How to say “thank you” like a native speaker
Use this to show appreciation for help, a gift or someone's time. It works in both everyday and formal situations.
All phrases · Greetings
Hear “thank you” in real speech
Clip 1 · Josh Kaufman
The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU · 18:19
About this video
Josh Kaufman discusses learning a new skill with limited time, starting with how becoming a parent changed his priorities. He explains his approach to making the first twenty hours of practice more focused and efficient.
In context
I just hit my twentieth hour of practicing the ukulele.Thank you.
And so it's amazing, pretty much anything that you can think of, what do you want to do.
Clip 2 · Matt Walker
Sleep Is Your Superpower | Matt Walker | TED · 17:02
About this video
Matt Walker discusses sleep and its relationship with health. He presents examples involving reproductive health and the immune system to explain why he considers sleep important.
In context
Thank you very much indeed.Thank you.
Thank you so much.
Clip 3 · Bill Gates
The next outbreak? We’re not ready | Bill Gates | TED · 8:26
About this video
Bill Gates contrasts preparations for nuclear war with preparations for an infectious disease outbreak. He discusses how a virus could spread through people travelling while they still feel well.
In context
If we start now, we can be ready for the next epidemic.Thank you.
When to use “thank you”
- Receiving a seat on a crowded bus: “Thank you. That's very kind.”
- Closing a job interview: “Thank you for your time today.”
Common learner mistake
“Thanks” works alone, but use “thank you”, not “thanks you”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “thank you”
The end of “thank” runs into “you” without a pause. Keep the breathy TH at the start distinct from T.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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