Thank You

Thank you" means that you recognize that someone has done something for you. Thus we thank people all day long, ever for the smallest, most ordinary things.

If a waitress brings you a cup of coffee, you say "thank you." When you pay for your food and get your change, you say "thank you." to the cashier(出纳员). If someone gives you directions in the street, you say "thank you." If someone invites you to dinner, you say "Yes, thank you, I'd love to come."

However, that's enough. Excessive(过多的) expressions of gratitude(感谢) make Westerners extremely uncomfortable and give a sense of empty thanks, a sense of formal or required kow-towing(叩头，臣服) which does not indicate gratitude but insincerity(不真诚). For example, if your advisor spends a half-hour of his time helping you edit some letters you've just written, you will want to say "Thank you. I really appreciate your time." But one or two phrases of that sort is enough. If you go on and on with statements about his kindness, the person will feel not thanked but annoyed(苦恼), and will not be anxious to help you again.