धन्यवाद

You say it after someone does something for you. Use it when you receive a gift. Use it when a waiter brings your food. It usually comes at the end of an interaction. You can say it alone or in a sentence. It is very easy to pronounce: dhun-ya-vaad.

Use it in formal settings like a job interview. It is perfect for talking to elders or teachers. Use it at a store or a bank. If you are texting a boss, this is the one. It shows you have good manners. It makes you sound like a sophisticated guest.

Do not use it constantly with very close friends. It might feel a bit too stiff or robotic. In India, close friends often don't say 'thank you' for small things. They feel that 'thanks' creates a distance. For a quick coffee with a bestie, use Shukriya or just English 'Thanks'. Also, don't use it if you are angry—it won't sound sarcastic, just weird.

In Indian culture, gratitude is often shown through actions, not just words. However, Dhanyavaad became the standard formal term in modern Hindi. It carries a sense of 'blessing' or 'virtue'. Interestingly, many Hindi speakers now use the English word 'Thank you' in daily life. But using Dhanyavaad shows you are making a real effort to connect with the culture.

You can say Bahut dhanyavaad to mean 'Thank you very much'. If you want to sound more poetic or Urdu-influenced, use Shukriya. In very casual settings, younger people just say 'Thanks' in English. If you want to be super formal, you can say Aapka bahut bahut dhanyavaad.