Few spelling mistakes are as common as thank you and thankyou. Since we use this expression every day, in emails, text messages, greeting cards, and conversations, it’s easy to wonder whether it should be one word or two.
The short answer is simple: thank you is the correct spelling in standard English. Thankyou is not accepted as a standard word.
However, you may also come across thank-you with a hyphen, which is correct in certain situations.
This guide explains the difference, shows when each form is appropriate, and helps you avoid a mistake that even fluent English speakers sometimes make.
Quick Answer
| Form | Correct? | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | ✅ Yes | To express gratitude. |
| Thankyou | ❌ No | Not accepted in standard English. |
| Thank-you | ✅ Yes | As a noun or adjective before another noun. |
Examples
✅ Thank you for your support.
✅ She mailed a thank-you card yesterday.
❌ Thankyou for your support.
AI Overview
If you’re choosing between thank you and thankyou, use thank you. It is the standard English spelling used to express gratitude.
Thankyou is considered a spelling mistake in standard English. The hyphenated form, thank-you, is correct only when it functions as a noun or an adjective, such as thank-you note or thank-you card.
Is It Thank You or Thankyou?
The correct spelling is thank you.
It is always written as two separate words when you’re thanking someone.
Examples
- Thank you for helping me move.
- Thank you for your patience.
- Thank you for your quick reply.
These examples sound natural because thank you functions as a polite expression of gratitude.
Writing it as thankyou is considered incorrect in standard English, even though you may occasionally see it in informal messages or on social media.
Is “Thankyou” Ever Correct?
In standard English, no.
Major dictionaries and style guides recognize thank you as the correct expression. If you’re writing an email, report, school assignment, or professional message, avoid writing thankyou as one word.
You may notice businesses or brands using ThankYou in product names or company names. In those cases, it is part of a brand identity rather than a grammar rule.
As a general writing rule, always choose thank you.
What About “Thank-You”?
This is where many people get confused.
Unlike thankyou, the hyphenated form thank-you is correct—but only in specific grammatical situations.
As a noun
Use thank-you when referring to something that expresses appreciation.
Examples
- She sent a thank-you note after the interview.
- We received a lovely thank-you card from our neighbors.
- His speech ended with a heartfelt thank-you to the volunteers.
As an adjective
Use thank-you before another noun to describe it.
Examples
- We bought thank-you gifts for the teachers.
- The company prepared thank-you emails for every customer.
- She wrote several thank-you messages before leaving her job.
A simple way to remember this is:
- Expressing gratitude? → Thank you
- Describing a note, card, gift, or email? → Thank-you
Why Is “Thank You” Two Words?
The expression comes from two separate words working together.
- Thank is the verb.
- You is the person receiving the thanks.
Together, they form a complete expression of gratitude rather than a single word.
That’s why English keeps them separate in normal writing.
Think of similar expressions:
- See you
- Miss you
- Love you
Just as we don’t combine these into one word, we also keep thank you as two words.
How to Spell and Pronounce “Thank You”
Correct spelling: Thank you
Pronunciation: THANK yoo
Syllables: 2
The pronunciation stays almost the same in British and American English, and so does the spelling.
Real-Life Examples
Understanding the rule becomes much easier when you see it in everyday situations.
In a business email
Thank you for reviewing my proposal. I look forward to your feedback.
After a job interview
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
At school
Thank you for explaining the lesson again.
In customer service
Thank you for shopping with us. Have a wonderful day!
Each example uses thank you because the speaker is expressing appreciation directly.
British vs. American English
Good news—there’s no spelling difference here.
Both British and American English use thank you as two words when expressing gratitude. The hyphenated form thank-you is also used the same way in both varieties of English when it functions as a noun or an adjective.
So whether you’re writing to someone in London, New York, Sydney, or Toronto, the grammar rule stays the same.
Thank You vs. Thanks
Both expressions are correct, but they suit different situations.
| Expression | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | Formal and everyday writing | Thank you for your assistance. |
| Thanks | Casual conversations and messages | Thanks for your help! |
If you’re writing a business email, speaking with a client, or applying for a job, thank you usually sounds more professional.
For texts between friends or quick chats, thanks often feels more natural.
When to Use Each Form
Choosing the right form becomes easy once you know its purpose.
Use thank you when you’re expressing gratitude.
Examples
- Thank you for your support.
- Thank you for answering my questions.
- Thank you for being here today.
Use thank-you when it describes or names something.
Examples
- She bought thank-you cards for the wedding guests.
- We sent a thank-you email after the meeting.
- His thank-you speech lasted only a few minutes.
Never use thankyou in standard writing.
Incorrect
- Thankyou for your time.
Correct
- Thank you for your time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These small errors appear frequently in emails, assignments, and online posts.
Mistake 1: Writing thankyou as one word
❌ Thankyou for your order.
✅ Thank you for your order.
Mistake 2: Using a hyphen when expressing gratitude
❌ Thank-you for your help.
✅ Thank you for your help.
Remember, the hyphen belongs only when thank-you acts as a noun or adjective.
Mistake 3: Using an overly casual expression in formal writing
A message to a close friend can end with Thanks!
A message to a hiring manager or client is usually stronger with Thank you.
Matching your tone to the situation makes your writing sound more polished.
Quick Comparison
| Form | Correct | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Thank you | ✅ Yes | Expressing gratitude |
| Thank-you | ✅ Yes | Noun or adjective (thank-you note, thank-you card) |
| Thankyou | ❌ No | Not accepted in standard English |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it thank you or thankyou?
Thank you is the correct spelling. Thankyou is not accepted in standard English.
Is thankyou a real word?
No. Standard dictionaries treat thankyou as an incorrect spelling. You may see it in brand names or informal online writing, but it is not the standard form.
Is thank-you correct?
Yes. Use thank-you with a hyphen when it functions as a noun or adjective, such as thank-you note or thank-you gift.
Why is thank you written as two words?
Because it combines the verb thank with the pronoun you to create an expression of gratitude.
Which form should I use in an email?
Use thank you. It is appropriate for both professional and personal emails.
Can I write thanks instead of thank you?
Yes. Thanks is correct, but it is more informal. Thank you is usually the better choice in business or academic writing.
Is there a British spelling of thank you?
No. British and American English follow the same spelling rules for thank you and thank-you.
Conclusion
The difference between thank you, thank-you, and thankyou is simple once you know what each form does.
If you’re expressing appreciation, always write thank you as two words. If you’re describing something like a thank-you card, thank-you email, or thank-you gift, use the hyphenated form. The one-word spelling thankyou is not considered correct in standard English.
When you’re unsure, remember one easy rule: if you’re speaking directly to someone, write thank you.
If you’re naming or describing something, thank-you may be the right choice. Following this distinction will help your writing look more accurate and professional in every situation.
