libens
[ˈlɪ.bẽːs]
The English phrase 'you're welcome' can be translated into Latin as libens or nihil est.
Meaning: reply to thanks (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| libens | [ˈlɪ.bẽːs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈliː.bens] (narrow) |
| nihil est | [ˈni.(ɦ)ɪɫ ˈɛst] (Classical Latin, word by word, narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nihil est literally translates to 'it is nothing'.
Which one should you use?
libens functions more like the English 'gladly' or 'with pleasure', whereas nihil est functions like the English 'it's nothing'.
Did you know?
- The word nihil comes from ne, meaning 'not', and hīlum, which referred to 'the least bit' or a tiny scrap of a thing.
- In Classical Latin, the concept of a polite 'you're welcome' response was less standardized than it is in modern English.
- The term libens is actually a present participle, meaning it functions more like an adverb describing how the action was performed.
Examples in context
- Libens hoc tibi feci.I did this gladly for you.
- Libens te adiuvo.I am happy to help you.
Example conversation
Gaius helps Claudia carry a heavy book.
- GaiusEcce, libellum porto.Here, I'll carry the book.
- ClaudiaGratias tibi ago, Gai.Thank you, Gaius.
- GaiusLibens.You're welcome.
- ClaudiaTu es optimus amicus.You are the best friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you're welcome” translations and entries libens, nihil est, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nihil, est) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, libens, nihil, nihil est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
