HOW TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE IN UKRAINIAN: BEYOND “ДЯКУЮ”

You’ve learned “дякую” — congratulations! You can now thank someone in Ukrainian. But wait… Ukrainians have many ways to show gratitude, and sometimes it goes far beyond just words. Want to sound more native and connect deeper with people? Let’s explore how to say “thank you” in Ukrainian — with warmth and humor.

Vocabulary box

Ukrainian                                           English

Дякую                                             Thank you

Спасибі                                           Thank you (less formal, very common)

Щиро дякую                                  Sincere thanks

Велике спасибі                             Big thanks

Дуже дякую                                    Thank you very much

Безмежно вдячний/вдячна.      Infinitely grateful (m/f)

Обійми                                            Hugs

Подарунок                                     Gift

Вареники                                       Ukrainian dumplings

Ти золото!                                      You’re a gem! / You’re the best!

Та що б я без тебе робив!          What would I do without you!

Basic ways to say “thank you”

•Дякую – the standard “thank you.” Use it anytime.

•Спасибі – also means “thank you.” Slightly more casual or traditional.

Example:

– Ось ваша кава.

– Дякую! (Thank you!)

Stronger and more emotional “thank you”

Ukrainians like to emphasize their gratitude. Here’s how:

•Щиро дякую! – Sincere thanks!

•Безмежно вдячна! – I’m endlessly grateful!(“вдячна” for women, “вдячний” for men)

•Дуже дякую! – Thank you very much!

•Велике спасибі! – Big thanks!

•Вдячна вам від усього серця! – Grateful from all my heart!

Friendly and funny ways

When speaking with friends, family, or people you’re close to:

•Та що б я без тебе робив/робила! – What would I do without you!

•Ну ти просто золото! – You are pure gold!

•О, то просто спасіння! – That’s a real lifesaver!

•Дякую, друже! – Thanks, my friend!

Example:

Your friend shares their umbrella with you.

You say: О, то просто спасіння! (Oh, that’s a real lifesaver!)

Non-verbal gratitude in Ukraine

Words are good, but actions are even better in Ukrainian culture.

•Gifts – like chocolates, a small souvenir, or a book.

•Flowers – especially when thanking teachers, doctors, or your host.

•Food – many Ukrainians say “thank you” with a meal: “Come for вареники!”

•Hugs & smiles – with friends or family.

•Helping in return – very Ukrainian! You helped me? I’ll help you next time.

Be careful: don't overdo it

If you say “дякую” ten times in a row and give a huge gift… people may smile but also wonder if you’re running for president 😄. Ukrainians value sincerity. One warm “дякую” + a smile = perfect.

Mini quiz: what would you say?

Choose the best way to say thank you in each situation. You can choose from the list above or invent your own!

1.Your friend brings you coffee.

→ ______________________________________

2. Someone helps you with your Ukrainian homework.

→ ______________________________________

3. A neighbor bakes you a pie.

→ ______________________________________

4. A teacher explains something difficult.

→ ______________________________________

Try to say it aloud! Ukrainian is music to the ear 🎵

Practice phrases (say or write)

1.Щиро дякую за ______________________________.

2.Дуже дякую, ви _____________________________.

3.Безмежно вдячний / вдячна за __________________.

4.Та що б я без тебе ____________________________!

👉 Try finishing these sentences based on your own life.

Final words

If you want to thank someone in a deep way — just be genuine. Smile, say kind words, maybe offer a little gift. In Ukraine, it’s not the size of the “дякую” that matters, but how warm it feels.

“Дякую” is just the beginning of your Ukrainian gratitude journey. Next time, try something more emotional or funny. Or better yet — say it with вареники.

And remember: if someone says “дякую” to you, what do you reply?

Будь ласка! – You’re welcome 😊