5 Ways Kids Say Thank You Around the World
Teaching kids how to say "thank you" in different ways around the world is a simple way to build empathy and global awareness. Here’s a quick look at how gratitude is expressed in five countries:
- United States: Kids say "thank you" directly, often paired with actions like hugs or thank-you notes.
- Japan: Children say "arigatou" while bowing, showing respect through both words and gestures.
- Brazil: Boys say "obrigado" and girls say "obrigada" with warm smiles and expressive hand gestures.
- China: Gratitude is expressed through actions like helping with chores, alongside saying "xie xie".
- Turkey: Kids say "teşekkür ederim" and often place a hand over their heart to show sincerity.
Teaching these expressions at home through role-playing, crafts, and daily practice helps kids understand gratitude beyond words and fosters meaningful connections across cultures.
1. United States: Saying 'Thank You'
In American homes, teaching children to say "thank you" is a cornerstone of learning good manners. From the earliest days, parents emphasize these two simple words, shaping respectful communication that becomes second nature. This early introduction to gratitude weaves its way into everyday interactions, forming a key part of American social norms.
Gratitude in the U.S. is often expressed directly. Children are encouraged to voice their appreciation, with parents leading by example. When a toddler hands over a toy, a parent might respond with an enthusiastic "thank you", showing how appreciation fits into daily life. Over time, these small but consistent gestures help kids internalize the habit.
Angela Crocker, an American mother, provides a glimpse into how gratitude plays out in her household:
"We say thank you when we pass the salt. We say thank you when we help each other. And sometimes it's not even a matter of using the words 'thank you.' It's a physical expression, so it might be in the form of a hug or someone bringing you a cup of tea."
Children also learn to express gratitude in public settings, such as thanking servers when meals are brought to the table. Parents often make a point of using specific acknowledgments, like saying, "thank you for helping me set the table", to connect actions with appreciation. This approach helps kids understand the value of their contributions.
Eric W. Maier, Ph.D., author of Parent Like a Professional, highlights the long-term benefits of teaching gratitude:
"As parents, we don't teach our children to say 'please' and 'thank you' for our benefit; we teach it for their benefit."
Beyond verbal expressions, many families encourage written gestures of gratitude. Whether it’s a thank-you note or a hand-drawn picture, these acts reinforce the importance of showing appreciation in meaningful ways.
2. Japan: Using "Arigatou" and Bowing
In Japan, saying thank you isn’t just about words - it’s a blend of language and body language. Children grow up learning that expressing gratitude involves saying "arigatou" (pronounced ah-ree-GAH-toh) while also using specific gestures. This combination reflects the deep-rooted importance of respect in Japanese traditions.
The word "arigatou" carries a profound sense of appreciation, reminding children to value the people and moments that contribute to their lives. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about recognizing the significance of what you’ve received and showing genuine gratitude.
When saying "arigatou", it’s customary to bow and smile. This isn’t just a polite gesture - it’s a core expression of respect in Japanese culture. Children are taught various bowing techniques, suited for casual, formal, or deeply heartfelt situations. For instance, they learn to keep their backs straight, with girls placing their hands in front and boys keeping their arms at their sides. On more formal occasions, they use "arigatou gozaimasu", a more respectful version of the phrase.
The bow itself has historical roots, dating back to the samurai era, when it symbolized peaceful intentions and trust, showing that one was unarmed. Today, it remains a powerful way to convey respect and sincerity.
Japanese parents emphasize this dual approach to gratitude because it helps children build meaningful connections with others. By combining "arigatou" with the appropriate bow, kids learn that expressing appreciation isn’t just about words - it’s about showing respect through their actions. This practice not only deepens their understanding of gratitude but also prepares them to appreciate diverse ways of saying thank you across the world.
3. Brazil: Hand Gestures and 'Obrigado/Obrigada'
In Brazil, gratitude is a lively mix of spoken words and expressive gestures. From a young age, Brazilian children are taught that saying thank you isn’t just about the words - it’s about showing genuine warmth through actions and expressions.
The cornerstone of Brazilian gratitude lies in the words "obrigado" and "obrigada". Here’s the twist: boys say "obrigado" while girls say "obrigada". This reflects the gender of the speaker, a unique feature of Portuguese grammar that adds a personal touch to the expression. These words translate to "obliged" or "much obliged", highlighting a sense of heartfelt acknowledgment for any kindness shown.
Brazilian kids use these phrases in everyday situations. For instance, if someone helps them, they might say, "Obrigado pela ajuda!" (Thank you for the help!), or if they receive a gift, "Obrigada pelo presente!" (Thank you for the gift!). Even small gestures of kindness are met with phrases like "Obrigado por vir!" (Thank you for coming!). In casual chats, these are often shortened to "brigado" or "brigada," without losing their sincerity.
What makes Brazilian gratitude stand out is the combination of these words with warm smiles and animated gestures. It’s this blend of verbal and nonverbal communication that creates a sense of closeness and connection.
4. China: 'Xie Xie' and Actions Over Words
In China, gratitude is about much more than just saying "xie xie" (thank you). While verbal expressions of thanks are important, the culture places a stronger emphasis on showing appreciation through meaningful actions. Gratitude in China is deeply woven into daily life, serving as a way to strengthen social bonds and express genuine intent.
From a young age, children in China are taught that gratitude goes beyond polite words. Cultural expert Lingo highlights this perspective:
"Expressing gratitude is very common in Chinese culture. Whenever you receive help or support from others, the receiver will express their gratitude either by words or by action... Those who don't express their gratitude is considered rude or not brought up properly."
- Lingo, China
Parents instill the value of gratitude by encouraging children to pair words with thoughtful gestures. For instance, kids might help with household chores, share their toys, or create handmade drawings as a way of saying thanks. During family meals, it’s common for children to pour tea for elders or help clean up as a sign of respect and appreciation.
Jess captures the spirit of gratitude in Chinese culture perfectly:
"In China, 'thank you' is neither rote nor transactional. Like every other aspect of this timeless culture, thanks are filled with meaning and promise connection."
- Jess
The concept of guanxi - which emphasizes relationships - also plays a key role. Chinese families focus on cultivating strong, meaningful connections, teaching that appreciation should be heartfelt and demonstrated through actions. Parents lead by example, showing gratitude in their own lives and encouraging children to do the same.
In China, gratitude is not just spoken - it's lived, blending words with actions to create a deeper sense of connection and respect.
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5. Turkey: "Teşekkür Ederim" and Welcoming Guests
In Turkey, the phrase "Teşekkür ederim" (pronounced teh-shek-KOOR eh-deh-REEM) carries a heartfelt sense of gratitude and is deeply tied to the country’s rich tradition of hospitality. Translating to "I thank you", this formal expression reflects the warm and respectful way Turks approach interactions, especially when welcoming guests.
Turkish culture holds hospitality in high regard, and the concept of "Tanrı misafiri" - meaning "God's guest" - is a cornerstone of this belief. As Adventus Travel Company explains:
"Tanrı misafiri (God's guest) reflects the deeply held belief that every visitor is a blessing."
From a young age, children in Turkey are taught that gratitude goes beyond words. It’s often expressed through small gestures, like a slight nod or placing a hand over the heart while saying "teşekkür ederim." These practices instill a sense of respect and thoughtfulness, shaping the way children interact with others.
Turkish parents also stress the importance of politeness in daily life. While "teşekkür ederim" is used in formal settings, a more casual "teşekkürler" is common among friends and family. Interestingly, the word "teşekkür" has its roots in the Arabic term "şükr", which means gratitude, underscoring how deeply appreciation is woven into Turkish culture.
This focus on gratitude and hospitality doesn’t stop at words. Children are encouraged to show respect and kindness to both guests and elders, fostering strong community ties. These lessons in appreciation and courtesy help shape a culture where hospitality and gratitude are not just traditions but a way of life.
How Parents Can Teach Global Gratitude
Teaching kids to appreciate gratitude across cultures doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. With a few simple activities woven into your daily routine, you can turn your home into a space where children naturally pick up new ways to say "thank you" while gaining a deeper understanding of global traditions.
Start at the breakfast table. Mornings are perfect for introducing a new thank-you phrase from another language. Try teaching your child to say "arigatou", "xie xie", or "teşekkür ederim" during breakfast. Repeating these words daily makes them stick, and it turns breakfast into a fun, educational moment for the whole family.
Research suggests that gratitude can boost happiness in children as young as five years old. Starting early with these practices can have long-term benefits.
Get creative with thank-you cards. Encourage your child to make colorful thank-you cards featuring phrases in different languages. For example, one preschooler used crayons to write and spell out words like "xie xie" and "arigatou" while saying them aloud. Let them choose colors to represent each country - red for China’s "xie xie" or blue for Japan’s "arigatou." This hands-on activity combines visual, verbal, and creative learning, making the experience more engaging.
Turn it into a weekly adventure. Pick a new country to explore each week. Together, research how to say "thank you" in that country’s language, then practice using the phrase in everyday situations. For instance, say "arigatou" when your child helps set the table or "obrigado" when they share their toys. This contextual practice helps kids understand when and how to use each expression.
Lead by example and incorporate cultural rituals. Children learn a lot by watching their parents. Express gratitude openly and frequently, whether it’s for a kind gesture from a family member or simply appreciating a beautiful day. Take it a step further by using the international phrases you’re learning together. Add cultural gestures, like bowing when saying "arigatou" or placing your hand over your heart while saying "teşekkür ederim", to make the experience even more meaningful.
For additional inspiration, Global Sprouts offers monthly activity boxes filled with crafts, books, and language-learning tools for kids aged 2–6. These resources can make exploring global gratitude practices even easier and more interactive.
Write thank-you notes together. Make this a family tradition by writing notes of gratitude in English as well as the international phrases you’ve learned. This activity reinforces writing skills while showing your child that gratitude transcends language barriers.
Consistency is key, but keeping it fun ensures your child stays engaged. Learning how gratitude is expressed around the world fosters a sense of connection and respect for other cultures. A 2016 study even found that grateful parents are more likely to raise grateful kids. Your enthusiasm for learning these expressions will naturally inspire your child to embrace them too.
Conclusion
Teaching kids gratitude across different cultures goes far beyond just teaching good manners. When children learn to say "arigatou" with a respectful bow or "xie xie" with heartfelt sincerity, they’re picking up skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Understanding cultural nuances fosters empathy, better communication, and self-assurance. Research published in The Australian Journal of Early Childhood highlights that children exposed to diverse cultures tend to develop stronger social skills, such as cooperation and empathy, which are crucial for thriving in our increasingly interconnected world. These abilities aren’t just nice extras - they’re essential for navigating today’s multicultural landscape.
"When children learn about different cultures, they begin to understand that while we might have different beliefs, customs, or ways of life, there are universal themes that bind us all - such as love, family, and the quest for knowledge."
This deeper understanding makes the practice of gratitude even more impactful. Teaching children to appreciate others doesn’t require elaborate programs. In fact, most of the world - about 85% of the global population - lives in collectivist cultures, where community and connection are highly valued. These shared values provide an ideal starting point for gratitude-focused conversations with kids.
Professor Jonathan Tudge from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro emphasizes the importance of this shift:
"At a time when the society seems to be more about me me me, we really need to get people thinking about connections."
Introducing children to how different cultures express gratitude naturally encourages them to move away from self-centered thinking. It helps them focus on appreciating others and building meaningful relationships.
Families can dive deeper into cultural exploration from the comfort of home with resources like Global Sprouts. This program offers monthly activity boxes for kids aged 2–6, filled with crafts, books, and language tools that make learning about different cultures an exciting hands-on experience.
Teaching kids how to say "thank you" in various languages isn’t just a fun activity - it’s the start of a lifelong journey toward greater cultural understanding and appreciation.
FAQs
How does teaching kids to say 'thank you' in different languages support their growth?
Teaching children how to express gratitude in different languages can have a meaningful impact on their growth. Picking up multiple languages doesn't just boost memory and problem-solving skills - it also strengthens cognitive flexibility and broadens their ability to connect with others.
When kids learn how gratitude is shared across the globe, they gain a deeper understanding of different ways of life. This exposure builds emotional awareness and encourages curiosity, respect, and empathy for traditions and people from all walks of life.
How can families introduce gratitude expressions from around the world into everyday life?
Incorporating ways to express gratitude from around the world into your family’s daily routine can be a fun and enriching experience. A simple way to start is by learning how to say "thank you" in different languages and using these phrases during meals or family activities. For instance, you might say arigato (Japanese) or gracias (Spanish) to show your appreciation.
Another idea is to establish a family tradition of sharing something you're thankful for each day, perhaps during dinner or before bedtime. Encourage your kids to write thank-you notes for gifts or kind acts, and explore how other cultures celebrate gratitude through stories, crafts, or even cooking traditional dishes. These small but meaningful practices can nurture empathy, spark curiosity, and help your family connect with global traditions in a heartfelt way.
Why should children learn how gratitude is expressed in different cultures?
Teaching children how gratitude is expressed in various cultures opens the door to empathy, respect, and a deeper appreciation for the world’s diversity. A simple 'thank you' might look like a bow in one culture, a handshake in another, or just a heartfelt verbal expression. By learning these differences, kids become more attuned to cultural nuances, helping them navigate interactions with greater awareness and understanding.
This kind of learning does more than just build social skills - it equips children to thrive in a multicultural society, especially in a melting pot like the United States. Exploring global manners can also be an exciting way to spark curiosity and foster meaningful connections with others.