Translation guide
How to respond when someone thanks you in Japanese. The best choice depends on the situation, relationship, and level of politeness.
Responding to thanks in a polite, neutral, or standard way, suitable for most everyday situations.
The standard textbook phrase for 'you're welcome'. Safe and polite, but can sound a bit stiff or formal in very casual settings.
「ありがとうございます。」「どういたしまして。」
"Thank you very much." "You're welcome."
A humble, casual way to say 'not at all' or 'don't mention it'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
「手伝ってくれてありがとう。」「いえいえ。」
"Thanks for helping me." "Not at all."
Literally 'it's unthinkable', used to strongly deny that any thanks are needed. Polite and humble.
「本当にありがとうございます。」「とんでもないです。」
"Thank you so much." "Don't mention it."
Simply 'no', used to brush off thanks modestly. Can be combined with other phrases.
「ありがとう。」「いいえ。」
"Thanks." "No problem."
Responding to thanks in a relaxed, friendly way.
Very casual 'it's fine' or 'no worries'. Used among close friends or family.
「サンキュー！」「いいよ。」
"Thanks!" "No worries."
A casual grunt of acknowledgment, like 'yeah' or 'mm-hmm'. Only for very close relationships.
「ありがと。」「うん。」
"Thanks." "Mm-hmm."
Literally 'don't worry about it'. Casual and friendly.
「ごめん、遅れて。」「気にしないで。」
"Sorry I'm late." "Don't worry about it."
Responding to thanks in a business or formal setting, often with humility.
A very polite and humble phrase used in business. Expresses that you are undeserving of the thanks.
「ご対応ありがとうございます。」「恐れ入ります。」
"Thank you for your help." "I'm much obliged."
The humble polite form of とんでもない. Very formal and respectful.
「お忙しいところありがとうございます。」「とんでもございません。」
"Thank you for your time despite your busy schedule." "Not at all."
Literally 'I'm glad I could be of help'. Used in customer service or when you genuinely feel happy to assist.
「ありがとう、助かったよ。」「お役に立てて嬉しいです。」
"Thanks, you saved me." "I'm glad I could help."
Responding to thanks by expressing your own gratitude, often because the other person did something for you first or the favor was mutual.
Literally 'it is I who should say that'. Used when you feel the thanks should be mutual.
「今日はありがとう。」「こちらこそ。」
"Thanks for today." "No, thank *you*."
Polite version of こちらこそ.
「先日はありがとうございました。」「こちらこそありがとうございます。」
"Thank you for the other day." "Thank *you* as well."
Specific phrases used when someone thanks you for a meal, treat, or gift.
Humble phrase used after serving a meal or giving a treat. Literally 'it was a poor meal'.
「ごちそうさまでした。」「お粗末さまでした。」
"Thank you for the meal." "You're welcome (it was nothing special)."
Humble phrase used when giving a gift, meaning 'this is just a trifle'. Often said before the gift is opened, but can be used in response to thanks.
「素敵なプレゼントをありがとう。」「つまらないものですが。」
"Thank you for the lovely gift." "It's just a little something."
While どういたしまして is the direct translation, it can sound overly formal or textbook-like in casual situations. Japanese people often use more modest or casual phrases like いえいえ or いいよ.
「ありがとう！」「いいよ。」
"Thanks!" "No worries."
Sometimes a simple nod, smile, or bow is enough to acknowledge thanks, especially in passing or when words might be too much.