de nada
/de ˈnada/
In Spanish, de nada means "you're welcome".
The phrase de nada is used as a polite response to someone thanking you, meaning "you're welcome" or "it's nothing".
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, de nada translates to "of nothing".
Which one should you use?
While de nada is a standard response, no hay de qué is a more formal alternative meaning "there is no reason (to thank me)".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear Por nada to mean "you're welcome", while in Caribbean Spanish, no hay problema is a common way to express the same sentiment.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈnada/
Did you know?
- The word nada has a surprisingly deep origin, stemming from the Latin phrase meaning 'not a thing born'.
- In some regions, de nada can be used ironically when someone thanks you for something that actually caused you a great deal of trouble.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a smile or a slight nod of the head often accompanies de nada to signal genuine modesty.
Examples in context
- De nada, es un placer.You're welcome, it's a pleasure.
- No hay de qué, de nada.Don't mention it, you're welcome.
- ¡De nada! Me alegra ayudarte.You're welcome! I'm happy to help you.
Example conversation
Alejandro helps María carry a heavy bag.
- AlejandroTen, yo llevo la bolsa.Here, I'll carry the bag.
- MaríaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
- MaríaEres muy amable.You are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry de nada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, nada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
