We like to try and learn at least the basics of a local language when we’re travelling somewhere. Here’s how to say ‘Thank you’ around the world…

‘Syeh-syeh’ – Mandarin – mainly spoken in China

‘Gracias’ – Spanish – mainly spoken in Spain and Central/South America apart from Brazil

‘Sukria’ – Hindi – mainly spoken in Northern India and Nepal, but will be recognised across India

‘Merci’ – French – mainly spoken in France, Belgium and Switzerland as well as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Cameroon, Guinea and Mauritius

‘Arigato’ – Japanese – mainly spoken in Japan

‘Shukran’ – Arabic – mainly spoken in North Africa and the Middle East, especially Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Western Sahara and Yemen

‘Asante’ – Swahili – mainly spoken in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya and used as a second language across most of East Africa

‘Danke’ – German – mainly spoken in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

‘Kamsa hamnida’ – Korean – mainly spoken in North and South Korea

‘Grazie’ – Italian – mainly spoken in Italy

‘Spasibo’ – Russian – mainly spoken in Russia and as a second language in some of Eastern Europe

‘Obrigado’ – Portuguese – mainly spoken in Portugal and Brazil

‘Tesekkür ederim’ – Turkish – mainly spoken in Turkey and Cyprus

‘Tak’ – Danish – mainly spoken in Denmark and as a second language in some of Northern Germany

‘Dziekuje’ – Polish – mainly spoken in Poland

‘Daw-dyeh’ – Cantonese – mainly spoken in Southern China, Hong Kong & Macau