별말씀을요
byeolmalsseumeullyo
The English phrase "mention not" is translated into Korean as 별말씀을요 (byeolmalsseumeullyo).
별말씀을요 is used specifically as a response to being thanked. It functions as a way to downplay one's own effort or contribution, essentially telling the other person that they do not need to thank you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 별 (extraordinary/special), 말씀 (honorific form of 'word/speech') and the particle 을요 (an object marker used in a polite, elliptical way), literally meaning "Don't mention such extraordinary words".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
별말씀을요 is a polite and formal way to respond to someone's gratitude. For other ways to express similar sentiments, you might use the formal 천만에요 (you're welcome / don't mention it), the formal 아니에요 (it's nothing / don't mention it) or the formal 별 말씀을요 (nothing / mention not). In informal situations, you can use 아니야 (it's nothing / don't mention it) or 괜찮아 (it's okay).
How do you pronounce it?
byeolmalsseumeullyo
Did you know?
- While 천만에요 is the textbook translation for 'you are welcome', it is rarely used in spontaneous daily conversation and can sound unnaturally formal or like a line from a dubbed movie.
- The word 말씀 used in 별말씀을요 is a unique 'double honorific' that can be used both to exalt the speech of a superior and to humble one's own speech.
- Koreans may accompany a phrase like 별말씀을요 with a slight wave of the hand or a small head shake to physically signal the dismissal of the other person's gratitude.
Examples in context
- 별말씀을요, 제가 당연히 해야 할 일인걸요.byeolmalsseumeulyo, jega dang-yeon-hi haeya hal iringeolyo.Mention not, it is something I should naturally do.
- 별말씀을요, 도움이 되었다니 다행이에요.byeolmalsseumeulyo, doumi doeeotdani dahaeng-ieyo.Mention not, I am glad it was helpful.
Example conversation
Minjun helped Jieun carry a heavy box.
- 민준 Min-jun짐을 옮겨줘서 정말 고마워요, 지은 씨.jim-eul om-gyeo-jwo-seo jeong-mal go-ma-wo-yo, ji-eun ssi.Thank you so much for moving the luggage, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun별말씀을요. 별로 힘들지 않았어요.byeol-malsseum-eul-yo. byeol-lo him-deul-ji ana-sseo-yo.Don't mention it. It wasn't that hard.
- 민준 Min-jun그래도 정말 큰 도움이 됐어요.geu-rae-do jeong-mal keun do-um-i dwae-sseo-yo.Still, it was a huge help.
- 지은 Ji-eun언제든 필요하시면 말씀하세요.eon-je-deun pil-yo-ha-si-myeon mal-sseum-ha-se-yo.Please let me know whenever you need help.
