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    How to say "thank you" in Russian

    Спасибо
    Spasibo
    /spɐˈsʲibə/

    When to use it

    Universal 'thank you' — works in any setting. Literally derived from 'спаси Бог' (God save you).

    Syllables & stress

    spa-SI-ba

    Literal meaning

    Historically «спаси Бог» — 'God save you'. Nobody hears the religious origin today; it is the everyday neutral thanks.

    Formal or informal?

    Neutral: works with friends, strangers, waiters and officials alike. «Благодарю» is a notch more formal and slightly old-fashioned.

    Variations

    Большое спасибо
    Bolshoye spasibo
    Thank you very much
    Благодарю
    Blagodaryu
    More formal/literary

    Examples

    Спасибо за помощь!
    Spasibo za pomoshch!
    Thanks for the help!

    Common mistakes

    Спасибо тебе большой
    The adjective must agree: «Спасибо большое» (neuter). «Большой спасибо» is a classic learner slip.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do you say "thank you" in Russian?

    "thank you" in Russian is Спасибо, pronounced Spasibo (spa-SI-ba — stress on the capitalised syllable).

    How do you pronounce Спасибо?

    Spasibo — IPA /spɐˈsʲibə/. Syllables: spa-SI-ba. Use the Listen button above to hear it.

    What does Спасибо literally mean?

    Historically «спаси Бог» — 'God save you'. Nobody hears the religious origin today; it is the everyday neutral thanks.

    Is Спасибо formal or informal?

    Neutral: works with friends, strangers, waiters and officials alike. «Благодарю» is a notch more formal and slightly old-fashioned.

    Are there other ways to say "thank you" in Russian?

    Yes: Большое спасибо (Bolshoye spasibo) — Thank you very much; Благодарю (Blagodaryu) — More formal/literary.

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    More phrases

    you're welcome
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    Written by Vlad Lario

    Written by Vlad Lario

    Russian in Lisbon. I read both sides and write down what differs.

    About the author

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