아니에요
anieyopolite
After 감사합니다 (gamsahamnida), the most natural reply is 아니에요 (anieyo), "no, it is nothing". More formal replies are 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) and 별말씀을요 (byeolmalsseumeuryo).
Meaning: reply to thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 아니에요 | anieyo | polite |
| 천만에요 | cheonmaneyo | polite, formal |
| 별말씀을요 | byeolmalsseumeuryo | polite, humble |
Which one should you use?
천만에요 means "you are welcome" and fits a service setting. 아니에요 is more modest and common in everyday talk. 별말씀을요 means "do not mention it".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Among friends, answer 아냐 (anya) or 뭘 (mwol), which both mean "it is nothing".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Korean has no exact word for "you are welcome". Shop staff often answer thanks with a bow or 네 (ne) instead of a set phrase.
Did you know?
- The reply 아니에요 literally means "it is not", as if you deny that you did anything special.
Examples in context
- 아니에요, 별거 아니에요.anieyo, byeolgeo anieyo.No, it is nothing.
- 천만에요, 또 도와드릴게요.cheonmaneyo, tto dowadeurilgeyo.You are welcome, I will help again.
- 아냐, 뭘.anya, mwol.No problem.
Example conversation
Neighbor Mr. Song helps Mrs. Yoon carry her bags up the stairs.
- Mrs. Yoon도와주셔서 감사합니다.dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.Thank you for helping.
- Mr. Song아니에요. 무겁죠?anieyo. mugeopjyo?Not at all. They are heavy, right?
- Mrs. Yoon네, 정말 감사해요.ne, jeongmal gamsahaeyo.Yes, thank you so much.
