de nada
/de ˈnada/
In Spanish, "you're very welcome" is expressed as de nada.
The primary way to acknowledge someone's thanks is by using de nada. Depending on the context, you can also use other phrases to convey different nuances of being helpful or pleased to assist.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de nada literally translates to "of nothing" or "it is nothing."
Which one should you use?
While de nada is the standard response, no hay de qué is a more formal and elegant way to say "don't mention it" or "there is no reason to thank me". If you want to show more enthusiasm, you can use un placer or es un placer to mean "it's a pleasure" or "it was a pleasure". In very casual settings, you might say ¡Para eso estamos! which translates to "that's what we're here for!"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, a casual and friendly way to respond to thanks is by adding "güey" to the end of the phrase, resulting in De nada, güey.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ˈnada/
Did you know?
- The word nada is a linguistic oddity that evolved from the Latin phrase for 'no born thing'. It implies that the thing being thanked for is so insignificant that it 'was not even born' into existence.
- In some contexts, the phrase de nada can be used as a sarcastic response to someone who feels they are entitled to a favor.
- While de nada is universal, using un placer in a professional setting can signal a higher level of deference and service than the standard response.
Examples in context
- De nada. Estoy aquí para ayudarte.You're very welcome. I'm here to help you.
- No hay de qué. Fue un placer colaborar contigo.You're welcome. It was a pleasure collaborating with you.
- De nada, es un placer.You're welcome, it's a pleasure.
- No hay de qué, de nada.Don't mention it, you're welcome.
Example conversation
Alejandro returns a borrowed book to Lucía.
- LucíaGracias por prestarme el libro, Lucía.Thank you for lending me the book, Lucía.
- AlejandroDe nada, Alejandro. ¿Te gustó?You're very welcome, Alejandro. Did you like it?
- LucíaSí, me encantó la historia.Yes, I loved the story.
- AlejandroMe alegra mucho que te haya gustado.I am very glad that you liked it.
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.
