Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| de nada | /de ˈnada/ | |
| no hay de qué | /ˌno ˌai de ˈke/ | |
| no hay por qué | /no ai poɾ ke/ (from spelling rules) | |
| con gusto | /kon ˈɡusto/ | Colombia |
These phrases are used as a reply to someone saying thank you. While de nada is the most common and versatile response, other variations can be used depending on the level of formality or the specific region.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de nada literally means 'of nothing'. The phrase no hay de qué literally translates to 'there is nothing of which (to thank)'.
Which one should you use?
De nada is the most common and versatile way to say 'you're welcome'. In contrast, no hay de qué is a slightly more formal alternative that carries the meaning 'there's nothing to thank for'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be more formal or polite, you can use no hay de qué or the phrase Es un placer, which means 'it's a pleasure'. For informal settings, you might use No hay problema (no problem) or Fue un gusto (it was a pleasure).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, you will often hear con gusto, which means 'with pleasure' or 'gladly', used to express that a favor was done gladly. In some Latin American countries, No hay problema may be used instead of de nada.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈnada/
When do people say it?
Using ¡De nada, hombre! is an informal way to say "You're welcome, man!" In Colombia, using con gusto specifically emphasizes that the favor was done gladly.
Did you know?
- The word nada comes from the Latin nāta, which means 'a thing born'. Literally, the word for 'nothing' evolved from the idea of 'no born thing'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase de nada is often accompanied by a slight nod or a smile to soften the literal 'it was nothing' sentiment.
- In some contexts, saying no hay de qué is not just formal but is used to humbly deflect praise, suggesting the person did not do anything worthy of thanks.
Examples in context
- "Gracias." "No hay de qué.""Thank you." "You're welcome."This shows a formal response to a thank you.Tatoeba #3664380 by Seael, translation #2077 by Swift
- "Gracias por la ayuda." "De nada.""Thank you for your help." "You're welcome."This is a standard response to a thank you for help.Tatoeba #1958773 by marcelostockle, translation #12258348 by Miktsoanit
- "Gracias." "De nada.""Thanks." "You're welcome."This is a simple, common way to respond to thanks.Tatoeba #2965 by Shishir, translation #1050524 by Eldad
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is helping Lucía carry some heavy bags.
- AlejandroTen cuidado con las bolsas.Be careful with the bags.
- LucíaMuchas gracias por tu ayuda, Alejandro.Thank you very much for your help, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
- LucíaEres muy amable.You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you're welcome” translations and entries de nada, no hay de qué, con gusto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, hay, nada, no, no hay de qué, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
