What does it mean word for word?
The phrase どういたしまして is composed of dō, meaning 'how' and itashimashite, which is the polite te-form of the humble verb itasu, meaning 'to do'.
Which one should you use?
While どういたしまして is the standard response, there are other options depending on the situation. Use いいえ、どういたしまして to be more polite and emphasize your intention to be helpful. For a friendly, relaxed and humble response among close friends or family, use いえいえ.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
どういたしまして is the standard textbook translation, but it can sound slightly formal or even slightly distant in casual daily conversation. いいえ、どういたしまして is a polite version, while いえいえ is an informal, friendly option.
How do you pronounce it?
dōitashimashite
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using どういたしまして toward superiors or bosses, as it can sometimes sound as if you are accepting the thanks too readily. Using a more humble phrase is safer.
Did you know?
- The phrase とんでもないです literally translates to 'it is unthinkable' or 'that is out of the question'. It is used to extremely strongly deny that you have done anything worthy of thanks.
- A common habit when saying いえいえ is to wave one's hand in front of the face to physically 'brush away' the thanks.
- When replying to a superior, some Japanese people will avoid a direct 'you're welcome' and instead use こちらこそ, which means 'it is I who should be thanking you'.
Examples in context
- どういたしまして。You're welcome.This example shows the phrase used alone as a reply.Tatoeba #408295 by bunbuku, translation #403068 by Ramses
- 「ありがとう」「どういたしまして」"Thank you." "You're welcome."This example shows a simple exchange between 'thank you' and 'you're welcome'.Tatoeba #5278 by bunbuku, translation #2077 by Swift
- 「色々どうも有難う」「どういたしまして」"Thank you for everything." "You're welcome."This example shows a reply to a more detailed expression of gratitude.Tatoeba #145950 by KK_kaku_, translation #2783888 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota helps Misaki carry a heavy bag.
- 美咲 Misaki荷物を運んでくれてありがとう。Nimotsu o hakonde kurete arigatō.Thank you for carrying my luggage.
- 陽太 Yotaどういたしまして。Dōitashimashite.You're welcome.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に助かりました。Hontō ni tasakarimashita.You really helped me out.
- 陽太 Yotaいいえ、気にしないでください。Iie, kinishinaide kudasai.No, please don't mention it.
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.
