Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| de nada | /d͡ʒi ˈna.dɐ/ (Brazil) /dɨ ˈna.dɐ/ (Portugal) |
| não há de quê | /ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈa d͡ʒi ˈke/ (Brazil) /ˈnɐ̃w̃ ˈa dɨ ˈke/ (Portugal) |
| disponha | /d͡ʒisˈpõ.ɲɐ/ (Brazil) |
| por nada | /puʁ ˈna.dɐ/ (Brazil) |
These phrases are used as a reply to someone expressing gratitude. While de nada is the most universal variant, other options exist depending on the level of formality and the nuance you wish to convey.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de nada literally translates to of nothing.
Which one should you use?
The most common and casual way to say you're welcome is de nada. A synonym used in similar informal contexts is por nada. For a more formal and traditional approach, you can use não há de quê, which carries the meaning "there is nothing to thank for". If you want to be particularly polite, you can use disponha, which implies "I am at your disposal" if you need more help.
How do you pronounce it?
The phrase de nada is pronounced /dʒi ˈna.dɐ/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, some speakers might use imagina as a way to say 'don't mention it', suggesting the thanks were unnecessary.
- The word nada in the phrase de nada actually traces its roots back to the Latin term for 'no born thing'.
- In Brazil, it is common to respond to a 'thank you' with a simple smile or a nod in very casual settings, sometimes omitting de nada entirely.
Examples in context
- Muito obrigado! De nada."Thank you very much!" "You're welcome."This example shows how to respond to 'Thank you very much!' using de nada.Tatoeba #2793537 by carlosalberto, translation #2793534 by carlosalberto
- Sempre diga "Por favor", "Obrigado", "Com licença," e "De nada".Always say "Please," "Thank you," "Excuse me," and "You're welcome."This sentence lists common polite expressions, including de nada.Tatoeba #6732230 by carlosalberto, translation #6731752 by Hybrid
- De nada.You're welcome.This is a standalone use of de nada to say 'You're welcome.'Tatoeba #380433 by brauliobezerra, translation #403068 by Ramses
- De nada, foi um prazer ajudar!You're welcome, it was a pleasure to help!
- Não há de quê, pode ficar com ele o tempo que precisar!You're welcome, you can keep it as long as you need!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz thanks Felipe for helping her with a heavy bag.
- BeatrizObrigada pela ajuda, Felipe!Thanks for the help, Felipe!
- FelipeDe nada, Beatriz.You're welcome, Beatriz.
- BeatrizVocê é muito gentil.You are very kind.
- FelipeEu fico feliz em ajudar.I am happy to help.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you're welcome” translations and entries de nada, não há de quê, disponha, por nada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, há, nada, não, não há de quê, por, quê, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
