Is "thank you very much" more polite than "thank you"?

Question

Is there any situation where it's better to say thank you very much, or just saying thank you would be considered rude?

Answer 1

I don't think it's a question of level of politeness, but rather how grateful you actually are. If someone goes well out of their way for you, a simple thank you wouldn't be rude, exactly, but it might not seem to them to be enough.

Answer 2

English doesn't really have 'levels of politeness' that a language like Japanese does. It's not the words, it's the intent behind them...so either way, if you're sincere, 'thank you' stands up just as well as 'thank you very much'. Though, with a bit of practice, you could pull off a mean Elvis impression...

Answer 3

Thank you is never rude but thank you very much is even more polite. Sometimes it could be a bit over the top though.

Answer 4

Thank you in any way is NOT rude, but thank you very much is a little better thank than just thank you, cuz youre adding very much.*

Answer 5

I have been told that I have a bad habit of saying "thank you very much..." whenever a thank you is required or par for the situation. I know now that it is just my habit to say this phrase, not my bad habit. But, whatever.

Answer 6

no there is not difference in politeness. Thank you very much just means that someone did something for you and you really appreciate what they have done.

Answer 7

If you say thank you in a nasty tone of voice, than it is rude, if you say it with sincerity, it is NEVER rude, and is quite sufficient. If I deeply appreciate something, like a huge favor, or some type of rescue, I add extra words to my thank you.

Answer 8

Not necessarily. I think what makes the difference are not the words 'very much', but the way you say it, the tone and inflexion of your voice... Does it sound grateful? You can say 'thank you very much' and it can still sound very dry if you want to.

Answer 9

a thank you is never rude unless you say mean or nasty then it counts but like if u sa thank you very much thanks for your help etc, it is not better then a thank you your just saying it more detailed so say whatever u wnt as long as it said nice and/or a meaning way .( like you mean it )

Answer 10

hhmmm....if u r not saying THANK U in rude wayy..then it neva be rude or nasty at alll...but if u r reallyy thank full to sum body then u can use thnak u very much..but sinfgle thank u is also not badd..u can give that person a huge hugg...wid the saying thak uu.. :)