What does it mean word for word?
The phrase どういたしまして literally translates to something like "what have I done (to deserve such thanks)", implying that the favor was so small it doesn't warrant thanks.
Which one should you use?
If 'no problem' is used to mean 'it is not an issue' or 'I am fine' rather than 'you are welcome,' use 大丈夫です instead of どういたしまして.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While どういたしまして is the standard textbook translation for 'you're welcome,' it can sound slightly stiff or overly formal in casual daily conversation. For more formal situations, you can use Shinpai gozaimasen, which literally translates to 'I have no worry.' In informal settings, Japanese speakers often use いえいえ to mean 'no problem' or 'don't mention it' when responding to thanks or Iya iya which can be translated as 'Nah, don't worry' or 'No, no.'
How do you pronounce it?
dōitashimashite
Did you know?
- To be even more humble than どういたしまして, people may use とんでもございません, which suggests that the idea of them deserving thanks is completely out of the question.
- While 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu) means 'it is fine', it can be confusing because it can also be used to politely decline an offer, acting as a 'no problem' that actually means 'no thank you'.
- In very formal business Japanese, the phrase どういたしまして is often avoided entirely in favor of お役に立てて光栄です, which means 'I am honored to have been of use'.
Examples in context
- Shinpai gozaimasen. (心配ございません。)No problem.
- Heiki da yo! (平気だよ！)I'm fine!
Example conversation
Yui thanks Hiroto for helping her carry a heavy box.
- 結衣 Yui手伝ってくれてありがとう。Tetsudatte kurete arigatō.Thank you for helping me.
- 大翔 Hirotoどういたしまして。Dōitashimashite.You're welcome.
- 結衣 Yui本当に助かったわ。Hontō ni tasukatta wa.You really helped me out.
- 大翔 Hiroto気にしないでください。Ki ni shinaide kudasai.Please don't worry about it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry どういたしまして, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
