The difference between saying "Thank you" in Chinese and English

The only time I say something close to a thank you, in Chinese, is towards my elders (as respecting the elders is part of the Family Tree Tradition where the parents will make the kid say thank you, but the elders will probably say 唔使講) or to teach saying "Thank You" in English. I've never once, in my life, said 謝謝 (it's a Mandarin way of saying it, anyhow.)

In Cantonese, we have 2 common ways to saying something along the lines of thank you:

唔該: Informal way usually asking someone to do something or having someone do something you didn't ask for. You'll hear this in casual speech in places like restaurants for things like asking the waiter to bring something to the table or having the waiter fill water/tea without asking. Rough translation is "not necessary." Translating it in English makes it sound harsh though.

多謝: Is a formal way of saying thank you (like for receiving something tangible.) It pretty much translate to "many thanks" for receiving something (like a gift.) Peers might say it to one another, but really, it just feels off. I don't think I have said it to peers or close ones (unless an elder... I'll get lectured by family if I don't.) Most big stores won't say thank you for buying something, and the smaller ones are more likely to just say 再見, because it sounds more sincere (after all what kind of business not want repeat customers.)

喂: Is actually common in Cantonese, especially for a phone call from someone that speaks Cantonese. 您好 and 大家好 is more likely to be used for person(s) you haven't seen for some time/catch up to what has been happening to the other person(s.)

For family, I don't think I've ever said please or thank you before in any fashion, unless English manners were being taught to younger kids. By then, we'd just be saying "Thank You" to teach them the essence of saying it in English.

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