de nada
/de ˈnada/
The English phrase "you're welcome (formal)" is translated into Spanish as de nada.
The phrase is a polite response used to acknowledge someone's thanks. While de nada is the standard response, more formal or professional settings may call for other expressions like no hay de qué or es un placer.
Which one should you use?
de nada is the most common way to say "you're welcome", but it is considered neutral rather than strictly formal. For a more formal or professional tone, you may use no hay de qué, which literally means "there is nothing to [thank]”. Another formal option is es un placer, meaning "it's a pleasure"."
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈnada/
Did you know?
- The word nada in de nada originates from the Latin phrase 'nūlla rēs nāta', which literally means 'no born thing'.
- While de nada is common, the formal no hay de qué is a shortened version of no hay de qué darme las gracias, meaning 'there is nothing for which to give me thanks'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, responding to 'thanks' with de nada can feel too dismissive in highly formal settings, leading people to use the more active un placer.
Examples in context
- De nada, es un placer.You're welcome, it is a pleasure.
- De nada, estoy para servirle.You're welcome, I am here to help you.
Example conversation
A customer is thanking a shop assistant for their help.
- LucíaMuchas gracias por su ayuda.Thank you very much for your help.
- AlejandroDe nada, que tenga un buen día.You're welcome, have a good day.
- LucíaIgualmente, adiós.Likewise, goodbye.
- AlejandroHasta luego.See you later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry de nada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, nada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
