多謝

Thanks for a Gift

Level 1Sounds Like do1 ze6

Use 多謝 (do1 ze6) when accepting gifts, money (like Red Packets), treats, compliments, or hospitality. Unlike English, Cantonese uses a different expression—唔該 (m4 goi1)—for services and favors.

How It Works

In Cantonese, expressing gratitude is generally divided between receiving gifts or compliments and receiving services or help.

1. When to use 多謝 (do1 ze6):
Use 多謝 (do1 ze6) when receiving gifts, money (e.g., Red Packets / Lai See), compliments, congratulations, hospitality, or when expressing deep appreciation for significant help.

2. Basic Sentence Structures:

  • Standalone: 多謝！ (do1 ze6! - "Thank you!")
  • With Direct Object: 多謝你 (do1 ze6 nei5 - "Thank you!")
  • With Gift or Noun Phrase: 多謝 + [Person] + [Gift / Noun Phrase]
    Example: 多謝你份禮物 (do1 ze6 nei5 fan6 lai5 mat6 - "Thank you for your gift.")
  • With Action or Verb Phrase: 多謝 + [Person] + [Verb Phrase]
    Example: 多謝你幫我 (do1 ze6 nei5 bong1 ngo5 - "Thank you for helping me.")

3. Emphatic Form with 晒 (saai3):
Adding the particle 晒 (saai3, meaning "completely" or "all") directly to 多謝 creates 多謝晒 (do1 ze6 saai3 - "Thank you so much"). The suffix 晒 must attach directly to 多謝, and any object follows it (e.g., 多謝晒你 do1 ze6 saai3 nei5). Placing an object pronoun between 多謝 and 晒 is ungrammatical.

4. Distinction from 唔該:
Do not confuse 多謝 with 唔該 (m4 goi1). Use 唔該 when someone performs a routine service or everyday favor for you (e.g., holding a door, serving water). Use 多謝 when receiving gifts, compliments, or substantial acts of kindness.

Examples (4)

  1. 多謝！

    Thank you!

    Word by Word: many thanks

    A standard standalone way to say 'thank you' when receiving a gift or compliment.

  2. 多謝你份禮物。

    Thank you for your gift.

    Word by Word: thank you your item gift

    Used to thank someone directly for a specific physical present.

  3. 真係多謝晒你請我食飯！

    Thank you so much for treating me to a meal!

    Word by Word: really thank completely you invite me eat meal

    Combines 真係 (zan1 hai6 - really) and 晒 (saai3 - completely) for emphatic gratitude when receiving hospitality.

  4. 多謝你嘅鼓勵。

    Thank you for your encouragement.

    Word by Word: thank you possessive encouragement

    Demonstrates that 多謝 is also used for intangible acts of goodwill like encouragement or advice.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 唔該 (m4 goi1) instead of 多謝 (do1 ze6) when accepting a gift or Red Packet.

    收到禮物講：唔該！
    收到禮物講：多謝！

    Using 唔該 when receiving a present makes the gesture sound like a routine service transaction rather than a gift, which can sound dismissive.

  • Placing the particle 晒 (saai3) before the verb 多謝.

    晒多謝你！
    多謝晒你！

    In Cantonese, the modifying particle 晒 (saai3) must follow the verb 多謝, not precede it.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

多謝Level 1Thanks for a Gift

Learn This First

To use '多謝' correctly, learners should understand basic pronouns for addressing people and distinguish it from '唔該', which is used for services or requests rather than gifts and compliments.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

多谢