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Thank you

"Thank you" is a common English expression used to show gratitude, politeness, or acknowledgment.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Thank you is a common English expression used to show gratitude, politeness, or acknowledgment. It is also used in some contexts to accept or politely refuse an offer, or to answer a courteous question. The phrase has been in use since at least the 1400s as a shortened form of 'I thank you.'

Meaning and use

Thank you is used to express appreciation for something given, done, or said. It can also function as a polite reply to a question or offer, and in some contexts as a mild refusal.

Grammar and forms

In standard English, the interjection is usually written as two words: 'thank you.' Hyphenated forms such as 'thank-you' commonly appear as nouns or modifiers, for example 'thank-you note.'

History

Reference works trace the phrase back to Middle English and describe it as a shortened form of 'I thank you.' Etymological sources place its use in the language by about the 1400s.

Politeness and response formulas

Common replies to 'thank you' include 'you’re welcome,' 'no problem,' and 'don’t mention it.' These response formulas vary by dialect, setting, and level of formality.

Key facts

  • "Thank you" is a standard English phrase for expressing gratitude.
  • It can be used to politely accept or decline an offer.
  • The phrase is historically a shortened form of "I thank you."
  • As a noun, "thank-you" can refer to a note, gift, or gesture expressing thanks.
  • The phrase is widely recognized across English-speaking contexts.
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Canadian context

The phrase is standard in Canadian English and appears in everyday speech, writing, and politeness formulas across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What does "thank you" mean?
It is a polite English expression used to show gratitude, appreciation, or acknowledgment.
Is "thank you" one word or two?
The interjection is normally written as two words. Hyphenated "thank-you" is commonly used as a noun or adjective.
Can "thank you" be used to accept something?
Yes. Dictionaries record it as a polite way to accept an offer, such as "Yes, thank you."
Can "thank you" be used to refuse something?
Yes. It can politely decline an offer, as in "No, thank you."
How old is the phrase?
Etymological sources trace it to around the 1400s as a shortened form of "I thank you."

References

  1. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thank-you
    Supports: Definition as a polite expression of gratitude; pronunciation and examples.
  2. Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/thank-you
    Supports: Meanings including gratitude, replies to polite questions, acceptance, and refusal.
  3. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English — https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/thank-you
    Supports: Interjection uses for gratitude, acceptance, reply, and polite refusal; noun use of thank-you.
  4. Etymonline — https://www.etymonline.com/word/thank%20you
    Supports: Etymology and early attestation as a shortened form of 'I thank you'.
  5. Wiktionary — https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/thank-you
    Supports: Notes on spelling, parts of speech, and historical origin.
  6. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/thank-you
    Supports: General definition as a conventional expression of gratitude.