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10 ways to say “You’re welcome” in Japanese
1. どういたしまして (dou itashimashite) = You’re welcome / It’s a pleasure
→ Polite – standard (strangers, colleagues, superiors, customers)
→ This is the most standard way to say “you’re welcome”, often response when someone says “ありがとう” (Arigato)
For example, a shop assistant helps you find the things you need at the store:
You: ありがとうございました。
Shop assistant: どういたしまして。
2. 大丈夫 (daijōbu) = It’s okay / It’s alright
→ Suitable from informal to mildly polite (use for everyone)
→ Used to reassure or accept a request.
For example, a friend bumps into you while running in a hurry.
Your friend: ごめんなさい！
You: 大丈夫です。
3. 問題ない (mondai nai) = No problem
→ Neutral – slightly friendly (colleagues, friends)
→ Reassuring that it’s okay.
For example, your colleague sends a file late:
Colleague: 遅(oku)れてすみません。
You: 問題ないですよ。
4. いいよ (ii yo) = Okay / It’s alright
→ Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Very often used instead of “you’re welcome”.
For example, your brother borrows a pen from you:
Your brother: ありがとう！
You: いいよ。
5. いつでも声かけて (itsudemo koe kakete) = Call/tell me anytime you need help.
→ Friendly (colleagues, friends, acquaintances)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but an offer to help.
For example, you are guiding a newcomer:
Newcomer: 助(たす)かりました。ありがとうございます。
You: うん、いつでも声かけて。
6. 全然 (zenzen) = Absolutely not / It’s nothing
→ Informal (friends, family)
→ Often used with implicit negatives such as: 全然大丈夫 (ぜんぜん だいじょうぶ ), 全然気にしない (ぜんぜん きにしない)
For example, you apologize for bothering your mom:
You: 迷惑 (めいわく）でしたか。(Am I bothering you mom?)
Mom: 全然（ぜんぜん）。(Absolutely not)
7. 気にしないで (ki ni shinaide) = Don’t worry / Don’t mind
→ Friendly Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Used when the other person apologizes or thanks for a small thing.
For example, you apologize for bothering your classmate:
You: ごめんね、急（きゅう）に連絡 （れんらく）して。(Sorry for contacting you so suddenly)
Your classmate: いいよ。気（き）にしないで。(It’s okay, don’t worry)
8. 遠慮しないで (enryo shinaide) = Don’t be shy / Don’t be formal
→ Moderately polite – friendly (acquaintances, guests, colleagues)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but rather encouragement.
For example, you visit your friend’s house and his father tell you to eat there with them:
His father: ホアちゃん、今日（きょう）はここでご飯（はん）食（た）べようね。(Hoa, let’s eat here today.)
You: え、いいんですか。(Oh, is that okay?)
His father: : 遠慮（えんりょ）しないで。(Don’t be shy.)
9. よかった (yokatta): Thank goodness / That’s good
→ Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but rather expresses relief.
For example, you find your dog after a long time searching:
Your friend: 見（み）つかりました。(I found it!)
You: よかった！(Thank goodness!)
10. 別に (betsuni): It’s nothing special / It’s okay
→ Very intimate, slightly cold if used incorrectly
→ This phrase can easily be misinterpreted as impolite when used with strangers.
For example, a cool tsundere boy helps to carry things for his crush:
Girl: ありがとう。(Thank you)
Boy: 別（べつ）に。(It’s nothing special.)
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Japanese Grammar for Better Communication
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