How to Thank You for Your Kind Words

Express gratitude with these polite and professional replies

“Thank you for your kind words” is a common response when someone gives you a compliment or offers their condolences. It can sound a bit stiff at times, but luckily, there are tons of alternative phrases that sound more warm and friendly. In this article, we’ll cover all the ways to say “thank you for your kind words,” whether you’re in a professional or casual environment.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• “Thank you for your kind words” is a polite phrase that’s used to show gratitude to someone for something nice they said to or about you.
• As an alternative, say something like “I appreciate your kind comments” to express gratitude in professional settings.
• Or, use “thanks a million” or “that really made my day” to thank someone in casual or informal settings.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]“I appreciate your kind comments.”

1. Keep it short and simple when thanking someone in the workplace. If you’re struggling to come up with a response after your boss or colleague compliments you, express your appreciation and move the conversation forward. Remember, it’s better to be silent instead of forcing a compliment that isn’t genuine.
   
   • Them: “You’ve done an incredible job this quarter.”
     You: “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your kind comments.”

[Edit]“Thank you for the encouragement.”

1. Highlight your manager’s words and specify what you’re thankful for. Etiquette coach Tami Claytor says to “always say thank you first,” then “be very specific” when expressing gratitude.^[1] Whether someone gives you constructive criticism or offers you useful advice, mention what kind of words they said to be more genuine and sincere.
   
   • “Thank you for the reassurance!”
   • “Thank you for your positive feedback.”
   • “Thank you for your support during this transition.”

[Edit]“Thank you, but I couldn’t have done it without you.”

1. Tell your boss or colleague that their contributions made a huge difference. If they give you a compliment, mention that their help and guidance are invaluable to you. This could look like explaining how long it would’ve taken you to finish something without their assistance or thanking them for their help during the onboarding process.
   
   • Them: “I wanted to let you know that your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. I see that you’re working really hard on this project.”
     You: “Thank you, but I couldn’t have done it without you.”

[Edit]“Your positivity is truly heartwarming.

1. Return the favor by giving your boss or colleague a genuine compliment. If you want to make the other person feel special, mention something you admire about them. It’s an excellent strategy to improve your relationship, especially if you’re speaking to your boss or colleague. Just make sure your compliment is sincere, specific, and relevant to the situation.
   
   • “Thank you. You’re very kind, and I’m so glad we’re on the same team!”
   • “You are too kind! I think you’re also doing an amazing job on the project.”
   • “Your kindness is unmatched. I can tell why everyone wants to sit with you at lunch!”

[Edit]“I’m flattered that you think so highly of me.”

1. Explain how amazing you feel to show appreciation in the workplace. If a boss or colleague praises your work, describe how grateful you are to be recognized as professional. Accepting compliments helps you build better relationships in the workplace, so even if you don’t agree with their words entirely, avoid downplaying your skills, qualities, or achievements.
   
   • Them: “You’re the best coder that we’ve hired in the past 5 years.”
     You: “Wow, thank you. I’m flattered that you think so highly of me.”

[Edit]“I’m grateful for your generous remarks.”

1. Replace the word “kind” with other adjectives to be more expressive. While there’s nothing wrong with saying someone’s words are “kind,” there are tons of adjectives that might be more meaningful and fitting for the occasion. So, pull out your thesaurus and have fun coming up with different ways to describe their remarks!
   
   • “Thank you for those thoughtful remarks.”
   • “I really appreciate your uplifting comments.”
   • “I’m grateful for your sweet and supportive words.”

[Edit]“That means a lot coming from you.”

1. Let the other person know that you admire them with this respectful reply. If someone you look up to gives you a compliment, let them know that their words are even more meaningful because of who they are. It’s the perfect expression to “give them their flowers,” or shower them with love, appreciation, and gratitude.
   
   • Them: “You are way smarter than you think, and I know you’re going to achieve incredible things!”
     You: “That means a lot coming from you. Thank you.”

[Edit]“I’m grateful for your kind words.”

1. Let the other person know that their words mean a lot to you. At the end of the day, “thank you for your kind words” is just another way of saying “I’m grateful for your kind words.” So, feel free to use these two phrases synonymously! Studies show that expressing gratitude boosts your happiness and overall well-being, so be sure to properly thank people when they say something kind to you.^[2]
   
   • Them: “You’re unstoppable! We’ve never had this many positive responses to a new launch.”
     You: “I’m grateful for your kind words.”

[Edit]“Thank you for saying that.”

1. There’s nothing more meaningful than a sincere “thank you.” Whether someone gives you a compliment or expresses their condolences, there’s no better way to show appreciation for their words than by saying “thank you.” If you feel comfortable around them, feel free to open up and share your feelings. You might explain how you’ve been coping with a specific situation in your life, then mention how much their words mean to you.
   
   • “Stop—I’m blushing! Thank you for saying that.”
   • “I’ve been feeling a little down lately, so thank you for saying that.”
   • “It’s been really tough since I heard about my dad’s diagnosis, so thank you for saying that.”

[Edit]“That’s kind of you to say.”

1. Use this phrase to thank someone in both casual and professional settings. Whether you’re talking to your friend, family member, partner, or boss, “that’s kind of you to say” is appropriate in any situation. It’s polite, simple, and straight to the point, making it a great alternative for “thank you for your kind words.”
   
   • Them: “You’re doing a great job with the program.”
     You: “That’s very kind of you to say.”

[Edit]“That really made my day.”

1. Let the other person know that their kindness has a huge impact. A simple “thanks” or “thank you” is common courtesy, but it doesn’t let the other person know how much their words mean to you. The phrase “that really made my day” highlights the difference that they make and works in a variety of situations, whether you’re speaking to a stranger, loved one, or your boss.
   
   • Them: “I just wanted to say that I’ve never met someone as genuine as you.”
     You: “That really made my day.”

[Edit]“I’m touched by what you’ve said.”

1. Share that your loved one made you feel moved. Did the other person’s words make you feel warm, fuzzy, or teary eyed? Feeling “touched” or “moved” means you’re experiencing intense emotions (usually in a positive manner).^[3] It’s one of the best ways to say thank you and describe the impact of their words.
   
   • Them: “You’re the most vibrant and beautiful person I know.”
     You: “I’m touched by what you’ve said.”

[Edit]“That means the world to me.”

1. Get sentimental to show appreciation for a loved one. Telling someone “that means the world to me” places a huge amount of worth on whatever they just told you. It’s a genuine and vulnerable response, so save it for casual exchanges with your friends, family members, and close colleagues.
   
   • Them: “I’ve never seen him so excited to learn before. Your tutoring sessions have really changed his life.”
     You: “That means the world to me.”

[Edit]“Aw, thank you so much.”

1. Use this simple line to exit a casual conversation. Looking for a sweet response that can help you end a conversation? “Aw, thank you so much” is the perfect reply to share your gratitude before letting someone know that you have to go. The word “aw” comes off as cute and playful, so reserve this phrase for casual exchanges outside of the workplace.
   
   • Them: “You have the best style!”
     You: “Aw, thank you so much!”

[Edit]“Thanks a million.”

1. Drop this casual phrase to thank a friend, family member, or your partner. “Thanks a million” is a much more fun and expressive way of saying “thank you very much.”^[4] The phrase “a million” adds weight to a basic “thank you” and lets the other person know that you’re super, super grateful for their words.
   
   • Them: “You’re doing such a great job, sweetheart.”
     You: “Thanks a million!”

[Edit]Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about etiquette, check out our in-depth with [v161576_b01].

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v161576_b01]. 29 September 2020.
2. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier
3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pursuit-peace/201904/the-experience-being-emotionally-moved
4. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/thanks-a-million