What does it mean word for word?
The phrase não há de quê literally translates to "there is nothing of which (to thank you)" or "there is nothing to [thank/apologize] for".
Which one should you use?
While não há de quê is a correct way to respond to thanks, de nada is a much more common and versatile way to say "you're welcome" or "no problem" in everyday Portuguese. For expressing that a situation is fine, you might use Tudo bem (everything is fine) or Tranquilo(a) (easy or no problem). If you want to state literally that there is no problem in a formal context, use Não há problema.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
não há de quê is a more formal and traditional way to say "you're welcome" or "no problem" compared to more casual alternatives. For a formal expression meaning "there is no problem", use Não há problema.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you may hear the urban slang Tá suave, which means "it's smooth" or people may use the phrase de boa more frequently.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈa dʒi ˈke/
Did you know?
- The phrase não há de quê shares a common linguistic DNA with the Spanish no hay de qué, the French il n'y a pas de quoi and the Italian non c'è di che.
- Although não há de quê is grammatically perfect, using it in a casual Brazilian street setting might make you sound like a character from a period drama.
Examples in context
- Tudo tranquiloEverything's good
- Sem problemas, tranquilo(a)No problem, easygoing
- Não há problema. Acontece.No problem. It happens.
- Claro, não tem problema.Of course, no problem.
- De boa, mano. Relaxa.No problem, dude. Relax.
- Tranquilo(a), estou aqui para ajudar.No problem, I'm here to help.
- Não há de quê.You're welcome.
- Não há de quê, foi um prazer.No problem, it was a pleasure.
- Não há de quê, não se preocupe.No problem, don't worry about it.
Example conversation
Juliana thanks Gabriel for holding the door open for her.
- JulianaMuito obrigada por segurar a porta, Gabriel.Thank you very much for holding the door, Gabriel.
- GabrielNão há de quê, Juliana.No problem, Juliana.
- JulianaVocê é muito gentil.You are very kind.
- GabrielImagina, não foi nada.No worries, it was nothing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry não há de quê, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, há, não, não há de quê, quê, CC BY-SA 4.0.
