What it means
سپاس (sepâs) means “thanks” or “gratitude.” It is the Pure Persian alternative to the more common Arabic-origin متشکر (motashakker) and تشکر (tashakkor). The word is widely used in formal Persian, journalism, and literature.
The Pure Persian Movement angle
سپاس is one of the most successful Pure Persian (پارسی سره) words in modern usage. The Pure Persian Movement (Farhangestan-e Zaban-e Farsi) advocates for replacing Arabic loanwords with native Persian forms, and سپاس is frequently cited as a working example. In daily casual speech, متشکر still dominates; in formal writing, ceremonies, news broadcasts, and literary contexts, سپاس is the more polished choice.
Where it comes from
سپاس is from native Persian roots, attested in Middle Persian as spās. It carries the meaning of “gratitude” or “thanks” without any Arabic loan element. The word survives directly from pre-Islamic Persian.
How to use it
- سپاس از شما (sepâs az shomâ) “Thanks to you” (formal)
- با سپاس فراوان (bâ sepâs-e farâvân) “With great thanks”
- سپاسگزارم (sepâs-gozâram) “I am thankful”
Common pairings
- سپاسگزاری (sepâs-gozâri) “expressing thanks, gratitude”
- سپاسگزار (sepâs-gozâr) “thankful, grateful”
- با سپاس (bâ sepâs) “with thanks” (formal closing)
Paired entry
This entry pairs with متشکر (motashakker), the Arabic-origin equivalent. Both are real Persian, both are correct. The choice between them is about register and personal style, not correctness.
Register
Formal to neutral. Common in journalism, formal speech, official ceremonies, and literary writing.
Pair
This entry pairs with متشکر (motashakker), the Arabic-origin counterpart. Both are correct Persian; the choice between them is register and personal style.
References
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