What to say instead of “thank you for your kind words”
Why it can fall flat
“thank you for your kind words”
The word “kind” makes the phrase feel stock and formal, like a canned reply that skips what the person said. You want to show you heard the compliment and appreciate it, in words that fit them.
Say this instead
- 01
Thank you, I really appreciate that. It means a lot coming from you, and I'm glad the project went well.
Boss · Email
Fits a manager's praise of finished work, since it is warm and specific without seeming to fish for more.
- 02
Thanks, that made my day! It was good working on it with you.
Coworker · Chat
Suits a friendly team chat where a formal reply would feel out of place, and it shares the credit.
- 03
Thank you, that's really good to hear. We enjoyed working on this with you and look forward to the next step.
Client · Email
Client praise at the end of a project calls for this one, which accepts the compliment and points to what comes next.
- 04
Thanks, that's kind of you to say. It's good to hear the weekly check-ins are useful.
Someone you manage · Chat
Modesty is the strength here when someone you manage compliments you, and it ties the praise to something real.
- 05
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback. I enjoyed our conversation and I'm still very interested in the role.
Recruiter / HR · Email
After a recruiter says something positive about your interview, this thanks them and restates your interest.
- 06
Thanks so much for the lovely feedback! We're glad you're happy with your order and hope to see you again.
Customer · SMS
A short text reply to a customer review or message can use this, staying friendly without over-explaining.
- 07
Thanks, that really made my day. Appreciate you telling me!
Coworker · SMS
Quick texts to a colleague you know well are the place for this, since it is warm in very few words.
- 08
Thanks, that's good to hear. I appreciate you noticing.
Boss · Chat
When your manager drops a compliment in passing, this brief chat reply keeps things light instead of heavy.
Examples
Hi Wendy, Thank you for the feedback on the quarterly report. It's good to know the summary page was useful for the team. Let me know if anything else would help before the meeting. Best regards, Prakash
Thanks, Dakota, that's really nice to hear. Glad the handover notes were useful!
What to avoid
- Repeating the same stock line to everyone is a miss, so mention the thing they praised.
- Brushing the compliment off with “it was nothing” or “anyone could have done it” makes it awkward for the person who gave it.
- A long speech or a list of your achievements is too much in reply to a short compliment.
- Too many exclamation marks in formal emails to clients or senior people can come across as overeager.