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Being told, "You're so smart" is a wonderful compliment! Your intellect has been recognized, but how can you reply without sounding conceited? A simple "Thank you!" is the best way to go, along with whatever feels genuine. If you're unsure what to say, don't worry! We've put together a list of ways to respond when someone calls you 'smart' in any context. Take a deep breath and embrace the compliment because you truly deserve it.
Steps
“Thank you! That’s so kind of you.”
Show appreciation with this thoughtful response. If someone calls you “smart,” they are likely giving you a well-deserved compliment! A warm, friendly reply is a great way to respond to both strangers and close friends. Their praise has lifted your spirits, so now it’s your turn to lift theirs. Acknowledge how their words made you feel and express your gratitude.
- “How thoughtful! Thank you!”
- “I really appreciate that. Thank you so much!”
“Thanks, that really means a lot to me.”
Receive the compliment with grace using this response. Maybe you’re surprised by a compliment from your boss, teacher, or parent, calling you a genius. It’s not something you hear from them often, and it truly touches you. Whatever you’ve done has definitely impressed them, so show them how much their words mean to you with a heartfelt response.
- “That really means a lot, especially coming from you.”
- “I can’t express how much that means to me. Thank you.”
- “Thanks! You have no idea how much that means to me.”
“Thanks! You’re smart too!”
Turn the compliment back to them. If you’re unsure how to respond, try returning a compliment! Whether it’s a friend, crush, or family member calling you “smart,” they probably think you’re amazing as well. You can stay humble and still appreciate their praise by complimenting them in return. They’ve made your day, so return the favor and boost their mood.
- “Thanks! I could say the same about you!”
- “Look who’s talking!”
- “Honestly, you’re probably the smart one here!”
“I put a lot of effort into this, so I’m glad you noticed.”
Show your dedication and work ethic to those who lead you. If your boss, teacher, or parent recognizes the effort you've put in, take it in stride! Perhaps you've just wrapped up a major project that took months of hard work. You've invested a lot into whatever they’re praising, so take pride in that with a sincere “thank you” and mention your dedication.
- “Thank you so much! I really put a lot of thought into it.”
- “This project was a true passion of mine, so thank you for acknowledging that.”
- “Thank you. It took a lot of hard work to make this happen.”
“Thanks, but it’s all about putting in the effort.”
Shift the focus away from you with this response. Sometimes, accepting praise can be a bit awkward, especially if you feel you don’t quite deserve it. But if someone calls you “smart,” it’s clear you’ve earned that recognition! Redirect the compliment towards your effort or the luck that helped you, rather than your intelligence. This allows you to graciously say “thank you,” stay humble, and highlight other factors that have contributed to your success.
- “Thanks. I’ve got a pretty good memory!”
- “Thank you! But it’s all those hours of studying that made the difference.”
- “Thanks, but I can’t take all the credit.”
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Take the QuizExplore More Quizzes“Thanks. I don’t often receive praise for my intellect.”
This clever reply works perfectly for backhanded compliments. Perhaps a classmate isn’t too thrilled by your response to a question, or your sibling gives you a sarcastic eye-roll when you try something new. Use this response when the tone feels more like “Oh, that’s really smart.” If the comment feels loaded with sarcasm, stay calm, thank them for the compliment, and move forward.
- “Thanks. Some people might think that.”
- “Thanks. Nice to know it’s being noticed.”
“Wow, that’s incredibly kind of you.”
Use this playful response when your crush gives you a compliment. Your intelligence has definitely caught their attention. If they say something like, “You’re really smart” or “You’re the smartest person I know,” don’t hesitate to return the flirtation. Act a little ful, maybe tuck your hair behind your ear or glance away with a smile, and try this reply.
- “Really? I should be saying the same about you.”
- “Oh, really? Thanks!”
“You really don’t have to say that.”
Play coy and humble when your crush compliments you. Let those cheeks blush! After they’ve called you a genius, it’s natural to feel a little shy. Give a nervous laugh and respond in a ful tone. They already think you’re smart, so why not show off a bit of your cute side too?
- “I guess you could say that.”
- “Oh, you’re just being nice.”
“Haha! I do my best.”
Lighten the mood with a bit of humor when your crush or best friend compliments you. Being called “smart” can definitely make you blush, so why not divert their attention with a funny or sarcastic reply? Whether they’re complimenting you on a group project or teasing you about something you said, have fun and respond in a way that will make both of you smile.
- “Not quite smart enough.”
- “You caught me on a lucky day.”
- “Shhh! Let’s keep that between us.”
“I think I must’ve misheard you. Could you say that again?”
Playfully call them out with this response. Maybe your partner just admitted you were right, or your sibling finally gave you the recognition you deserve. This is a fun way to get them to repeat what they often deny or refuse to admit.
- “Wait, what did you say?”
- “Hmm? Care to repeat that?”
“I know, right? Aren’t I?”
Give a cheeky reply when your best friend calls you “smart.” Whether they’re joking sarcastically or genuinely complimenting you, give them a playful response with a wink or a smirk. Embrace your intelligence and have a little fun while doing so.
- “You could say I’m a genius.”
- “Out of the two of us, I’m definitely the smarter one.”
- “I’m only the smart one when I’m hanging out with you!”
