Phrase of the Month

As we celebrate a month of gratitude for Thanksgiving in the U.S., our November phrase of the month is Thank You. We’ll share the different ways of saying Thank You in some of our featured destinations.

Thank You in Australia

While English is the main language in Australia, Aussies incorporate a lot of slang when communicating. So, saying thank you will always convey your message, but here are a few other ways you may express gratitude.

• “Thanks heaps!” Heaps is heaps common in Australia as another word for “very” or “a lot.”
• “Ta.” Australians shorten many words and phrases. “Ta” is used for a quick expression of thanks.
• “Cheers!” It’s not just a toast, but can be used to say thank you, in celebration, and as a greeting.

Thank you in South Africa

Most people you will encounter in South Africa will be quite familiar with the English expression of thank you; however, learning to express gratitude in their language is a meaningful way to show respect. While South Africa has many indigenous languages, Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans are among the most widely spoken languages.

• “Ngiyabonga” or “Siyabonga” are ways to say thank you in Zulu to one or multiple people. Both are pronounced as they are spelled, ngee-ya-bonga and see-ya-bonga.
• “Enkosi.” This is the expression for thank you in Xhosa. When spoken, it may sound like that “i” at the end is dropped.
• “Dankie.” This is the standard way to say thank you in Afrikaans. “Baie dankie” adds weight to the expression, meaning thank you very much.
• “Shot.” This means thanks in South African English slang, used more in informal settings around family and friends.

Thank you in French Polynesia

The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. French is commonly spoken in businesses, while Tahitian is mostly used by islanders in their homes. English is considered a third language and is spoken in tourist areas, resorts, and restaurants. Showing gratitude by saying thank you in their language will surely make a good impression with locals.

• “Merci.” This is French for thanks.
• “Mauru’ uru.” Pronounced mah-roo-roo, this is Tahitian for thank you.
• “Mauru’ uru roa.” Show even more appreciation with the expression for thanks very much.

Thank you in New Zealand

English is the predominant language in New Zealand, with pronunciations being most similar to Australian English. Meanwhile, the Māori language of the indigenous Māori people is closely related to Tahitian. Unofficially, Kiwi slang could be a language all on its own! Here are a few different ways to show gratitude in New Zealand.

• “Ngā mihi.” Pronounced nya-mee-hee, this is a versatile phrase meaning regards or with thanks.
• “Kia ora.” Pronounced kee-oh-ra, this is a way to express thanks in Māori, but is also used as a greeting. It translates literally to “be healthy.”
• “Tēnā koe” (to one person), “tēnā kōrua” (to two people), or “tēnā koutou” (to three or more people) also means thank you in Māori. 
• “Chur.” This is classic Kiwi slang to express appreciation.