"Thank you" is one of the many English words even non-native
English speakers utter to show their appreciation to someone. In fact, even
those who don't speak or understand English well know what it means.
If you speak a language different from the people you're talking to and
you say "Thank you" in their native language, it can certainly work
wonders. Why's that? For one, there's a tone of sincerity to it. Your hosts can
feel how appreciative you are. They may also find your accent cute.
So let's get to know more of our people saying "Thank you" in
their respective languages.
Say the easiest expression "Terima Kasih" if you're
having a chat with the people from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei.
These four countries understood it perfectly well. If you want to thank them a
lot, you may add "banyak-banyak."
"Xie xie", "Toa xie", "Doh je". Sound
Chinese? That's correct. Use them especially when you're in Singapore. If
you see our Tamil brothers and you expect to receive a pat on the back, say
"Nandri."
In the Philippines, people say "Salamat." If you want to thank
them a lot, add "Maraming" before it. "Maraming" means,
well, a lot. Add "po" after it if you want to sound polite and
respectful.
Thai people say "Kop Khun Khrap." That is if you're a male. If
you're a woman or feels like one, you may want to change "Khrap" to
"Kha." Add "mak" after the Khun to thank someone a lot.
Say "Khowp jai lai lai or simply "Khowp jai" if you
are in Laos. "Aw kun" if you are in Cambodia. In Vietnam they
say “Gam uhn”. Whereas in Myanmar, people say “Jeesuu ba” or “Amyaji jeesuutin baadae” for
lotsa thanks!
There you are! Thank you everyone (in all ten languages)!
