Thank You In Gujarati: 6+ Ways To Show Gratitude

Saying thank you in English might just be two words, but for many languages, it’s more of a culture of gratitude, a bridge between hearts. Thank you in Gujarati doesn’t just carry politeness, but also centuries of culture, warmth, and connection.

Whether it’s your grandma serving you a hot plate of khichdi (ખીચડી), or a stranger helping you with you a small favour, you should know how to express gratitude in Gujarati. Today, let’s explore how to say thank you in Gujarati, and why it’s more than just words.

The Most Common Ways Of Saying Thank You In Gujarati

Whenever someone expresses gratitude in Gujarati language, you will commonly hear them use two terms – Aabhar (આભાર) and Dhanyavaad (ધન્યવાદ).

Thanks – Aabhar (આભાર)

It’s straightforward, warm, and polite. You might use Aabhar (આભાર) in everyday situations such as thanking a friend for helping you carry your bag, or appreciating your neighbour for helping you with a small task, or in casual conversations where respecting the listener is still appreciated.

For example, your friend helped you carry your bag, you say, Madat karva maate aabhar (મદત કરવા માટે આભાર) – Thank you for helping me.

I’m Grateful – Aabhari Chhoon (આભારી છૂ)

Or, you can also say, Aabhari Chhoon (આભારી છૂ) which means I’m grateful, in situations where you have to express gratitude for something big, like during a speech, or a thank you note at the end of a formal event.

Dhanyavaad (ધન્યવાદ) comes from Sanskrit and translates to “I am blessed” or “I offer thanks.” This form feels more formal and is often used in written Gujarati, public speeches, or in contexts where you want to show high respect such as addressing elders, teachers, or an audience.

For example, you invited an elderly person over dinner, and you want to thank them for coming over. You can say, Aaje raatre jamvaa aavavaa badal dhanyavaad. (આજે રાત્રે જમવા આવવા બદલ ધન્યવાદ). It translates to, “Thank you for coming over for dinner today.”

More Ways To Thank Someone Informally In Gujarati

Are these the only two ways to thank someone in Gujarati? Absolutely not! Just like English has influenced a lot of languages worldwide, Indian languages are no exception. Gujaratis now have adapted the English word thanks in the Gujarati culture just like sugar dissolves in milk!

Gujaratis say Thenks (થેન્ક્સ) in their casual daily conversations, specially the younger generations, and don’t really use the other two words. Modern Gujarati allows this change and has accepted the change quite gracefully, I must say!

Imagine two youngsters having a casual talk, and the other one replies saying, Arrey, thenks bhai! (અરે, થેન્ક્સ, ભાઈ!). Same feeling, different words.

You’re celebrating Diwali in your office, and a Gujarati colleague gives you a heartfelt Diwali greeting, and you want to reciprocate it with the same enthusiasm. What do you say? Say, Khub Khub Aabhar (ખૂબ ખૂબ આભાર). It translates to “Many thanks,” in English. This greeting feels very warm and heartfelt.

A different, playful, and a slight regional touch to the phrase ‘many thanks’ is Moto Aabhar (મોટો આભાર), which means ‘big thanks’. It feels friendly and warm.

Thank You In Gujarati Vocabulary

Cultural Nuance: Gratitude Beyond Words In Gujarati Culture

Elders or the older generation of Gujarat has a distinct way of expressing gratitude towards people. It is more action based, than saying it verbally. Actions like offering you sweets in return, or stroking your forehead to bless you, are some ways in which they express gratitude.

The good-old Namaste (નમસ્તે) with folded hands or as a blessing the young ones by saying, Sukhi raho (સુખી રહો) – Be happy, is also another form of greeting.

The older generation, the one that believed expressing gratitude through actions, was a believer that gratitude is understood, hence it need not be verbal. But be it actions or a verbal confession, gratitude must never be taken for granted.

This one phrase has the power to melt hearts, connect with people, and reunite with the lost ones. Never let anyone steal this power from you!

What Are The Best Situations To Use These Phrases?

Take any formal setting, say an elder’s meeting, or a public speech, or a formal chat with a neighbour or colleague, you can use any one of the two phrases from Aabhar (આભાર) or Dhanyawaad (ધન્યવાદ).

You can relax a bit and just slip-in a casual ‘thanks’ in Gujarati with your friends. Just remember to say Thenks (થેન્ક્સ) with an accent, for a more personal touch.

For any informal wishes like birthday, anniversary, or sent you a congratulatory message, and you want to reply, you can say, Khub khub aabhar (ખૂબ ખૂબ આભાર) – Many thanks, or Moto aabhar (મોટો આભાર) – Big thanks!

Thanking God, connecting with Him spiritually, is a whole other realm in expressing gratitude. When addressing God, or any spiritual being, you always say, Prabhuno aabhar (પ્રભુનો આભાર) – Thanks to God!

Additional Phrases For Expressing Gratitude

• Tamaro Upkaar (તમારો ઉપકાર) – The literal meaning of this is “Your Favor”, but in other context it means, “You’re kind.”
• Hridaypoorvak aabhaar (હૃદયપૂર્વક આભાર) – A heartfelt thanks – “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
• Maare aabhaar maanavo chhe (મારે આભાર માનવો છે) – This means “I want to thank you” or “I want to express gratitude.”

These phrases have an immense emotional touch to it, often used in a personal conversation where you want to thank someone personally. Be it a huge personal favour, or an act of kindness, use any one of these phrases to respond to the act.

How Do You Say Thank You In Gujarati?

There are two ways to say thank you in Gujarati, one is Aabhar (આભાર) and the other is Dhanyavaad (ધન્યવાદ). Both these terms can be used in formal or informal situations. In modern everyday Gujarati, the English term ‘Thanks’ or Thenks (થેન્ક્સ) is used by the young generation. This is friendlier and casual than Aabhar (આભાર).

Tips To Say Thank You In Gujarati

• Learn the right way to pronounce – It is important to learn the right pronunciation specially when talking to native speakers. In fact, it would be great to learn from them!
• Use them with family to surprise elders – Yes, that’s the best way to practice. Elders are here for encouragement and correction.
• Try using Gujarati phrases more than English – It’s easier to say “Thanks”, but put in some extra efforts and say Aabhar or Dhanyavaad the next time you want to thank someone.
• Pair the word with a gesture – Graceful gestures like joining hands in Namaste and saying Aabhar or Dhanyavaad and a smile, is the best way to express gratitude to Indians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thank You In Gujarati

Let’s Summarize Thank You In Gujarati

Saying thank you in Gujarati goes beyond just common Gujarati words – it’s about warmth, respect, and connection. Whether you use Aabhar (આભાર), Dhanyavaad (ધન્યવાદ), or a casual Thenks (થેન્ક્સ), each phrase carries its own cultural flavor, making gratitude in Gujarati truly heartfelt.

Ultimately, Aabhar and Dhanyavaad are not just translations of “thank you” they’re bridges of respect and connection in Gujarati life. There are many more phrases and greetings that can be explored to practice with friends and family.

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