“You’re welcome” in 20 languages: a complete guide

TL;DR: “You’re welcome” has several translations depending on the language and situation. Say “de nada” in Spanish, “de rien” in French, “prego” in Italian, and “gern geschehen” in German. Other useful responses for learners include “不客气 (bú kèqi)” in Mandarin Chinese and “どういたしまして (dō itashimashite)” in Japanese. While the meaning stays the same, each language has its own way of expressing the phrase.

Learning to say “you’re welcome” in different languages helps you respond naturally when someone thanks you. This is helpful when travelling, studying, or speaking with friends.

How do you say "you're welcome" in 20 languages?

The phrase “you’re welcome” acknowledges another person’s “thank you”. While the meaning is familiar across languages, the exact wording can be a bit different. In some languages, it is closer to “it was nothing”, “don't mention it” or “the pleasure was mine”. The most appropriate response also depends on how formal the conversation is and how well you know the other person.

Note: the pronunciation guides in the table are approximate. Natural phrasing varies by region, relationship, and situation. Equally, learners should know that some expressions are more common in particular contexts than others.

Why "you're welcome" does not translate word for word

Many languages use a conversational response to thanks rather than a literal equivalent for the English expression “you’re welcome”. For instance, the Spanish and French equivalents (“de nada” and “de rien”) convey the idea that the favour was nothing significant. The German equivalent, “gern geschehen”, on the other hand, expresses that something was done willingly.

You should understand these differences because a direct translation may sound unnatural in a real conversation. The phrase can, therefore, be grammatically correct but still less common than the expression native speakers normally use. This makes it helpful to use language learning apps like Memrise, which include native-speaker videos with appropriate phrasing.

The same principle applies to informal alternatives. There are some situations in English where a person might respond to “thank you” with “no worries” or “don’t mention it”. Other languages have their own expressions that serve a similar purpose, even when their literal meanings differ.

How can you remember "you're welcome" in another language?

The easiest way to retain the phrase “you’re welcome” in other languages is to learn it as part of a short exchange instead of isolated vocabulary. Pair each response with the expression for “thank you” in the same language. Here are a few examples:

Practise saying each pair aloud while using a language learning app like Memrise. You can then use it in a short, imagined conversation. For instance, picture someone thanking you for holding a door open. Respond to this situation in a target language, then reverse roles and repeat the exchange.

You can also use spaced repetition to master the phrase quickly. Review both phrases after a few minutes, then again the next day, then a few days later. Spend more time on the ones you get wrong. Revisit the ones you find difficult the next day and re-do the review. Listening to recordings from reliable language-learning resources can also help you recognise pronunciation and rhythm beyond what a written guide can show.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common way to say "you're welcome" in Spanish?

“De nada” (it’s nothing) is a common response to “gracias” (thank you). It literally conveys the idea that there is nothing to thank someone for. This phrase is useful in everyday situations, from casual conversations to routine interactions. However, regional preferences and the tone of conversation will influence how people respond.

How do you say "you're welcome" in French?

“De rien” (it’s nothing) is the standard expression for “you’re welcome” in French. In more formal settings, "je vous en prie" is common, and "avec plaisir" (with pleasure) is a warmer option. Learn both “merci” and “de rien” to help you master the expressions quickly and use them effectively in conversations.

Is "you're welcome" the same in every situation?

No. Languages often have several ways to acknowledge thanks. The best choice, however, depends on various factors, including formality, familiarity, and context. Some expressions emphasise that a favour was no trouble, while others convey pleasure in helping. You should know that a phrase can work naturally among friends but be inappropriate in a formal interaction.

How do you say "you're welcome" in Swahili?

“Karibu” (welcome) is commonly used to welcome someone and can also serve as a response to thanks. The same word may appear in other welcoming contexts, so the surrounding conversation helps establish its meaning. Pair it with “asante” (thank you) to practise a simple and useful exchange.