Learning how to say thank you in Russian is one of the most important steps in showing politeness and respect when speaking the language.
The most common phrase is spasibo (спасибо), which is used in everyday conversations, but there are also more formal and expressive variations depending on the situation.
By mastering these phrases and truly understanding how to say thank you in Russian, you can communicate gratitude naturally and connect more warmly with Russian speakers.
Say Thank You in Russian
Below are 15 ways to say thank you in Russian, complete with examples and cultural insights so you know when and how to use each one naturally.
🙏 15 Ways: How to Say Thank You in Russian
| # | 🟦 Russian Phrase (Русский) | 🟩 Romanization | 🟨 English Meaning | 🟧 Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Спасибо | Spasibo | Thank you | Standard everyday |
| 2 | Большое спасибо | Bol’shoye spasibo | Thank you very much | Polite, formal |
| 3 | Огромное спасибо | Ogromnoye spasibo | Huge thanks | Extra grateful |
| 4 | Спасибо большое | Spasibo bol’shoye | Many thanks | Common polite |
| 5 | Благодарю | Blagodaryu | I thank you | Formal/literary |
| 6 | Благодарю вас | Blagodaryu vas | Thank you (formal “you”) | Very polite |
| 7 | Благодарю тебя | Blagodaryu tebya | Thank you (informal) | To friends/family |
| 8 | Сердечно благодарю | Serdechno blagodaryu | Thank you sincerely | Warm/formal |
| 9 | Спасибо огромное | Spasibo ogromnoye | Thanks a lot | Friendly/enthusiastic |
| 10 | Спасибо сердечное | Spasibo serdechnoye | Heartfelt thanks | Warm/poetic |
| 11 | Спасибо от души | Spasibo ot dushi | Thanks from the heart | Emotional |
| 12 | Примите благодарность | Primite blagodarnost’ | Accept my gratitude | Very formal |
| 13 | Я очень благодарен / благодарна | Ya ochen’ blagodaren / blagodarna | I am very grateful | Male / Female form |
| 14 | Спасибо за всё | Spasibo za vsyo | Thanks for everything | Casual & warm |
| 15 | Искренне благодарю | Iskrenne blagodaryu | I sincerely thank you | Formal & respectful |
1. Спасибо (Spasibo) – Thank you
Origin:
Derived from the phrase “Spasi Bog” (Спаси Бог), meaning “God save [you].” It’s the most common way to say “thank you.”
Example:
👤 User A: Вот ваш кофе. (Here’s your coffee.)
👤 User B: Спасибо! (Thank you!)
Use: Universal. Appropriate in almost all situations—casual, polite, and even semi-formal.
2. Большое спасибо (Bol’shóye spasíbo) – Big thank you
Origin:
A way to emphasize your gratitude—“big thanks!”
Example:
👤 User A: Я помог вам найти отель. (I helped you find the hotel.)
👤 User B: Большое спасибо! Вы очень добры. (Thank you so much! You’re very kind.)
Use: When you’re extra thankful.
3. Огромное спасибо (Ogrómnoye spasíbo) – Huge thank you
Origin:
“Ogrómnoye” means “enormous,” so this is like saying “Thanks a ton!”
Example:
👤 User A: Я забронировал столик на вечер. (I booked a table for tonight.)
👤 User B: Огромное спасибо! (Huge thanks!)
Use: Casual or semi-formal, used to express strong gratitude.
4. Благодарю (Blagodaryú) – I thank you
Origin:
A formal version of “thank you,” rooted in Old Church Slavonic. It’s more respectful and literary.
Example:
👤 User A: Я рад помочь. (Glad to help.)
👤 User B: Благодарю вас. (I thank you.)
Use: Formal settings or written Russian (e.g., speeches, letters).
5. Благодарю от всей души (Blagodaryú ot vsei dushi) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Origin:
Literally means “I thank you from all my soul.” Very heartfelt and poetic.
Example:
👤 User A: Мы помогли оплатить операцию. (We helped pay for the surgery.)
👤 User B: Благодарю от всей души. (Thank you from the bottom of my heart.)
Use: Deep emotional thanks, often in serious or touching contexts.
6. Спасибо большое вам (Spasibo bol’shoye vam) – Big thanks to you
Origin:
Adds extra emphasis by including “вам” (to you) for politeness.
Example:
👤 User A: Я ждал вас, чтобы проводить. (I waited to walk you out.)
👤 User B: Спасибо большое вам. (Thank you so much, really.)
Use: Polite and warm, used for sincere face-to-face gratitude.
7. Спасибо огромное (Spasibo ogrómnoye) – Immense thanks
Origin:
A variation of “огромное спасибо,” but more casual in tone.
Example:
👤 User A: Вот твой билет! (Here’s your ticket!)
👤 User B: Спасибо огромное! (Thank you so much!)
Use: Informal, but strong and sincere.
8. Сердечное спасибо (Serdechnoye spasibo) – Heartfelt thank you
Origin:
“Сердечное” means “from the heart.” Common in formal speech or written notes.
Example:
👤 User A: Поздравляю с юбилеем! (Happy anniversary!)
👤 User B: Сердечное спасибо. (Heartfelt thanks.)
Use: Warm, respectful, formal or ceremonial.
9. Благодарствую (Blagodarstvuyu) – I am grateful
Origin:
Archaic but still used poetically or in southern Russian dialects. Historically linked to nobility.
Example:
👤 User A: Мой дом – в вашем распоряжении. (My home is at your service.)
👤 User B: Благодарствую. (I am most grateful.)
Use: Old-fashioned, literary, or humorous.
10. Тысяча благодарностей (Tysyacha blagodarnostey) – A thousand thanks
Origin:
More poetic than literal. Similar to “thanks a million” in English.
Example:
👤 User A: Я отвёз твою маму домой. (I drove your mom home.)
👤 User B: Тысяча благодарностей! (A thousand thanks!)
Use: Friendly and expressive.
11. Спасибки (Spasibki) – Thanksies
Origin:
A cute, childlike or slang version of “спасибо.” Sometimes playful or sarcastic.
Example:
👤 User A: Я принёс тебе чай. (I brought you tea.)
👤 User B: Спасибки! (Thanksies!)
Use: Informal, playful, often between friends.
12. Благодарю покорно (Blagodaryu pokorno) – I humbly thank you
Origin:
A very polite and formal old-style Russian expression, often found in 19th-century literature.
Example:
👤 User A: Разрешите помочь. (Allow me to help.)
👤 User B: Благодарю покорно. (I humbly thank you.)
Use: Extremely formal or humorous in modern use.
13. Благодарность вам (Blagodarnost’ vam) – Gratitude to you
Origin:
Used more in writing or formal recognition. Not a “thank you” in conversation, but a declaration of gratitude.
Example:
👤 User A: Я включил ваше имя в список помощников.
👤 User B: Благодарность вам. (Gratitude to you.)
Use: Formal or written contexts.
14. Благодарен / Благодарна (Blagodaren / Blagodarna) – I’m grateful (m/f)
Origin:
Used as an adjective to describe a state of gratitude. Gender must agree.
Example:
👤 User A: Я подождал тебя до конца. (I waited for you till the end.)
👤 User B: Я очень благодарна тебе. (I’m very grateful to you.)
Use: Conversational, used with close people or in writing.
15. Признателен / Признательна (Priznatelen / Priznatel’na) – I’m appreciative
Origin:
Similar to “grateful” but more intellectual or formal.
Example:
👤 User A: Я отправил письмо за тебя. (I sent the letter for you.)
👤 User B: Я признателен за помощь. (I appreciate the help.)
Use: Formal, respectful; in professional or diplomatic settings.
FAQs
- What is the basic way to say thank you in Russian?
The most common word is “Spasibo” (Спасибо). - How do you pronounce “Spasibo”?
It’s pronounced spah-SEE-bah. - Is “Spasibo” formal or informal?
It’s neutral, used in both polite and casual situations. - How do you say “Thank you very much” in Russian?
Say “Bolshoe spasibo” (Большое спасибо) — it means Thank you very much. - How do you say “Thanks” casually in Russian?
You can say “Spasibo bolshoe” or just “Spasibo!” with a smile. - How do you say “Many thanks” in Russian?
Say “Oгромное спасибо” (Ogrómnoye spasibo) — Huge thanks. - How do you reply when someone says thank you in Russian?
You can say “Pozhaluysta” (Пожалуйста) — it means You’re welcome. - Is it polite to say thank you in Russia?
Yes, Russians appreciate politeness and often say “Spasibo.” - Can I use “Spasibo” in text or messages?
Yes, it’s common in both speech and writing. - Are there other ways to show gratitude in Russian?
Yes, you can say “Bлагодарю” (Blagodaryu) — a more formal or heartfelt thank you.
Conclusion:
Understanding how to say thank you in Russian goes beyond just learning words—it’s about expressing genuine appreciation in different situations. Whether you use the common spasibo or a more formal phrase, these expressions of gratitude will help you build stronger connections and show respect for Russian culture.
