What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the adverb どう (how/in what way), the verb いたす (the humble form of 'to do') and the polite connective form しまして (do/doing). It essentially means 'please don't mention it' or 'don't do such a thing [to make a fuss]'.
Which one should you use?
While どういたしまして is the standard response, other forms change depending on the situation. For a more formal tone, you might use 大変光栄です (It is my great honor) or お役に立てて光栄です (It is an honor to be of service). In casual settings, いやいや (No, no) or いえいえ (no, no) are frequently used. When responding to a customer or a superior, the polite phrase とんでもないです (not at all / far from it) is often more appropriate than the standard どういたしまして.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In casual conversation, どういたしまして can feel a bit stiff. Speakers often prefer using the informal いえいえ to mean 'no problem' or 'don't mention it'.
How do you pronounce it?
dōitashimashite
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often over-use どういたしまして in professional settings. In modern Japanese, it can sometimes sound slightly patronizing or overly formal in a way that creates distance. Instead, it is often better to use a humble phrase like こちらこそ (it is I who should be thanking you).
Did you know?
- The word 光栄 (kōei), found in more formal versions of 'my pleasure', refers specifically to 'honor' or 'glory'.
- The verb いたす used in どういたしまして is a humble form of 'to do', which lowers the speaker's status relative to the listener.
- Depending on the tone, いやいや can be used as a rapid-fire response to deflect praise, showing a culturally valued sense of modesty.
Examples in context
- 「ありがとう」「どういたしまして」"Thanks." "My pleasure."This shows a basic exchange of thanks and a response using どういたしまして.Tatoeba #5278 by bunbuku, translation #8933169 by sundown
- 「ありがとうございます」「どういたしまして」"Thank you." "My pleasure."This shows a more polite exchange of thanks and a response using どういたしまして.Tatoeba #4705664 by tommy_san, translation #7496045 by Ricardo14
- 「本当にありがとう！」「どういたしまして！」"Thanks a lot!" "My pleasure!"This shows an enthusiastic exchange of thanks and a response using どういたしまして.Tatoeba #11283991 by small_snow, translation #10587395 by Ricardo14
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki thanks Ren for helping her carry heavy bags.
- 美咲 Misaki荷物を持ってくれて、ありがとうございます。Nimotsu o motte kurete, arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much for carrying my luggage.
- 蓮 Renどういたしまして。Douitashimashite.My pleasure.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に助かりました。Hontou ni tasukarimashita.It was a real help.
- 蓮 Renいえいえ、いつでも言ってください。Ie ie, itsudemo itte kudasai.No problem, please ask 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.
