In every culture around the world, people have ways of showing gratitude. Saying “thank you” is one of the first things we learn as children, yet the way people express thanks can be very different from one country to another. Understanding these differences is an important part of understanding a culture.

In some countries, people say thank you very frequently, even for small things, and a lack of thanks may seem rude. In others, saying thank you too often, especially to close family members, can seem strange or overly formal, because helping each other is simply expected. In many cultures, gratitude is shown not only with words but with actions, such as giving a small gift or returning a favour.

Body language matters too. In some places, a simple nod of the head shows respect and thanks, while in others people bow, shake hands or place a hand on the heart. For travellers and language learners, it is worth taking the time to learn how gratitude is expressed in a new culture. A genuine “thank you”, given in the right way, can open doors, build friendships and show respect. It is a small act with a very large effect.