whether emotional, financial, or otherwise.
Gracias por confiar en mí
English translation: Thanks for trusting me
Shows appreciation for someone’s confidence and willingness to rely on you.
Gracias por tu comprensión
English translation: Thanks for your understanding
Used when someone is patient or accommodating during challenging circumstances.
Gracias por la invitación
English translation: Thanks for the invitation
A courteous way to express gratitude for being included in an event or gathering.
Gracias de antemano
English translation: Thanks in advance
Expresses gratitude ahead of time, often used when expecting help or a favor.
Gracias de todos modos
English translation: Thanks anyway
Conveys appreciation even if the expected assistance or outcome wasn’t realized.
Gracias de todas formas
English translation: Thanks anyway (alternative wording)
Another way to express gratitude regardless of the circumstances.
Te lo agradezco
English translation: I appreciate it/Thank you
A warm, personal way to express sincere thanks for someone’s efforts.
Te/Se lo agradezco
English translation: I appreciate it (informal/formal)
A versatile expression suitable for both casual and formal interactions.
Te/Se lo agradezco de todo corazón
English translation: I thank you with all my heart
Emphasizes deep, heartfelt gratitude, ideal for significant gestures.
Gracias de todo corazón
English translation: Thanks with all my heart
Similar to the previous expression, it adds an emotional depth to your thanks.
Infinitas gracias
English translation: Infinite thanks
Conveys boundless appreciation, often used when someone goes above and beyond.
No sé cómo agradecerte
English translation: I don’t know how to thank you
Indicates that the help or kindness received is so great, words seem insufficient.
Eternamente agradecido/a
English translation: Eternally grateful
Expresses lasting gratitude, suggesting that the favor will never be forgotten.
No tengo palabras para agradecerte
English translation: I have no words to thank you
Highlights an overwhelming sense of appreciation where language falls short.
Gracias, de verdad
English translation: Thanks, truly
Adds a layer of sincerity, making it clear that your thanks come from the heart.
Muchas gracias, de verdad
English translation: Really, thank you very much
Combines extra emphasis with genuine sentiment to show deep appreciation.
Te debo una
English translation: I owe you one
A playful, informal way to acknowledge a favor, implying future repayment.
Me alegraste el día
English translation: You made my day
Expresses that someone’s action brought unexpected joy or relief to your day.
No sé qué haría sin ti
English translation: I don’t know what I’d do without you
A heartfelt remark that underscores someone’s indispensable role in your life.
¿Qué haría yo sin ti?
English translation: What would I do without you?
A rhetorical expression conveying deep gratitude and reliance on someone.
No sé qué decir
English translation: I’m speechless/I don’t know what to say
Used when someone’s kindness leaves you so thankful that words seem inadequate.
Gracias por nada
English translation: Thanks for nothing
Typically used sarcastically to highlight disappointment or the absence of help.
¡Qué amable (de tu/su parte)! / Muy amable de tu parte (o de su parte)
English translation: That’s so kind of you/Very kind of you
A friendly acknowledgment of someone’s considerate action, often delivered with warmth.
Realmente lo aprecio
English translation: I really appreciate it
A sincere and straightforward way to express gratitude in everyday conversation.
Lo aprecio mucho
English translation: I appreciate it a lot
Similar in meaning to the previous expression, emphasizing significant thankfulness.
No, gracias
English translation: No, thank you
A polite way to decline an offer while still showing courteous regard.
Se agradece
English translation: It’s appreciated/Thanks
An informal remark to acknowledge that a gesture or effort has been well received.
Gracias a ti / Gracias a usted
English translation: Thank you (in return)
Often used in dialogue to reciprocate thanks, reinforcing mutual appreciation.
Estoy muy agradecido/a
English translation: I’m very thankful
A clear and personal declaration of gratitude, suitable for many contexts.
Responses when someone says thanks in Spanish
Below you’ll find some very common responses to use when someone says “thanks”.
De nada
English translation: You’re welcome
A classic, polite response to thank you, implying that no thanks are necessary.
Por nada
English translation: You’re welcome (informal)
A more casual variation used commonly in everyday interactions.
Con gusto
English translation: My pleasure/Gladly
Indicates that you were happy to help and that it was a pleasant experience.
No hay de qué
English translation: Don’t mention it
A modest reply that minimizes the effort behind the gesture.
Un placer
English translation: My pleasure
Conveys that assisting was enjoyable and that you’re happy to have helped.
Es mi placer
English translation: It’s my pleasure
A warm, courteous way to reaffirm that helping was something you genuinely enjoyed.
Ni lo menciones
English translation: Don’t mention it
Another friendly way to downplay the need for thanks.
No hay problema
English translation: No problem
A relaxed response indicating that the favor was no inconvenience at all.
No pasa nada
English translation: No worries
Commonly used to reassure someone that everything is fine after a thank you.
Cuando quieras
English translation: Anytime
Expresses your readiness to help again whenever needed, reflecting open hospitality.
A tus órdenes
English translation: At your service
A polite, sometimes formal response, implying you are ready to assist further.
No te preocupes
English translation: Don’t worry
A friendly reply that minimizes any sense of indebtedness from the other party.
Now that you’ve learned how to say ‘thanks’ in Spanish, see my follow-up guide on how to say ‘you’re welcome’.
I’ve also got another guide on ‘please’.
And of course, make sure to
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