Ευχαριστώ.

Thank you.

Breakdown of Ευχαριστώ.

• ευχαριστώ: thank you

Questions & Answers about Ευχαριστώ.

How do you pronounce Ευχαριστώ?

• IPA: [efxaɾisˈto]
• Rough guide: ef-kha-ree-STOH (kh like the ch in German Bach or Spanish jota; r is a quick tap).
• The ευ here sounds like ef because it’s before a voiceless consonant (χ). Before voiced sounds it becomes ev (e.g., Ευβοία = ev-).
• Stress is on the last syllable: -στώ.

What does the accent mark on Ευχαριστώ do? Do I need to write it?

• The accent (τόνος) shows which syllable is stressed. In Ευχαριστώ, it’s on ώ.
• Yes, in standard writing you should include it on words with two or more syllables: Ευχαριστώ.
• If the whole word is in ALL CAPS, the accent is commonly omitted: ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ. Otherwise, keep it.

Is Ευχαριστώ literally “I thank”? Is it a full sentence?

• Yes. Ευχαριστώ is the 1st person singular present of the verb meaning “I thank.”
• Greek drops subject pronouns, so Ευχαριστώ alone is a complete sentence (“I thank [you]”).
• For emphasis you can say Εγώ ευχαριστώ! meaning “No, thank YOU!”

Do I need to say “you”? What’s the difference between Σε ευχαριστώ and Σας ευχαριστώ?

• You don’t have to; Ευχαριστώ already implies “you.”
• Σε ευχαριστώ = “I thank you” (informal singular). Before a vowel it often contracts to Σ’ ευχαριστώ.
• Σας ευχαριστώ = “I thank you” (polite singular or plural).
• The object pronoun goes before the verb in Greek. Don’t say Ευχαριστώ σε.

How do I say “Thank you very much” or make it stronger?

• Ευχαριστώ πολύ. = Thank you very much.
• Stronger: Ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ.
• More formal: Σας ευχαριστώ πολύ. / Σας ευχαριστώ θερμά.
• Colloquial emphasis (especially in writing): Χίλια ευχαριστώ! (“A thousand thanks!”)

What do people say in reply to Ευχαριστώ?

• Παρακαλώ. = You’re welcome (also means “please” and “go ahead”).
• Τίποτα. / Δεν είναι τίποτα. = It’s nothing / No problem.
• Να ’σαι καλά. (informal) / Να ’στε καλά. (polite/plural) = Be well.

Can I use it to refuse politely, like “No, thanks”?

• Yes: Όχι, ευχαριστώ.
• You can soften further: Όχι, ευχαριστώ πολύ, but it may read a bit emphatic; tone of voice matters.
• Example: Θέλεις καφέ; — Όχι, ευχαριστώ.

How do I say “Thanks for …” something?

• With a noun: Ευχαριστώ για + [noun].
  • Ευχαριστώ για τη βοήθεια. (Thanks for the help.)
  • Σας ευχαριστώ για το δώρο.
• With a whole clause: Ευχαριστώ που + [clause].
  • Σε ευχαριστώ που ήρθες. (Thanks for coming.)
  • Σας ευχαριστώ που περιμένατε.
• Don’t say “για που”; use που after the verb.

What are the other forms (we thank, you thank, etc.)?

Present tense:

• εγώ ευχαριστώ (I thank)
• εσύ ευχαριστείς (you sg.)
• αυτός/ή/ό ευχαριστεί (he/she/it)
• εμείς ευχαριστούμε (we)
• εσείς ευχαριστείτε (you pl./polite)
• αυτοί/ές/ά ευχαριστούν(ε) (they) — the final -ε is optional in speech From a group you’ll often hear Ευχαριστούμε! (“We thank you/Thanks!”)

Why is it written with ω (omega) and not ο? Do they sound different?

• In Modern Greek, ο and ω sound the same (“o”).
• The -ώ ending (omega with accent) is a standard spelling for many 1st person singular present-tense verbs (e.g., μπορώ, αγαπώ). It’s an orthographic pattern, not a pronunciation difference.

Is Ευχαριστώ related to the English word “Eucharist”?

• Yes. ευ- (“good, well”) + χάρις (“grace, favor”) → ευχαριστία (“thanksgiving, gratitude”) → ευχαριστώ (“I thank”).
• English Eucharist comes from this Greek root via “thanksgiving.”

Can Ευχαριστώ be sarcastic, like “Thanks a lot!”?

• Yes. Ευχαριστώ πολύ! can be sarcastic depending on tone and context, just like in English. In writing, context and punctuation (e.g., “!”) carry the nuance.

What punctuation should I use with it?

• Both Ευχαριστώ. and Ευχαριστώ! are common; the exclamation mark is frequent in friendly contexts.
• Remember: in Greek, the “question mark” looks like a semicolon (;) — not relevant here, but useful to know so you don’t misread Ευχαριστώ; as a question.