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 thanking you. While de nada is the standard response, you can use con gusto to emphasize that you were happy to perform the favor or service. For more specific nuances, Es un placer serves as a formal way to say 'it's a pleasure', No hay problema is an informal way to say 'no problem' and Para eso estamos is an informal way to say 'that's what we're here for'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de nada literally translates to 'of nothing'. The phrase no hay de qué literally means 'there is nothing of which (to thank)'.
Which one should you use?
De nada is the most common and neutral way to say 'you're welcome'. In contrast, no hay de qué is a slightly more formal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
De nada is a neutral option suitable for most situations. No hay de qué is a more formal or polite version. For very formal settings, you might use Es un placer, while No hay problema and Para eso estamos are informal expressions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, it is common to use con gusto to mean 'you're welcome' or 'with pleasure'.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈnada/
Did you know?
- The word nada stems from a Latin concept describing 'nothing born', a way of expressing total non-existence.
- The common phrase de nada is composed of words that originally meant 'of nothing', implying the favor was so small it was practically non-existent.
Examples in context
- "Gracias." "No hay de qué.""Thank you." "You're welcome."This demonstrates a response to a thank you using no hay de qué.Tatoeba #3664380 by Seael, translation #2077 by Swift
- "Gracias por la ayuda." "De nada.""Thank you for your help." "You're welcome."This shows a response to a thank you for help using de nada.Tatoeba #1958773 by marcelostockle, translation #12258348 by Miktsoanit
- "Gracias." "De nada.""Thanks." "You're welcome."Tatoeba #2965 by Shishir, translation #1050524 by Eldad
- De nada. Fue un placer ayudarte.You're welcome. It was a pleasure to help you.
- No hay de qué. Estoy aquí para ayudarte siempre.You're welcome. I'm here to help you anytime.
- Es un placer. Siempre hago mi mejor esfuerzo.You're welcome. I always do my best.
- ¡De nada! Disfrútalo.You're welcome! Enjoy it.
- No hay problema. Siempre estaré aquí para ayudarte.You're welcome. I'll always be here to help you.
- Para eso estamos. Cuenta conmigo siempre.You're welcome. Count on me anytime.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier gives María a book that she wanted to read.
- MaríaMuchas gracias por el libro, Javier.Thank you very much for the book, Javier.
- JavierDe nada, María.You're welcome, María.
- MaríaEs muy amable de tu parte.It is very kind of you.
- JavierNo es nada.It's nothing.
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.
