What does it mean word for word?
The phrase どういたしまして literally conveys the sense of "what have I done [to deserve such thanks]." It is composed of dō (how), itashi (the humble form of "do") and mashite (a polite conjunctive form).
Which one should you use?
While どういたしまして is the standard textbook response, どう致しまして (using the Kanji "致") sounds slightly more formal. If you want to add a touch of humility, you can say いいえ、どう致しまして ("No, no, it was nothing"). For a more polite and humble response when speaking to a customer or a superior, とんでもないです ("not at all / don't mention it") is more appropriate than どういたしまして.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
どういたしまして is a polite, standard expression. For much more casual interactions with friends or close acquaintances, you can use いいよ (you're welcome) or the even more informal いえいえ (no, no / don't mention it). For high-formality situations like business or speaking to superiors, use とんでもないです or the humble いいえ、どう致しまして.
How do you pronounce it?
dōitashimashite
Did you know?
- In extremely formal business Japanese, a person might avoid どういたしまして entirely and instead repeat a thank you to the other person to maintain social balance.
- When using いえいえ to say 'you're welcome', Japanese speakers often wave their hand in front of their face to physically mimic the act of brushing away a compliment.
- In many real-life social situations, Japanese speakers will skip a formal 'you're welcome' entirely and simply respond with a small wave of the hand or a slight bow to signal that no thanks are necessary.
Examples in context
- どういたしまして。You're welcome.This sentence shows the standard way to say "You're welcome."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 sentence shows the dialogue 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 sentence demonstrates responding to a more complex thank you with "You're welcome."Tatoeba #145950 by KK_kaku_, translation #2783888 by CK
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta helps Misaki carry a heavy box.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 健太 Kentaどういたしまして。Douitashimashite.You're welcome.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に助かりました。Hontou ni tasukarimashita.You really helped me out.
- 健太 Kenta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.
