どういたしまして
dōitashimashite
In Japanese, "you're welcome" is どういたしまして (dōitashimashite).
どういたしまして is the standard phrase used to reply to thanks. While it is the dictionary translation for "you're welcome," be aware that using it toward a superior or a customer can sometimes sound slightly patronizing or overly assertive in Japanese social hierarchies.
Meaning: reply to thanks (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally breaks down to "what can I do (about it)" in a humble or polite sense, implying that the favor was no trouble at all.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, other phrases may be more appropriate.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more casual settings, いえいえ is common. For formal or professional settings where you must show respect to a superior or client, use とんでもございません.
How do you pronounce it?
dōitashimashite
Did you know?
- In many professional settings, instead of saying 'you're welcome', staff will simply say ありがとうございます (thank you) back to the customer to avoid sounding like they are judging the customer's gratitude.
- Japanese culture often prefers 'minimizing' one's own effort, so a common way to say 'you're welcome' is to simply say こちらこそ meaning 'it is I who should be thanking you'.
- The phrase どういたしまして is derived from the verb いたす, which is the humble version of 'to do' in Japanese.
Examples in context
- どういたしまして。You're welcome.This example shows the phrase used as a simple standalone response.Tatoeba #408295 by bunbuku, translation #403068 by Ramses
- 「ありがとう」「どういたしまして」"Thank you." "You're welcome."This example shows a brief exchange between "Thank you" and "You're welcome."Tatoeba #5278 by bunbuku, translation #2077 by Swift
- 「色々どうも有難う」「どういたしまして」"Thank you for everything." "You're welcome."This example shows a response to a more complex thank you.Tatoeba #145950 by KK_kaku_, translation #2783888 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student thanks her classmate for helping with her bag.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、助かったよ。Arigatou, tasukatta yo.Thank you, you really helped me.
- 蓮 Renどういたしまして。Douitashimashite.You're welcome.
- 美咲 Misakiまたお願いするね。Mata onegai suru ne.I'll ask you again sometime.
- 蓮 Renうん、いつでもどうぞ。Un, itsudemo douzo.Yeah, anytime.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どういたしまして, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
