Thank You Day: How to Say “Thank You” in 20 African Languages

On this Thank You Day, we celebrate the beauty of gratitude across the diverse cultures of Africa. With over 2,000 languages spoken on the continent, each expression of thanks carries unique cultural significance. Here’s how to say “thank you” in 20 African languages — from widely spoken tongues to indigenous Namibian dialects.

🇳🇦 Namibian Languages

1. Oshiwambo (Oshiwambo dialects like Oshindonga, Oshikwanyama) – Tangi unene
2. Otjiherero – Okuhepa
3. Khoekhoegowab (Nama/Damara) – Danki
4. Afrikaans – Dankie
5. Silozi – Ni itumezi

🌍 Other African Languages

6. Swahili (East Africa) – Asante
7. Zulu (South Africa) – Ngiyabonga
8. Xhosa (South Africa) – Enkosi
9. Shona (Zimbabwe) – Ndatenda
10. Xitsonga (South Africa, Mozambique) – Ndza khensa
11. Yoruba (Nigeria) – O ṣe
12. Igbo (Nigeria) – Imela
13. Hausa (West Africa) – Na gode
14. Amharic (Ethiopia) – Ameseginalehu
15. Somali (Somalia, Horn of Africa) – Mahadsanid
16. Twi (Ghana) – Medaase
17. Wolof (Senegal) – Jërëjëf
18. Lingala (DR Congo) – Melesi
19. Kinyarwanda (Rwanda) – Murakoze
20. Kirundi (Burundi) – Urakoze

Whether it’s Tangi unene in Oshiwambo or Asante in Swahili, saying thank you builds bridges, fosters respect, and honors culture. This Thank You Day, take a moment to show appreciation—in your language, or someone else’s.

Happy Thank You Day!