Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| не́ за что | né za što |
| пожа́луйста | požálujsta |
| не сто́ит благода́рности | ne stóit blagodárnosti |
| на здоро́вье | na zdoróvʹje |
These phrases are used as a polite reaction to receiving thanks.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase не́ за что literally means 'there is nothing for (it)', implying that the favor was so small it does not warrant thanks.
Which one should you use?
не́ за что is a common way to say 'no problem' or 'don't mention it' in a casual sense. In contrast, пожа́луйста is the more standard, polite way to say 'you're welcome'. на здоро́вье is not a general response. It is used specifically after someone thanks you for preparing or serving food or drink.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
не́ за что is an informal way to say 'it's nothing'. For a more formal and elegant expression of 'my pleasure', use не сто́ит благода́рности.
How do you pronounce it?
né za što
When do people say it?
When someone thanks you for providing food or drink, it is customary to respond with на здоро́вье. Using this phrase for any other type of favor can sound strange to Russian speakers.
Did you know?
- Although пожа́луйста means 'you're welcome', it is also the exact word used to say 'please' when making a request.
- The word не in не́ за что is a cognate of the Old English 'ne', which was used as a negation before 'not' became the standard.
- If you use не сто́ит благода́рности in a casual setting with friends, you might sound unintentionally dramatic or overly formal, like using 'it was my distinct honor' in English.
Examples in context
- Не́ за что, это была мелочь.Ne za chto, eto byla meloch.My pleasure, it was a small thing.
- Не́ за что, обращайся в любое время.Ne za chto, obrashchaysya v lyuboe vremya.My pleasure, feel free to ask anytime.
- Не́ за что, я рад был помочь.Ne za chto, ya rad byl pomoch.My pleasure, I was happy to help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “my pleasure” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries за, на, не, что, CC BY-SA 4.0.
