Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 천만에요 | cheonman-eyo | [t͡ɕʰʌ̹nma̠ne̞jo] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 아니에요 | anieyo | |
| 별말씀을요 | byeolmalsseum-eur-yo | |
| 천만의 말씀입니다 | cheonman-ui malsseum-imnida | |
| 별것 아니었습니다 | byeolgeot anieotseumnida | |
| 별거 아니에요 | byeolgeo anieyo | |
| 괜찮아요 | gwaenchanayo | |
| 고맙긴요 | gomapgin-yo | |
| 뭘요 | mwor-yo |
These phrases are used to respond to expressions of gratitude.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 천만에요 is an idiom meaning "not at all" or "by no means". The part 천만 (cheonman) literally refers to the number ten million.
Which one should you use?
천만에요 is the direct dictionary translation for "you're welcome", but in daily conversation, 아니에요 is much more frequent and means "it's nothing" or "no problem". Other variations include 별말씀을요, which means "don't mention it" and 뭘요, a colloquial way to dismiss thanks similar to saying "it's nothing". 괜찮아요 can also be used to mean "it's okay" or "no big deal", implying that the favor caused no trouble.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
천만에요 is a formal way to say you're welcome. 별말씀을요 and 아니에요 are polite options, with 별말씀을요 being slightly more formal than 아니에요. 뭘요 is commonly used in a slightly more casual manner, while 괜찮아 is a casual version used to mean "it's alright" or "no problem".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 별거 아니에요 is a common way to downplay a favor and translates literally to "it is not a special/big thing".
How do you pronounce it?
cheonman-eyo
When do people say it?
The phrase 고맙긴요 uses the suffix '-긴요' to express a modest or dismissive tone, effectively saying "there is no need for such thanks".
Did you know?
- When using 아니에요 as 'you're welcome', speakers often shake their head slightly from side to side. This physical gesture reinforces the verbal denial of the favor's importance.
- In Korean culture, it is common to respond to thanks by denying the favor entirely using 아니에요. This reflects a cultural value of modesty where accepting praise or gratitude too directly can seem arrogant.
- The word 천만 (ten million) in 천만에요 was historically used to represent an unimaginably large number. Using it here suggests that the idea of the speaker deserving thanks is one in ten million, or nearly impossible.
Examples in context
- 아니에요.You're welcome.This sentence shows a polite response to thanks using 아니에요.Tatoeba #3189869 by cueyayotl, translation #403068 by Ramses
- "감사합니다." "천만에요.""Thank you." "You're welcome."This sentence shows a formal exchange of thanks using 천만에요.Tatoeba #1531868 by cc_neko, translation #2077 by Swift
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin helps Minjun carry a heavy box.
- 민준 Min-jun도와주셔서 정말 감사합니다, 수빈 씨.dowajusyeoseo jeongmal gamsahabnida, Subin ssi.Thank you so much for helping me, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin천만에요. 별로 무겁지 않았어요.cheonmaneyo. byeollo mugeopji anasseoyo.You're welcome. It wasn't very heavy.
- 민준 Min-jun그래도 정말 고마워요.geuraedo jeongmal gomawoyo.Still, I'm really grateful.
- 수빈 Su-bin아니에요, 언제든 말씀하세요.anieyo, eonjedeun malsseumhaseyo.No problem, just let me know anytime.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you're welcome” translations and entries 천만에요, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
