Saying “you’re welcome” in Japanese isn’t one-size-fits-all. While textbooks teach どういたしまして (dō itashimashite), everyday conversations often use friendlier replies like いいよ (ii yo), modest phrases such as いえいえ (ieie), or even a simple nod or bow.
In this guide, you’ll learn 20 natural responses—from casual to formal—so you can acknowledge thanks gracefully in shops, at work, and with friends, plus when non-verbal etiquette (a small bow) is the best answer of all.
1. Casual and Everyday Responses (With Friends & Peers)
Use these with close friends, classmates, or peers. They’re warm, brief, and often paired with a smile or tiny nod.
1-1 うん！ (un!) — “Yeah!”
A super-casual acknowledgment—like “yep!” after someone says thanks. It’s minimal, so keep it friendly in tone.
ありがとう！
Arigatō— “Thanks!”
うん！
Un! — “Yeah!”
1-2 はーい (hāi) — “Yup!”
An elongated はい used playfully or warmly. Works when the “thanks” follows a request you agreed to.
手伝ってくれて、ありがとう！
Tetsudatte kurete, arigatō! — “Thanks for helping!”
はーい。
Hāi. — “Yup!” (friendly acknowledgment)
1-3 いいよ／いいよー (ii yo / ii yō) — “No big deal.”
The go-to casual reply meaning “it’s fine / don’t mention it.”
飲み物おごってくれて、ありがとう。
Nomimono ogotte kurete, arigatō.ー “Thank you for buying me a drink.”
いいよー。
Ii yō. — “No worries.”
1-4 よかった (yokatta) — “Glad I could help.”
Literally “that’s good,” used to share relief or happiness that things worked out.
さっきのアドバイス、助かった。ありがとう！
Sakki no adobaisu, tasukatta. Arigatō! ー “That advice was helpful. Thanks!”
よかった。
Yokatta. — “Glad it helped.”
Note: The expression “それは よかった” (That was good) is also often used by adding ‘それは’ (That is) before “よかった” (It was good).
1-5 ううん (uun) — Informal “No, it’s fine.”
A gentle “nah” that downplays the favor—roughly “no need to thank me.”
ボールペンを貸してくれて、ありがとう！
Bōrupen o kashite kurete, arigatō! ー “Thank you for lending me your ballpoint pen!”
ううん。
Uun. — “It’s nothing.”
Watch the sound: うん (un) = “yeah,” ううん (uun) = “nah.”
1-6 気にしないで (ki ni shinai de) — “Don’t worry about it.”
Casual, reassuring, and often used when the other person feels they caused trouble.
遅れてごめん。それと、手伝ってくれてありがとう。
Okurete gomen. soreto, tetsudatte kurete arigatō. ー “Sorry I’m late. And thank you for helping me.”
気にしないで。
Ki ni shinai de. — “Don’t worry about it.”
Politeness tip: With acquaintances, you can soften to 気にしないでね (ki ni shinai de ne) to keep it friendly but not brusque.
2. Polite Ways for Everyday Formality (Acquaintances, Colleagues)
Use these with coworkers you don’t know well, shop staff, or neighbors. They’re courteous without sounding stiff.
2-1 全然大丈夫です (Zenzen daijōbu desu) — “Not a problem.”
A friendly reassurance that everything’s fine—natural after thanks that comes with a small apology.
すみません、手伝ってくれてありがとうございます。
Sumimasen, tetsudatte kurete arigatō gozaimasu. ー “I’m sorry, thank you for your help.”
全然大丈夫です。
Zenzen daijōbu desu. — “No problem at all.”
Note: Common after apologies. With only thanks (no apology), it still works as “No worries.”
2-2 遠慮しないで (Enryo shinaide) — “Please don’t hesitate.”
Signals “Don’t hesitate to ask again.”
質問に答えてくださって、ありがとうございます。
Shitsumon ni kotaete kudasatte, arigatō gozaimasu. ー “Thank you for answering my question.”
遠慮しないで、また聞いてください。
Enryo shinaide, mata kiite kudasai. — “Don’t hesitate—ask me anytime.”
Politer variants: どうぞ遠慮なく (dōzo enryo naku), 遠慮なさらないでください (enryo nasaranaide kudasai).
2-3 いえいえ (Ieie) — Modest “Not at all.”
A humble deflection when someone thanks or praises you.
迅速なご対応、ありがとうございます。
jinsoku na go-taiō, arigatō gozaimasu. ー “Thank you for your prompt response.”
いえいえ。
Ieie. — “Not at all.”
Pronunciation tip: It’s いえいえ (ieie), not the formal negation いいえ (iie).
2-4 こちらこそ (Kochira koso) — “My pleasure!”
Literally “it is I (who should thank you).” Use when the benefit was mutual.
本日はお時間いただき ありがとうございました。
Honjitsu wa ojikan itadaki arigatō gozaimashita. ー “Thank you for your time today.”
こちらこそ、ありがとうございました。
Kochira koso, arigatō gozaimashita. — “The pleasure is mine—thank you.”
Pairing with ありがとうございました works well after a meeting or event has ended.
2-5 とんでもない（です） (Tondemonai (desu)) — “Not at all.”
A stronger, humble denial—good for downplaying thanks or praise.
ご親切にしていただき、ありがとうございます。
Go-shinsetsu ni shite itadaki, arigatō gozaimasu. ー “Thank you very much for your kindness.”
いえいえ、とんでもないです。
Ieie, tondemonai desu. — “Not at all.”
Use a gentle tone. Said too abruptly, とんでもない can sound like “No way!” Softening with いえいえ or adding です keeps it polite.
3. Formal & Humble Responses (Workplace, Superiors)
Use these with clients, managers, teachers, and in business writing. They convey respect and modesty.
3-1 どういたしまして (Dō itashimashite) — Standard textbook “You’re welcome.”
Safe and universally understood. In adult business settings it can sound a bit “textbook,” so many professionals prefer the humble alternatives below—but this is never wrong.
本日はご対応いただき、ありがとうございました。
Honjitsu wa go-taiō itadaki, arigatō gozaimashita. ー “Thank you very much for your cooperation today.”
どういたしまして。今後ともよろしくお願いいたします。
Dō itashimashite. Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai itashimasu.
— “You’re welcome. I look forward to working with you.”
3-2 恐縮です／恐縮でございます (Kyōshuku desu / …de gozaimasu) — “I’m obliged.”
A humble set phrase that downplays praise or thanks. It signals “I’m flattered/indebted; please don’t mention it.” The …でございます version is extra formal.
迅速なご対応、誠にありがとうございました。
Jinsoku na go-taiō, makoto ni arigatō gozaimashita. ー “Thank you very much for your prompt response.”
恐縮です。お力になれて何よりです。
Kyōshuku desu. O-chikara ni narete nani yori desu.
— “I’m obliged. I’m glad I could be of help.”
Usage note: 恐縮です isn’t a literal “you’re welcome,” but it’s a very natural way to accept thanks modestly in business.
3-3 お役に立ててよかったです (Oyaku ni tatete yokatta desu) — “Glad I could help.”
Warm, professional, and service-minded—excellent after you’ve solved a problem.
問題が解決しました。ご支援、ありがとうございました。
Mondai ga kaiketsu shimashita. Go-shien, arigatō gozaimashita. ー “The problem has been resolved. Thank you for your support.”
お役に立ててよかったです。
Oyaku ni tatete yokatta desu.
— “I’m glad I could help.”
Softer variant: お力になれてよかったです (o-chikara ni narete yokatta desu).
3-4 お役に立てて光栄です (Oyaku ni tatete kōei desu) — “Honored to be of help.”
Adds a touch of formality and respect—good for VIPs, written replies, or ceremonial contexts.
この度は多大なお力添え、誠にありがとうございました。
Kono tabi wa tadai na o-chikarazoe, makoto ni arigatō gozaimashita. ー “Thank you very much for your tremendous support.”
お役に立てて光栄です。今後ともよろしくお願い申し上げます。
Oyaku ni tatete kōei desu. Kongo tomo yoroshiku onegai mōshiagemasu.
— “It’s an honor to have been of help. I appreciate your continued partnership.”
Pro tip: In formal emails, pair these with closers like 引き続きよろしくお願いいたします or 今後ともよろしくお願い申し上げます to maintain a courteous tone.
4. Non-Verbal Responses
Sometimes the most natural “you’re welcome” is non-verbal. In Japan, light backchanneling (相づち / aizuchi) and small bows often acknowledge thanks just as well as words—especially in brief public interactions.
Simple aizuchi (like nodding or saying “un-un”) or a small bow can serve as a natural response to thanks without words.
4-1 Nodding — Backchannel signals appreciation
A single, relaxed nod with a small smile communicates “no problem” or “happy to help.” It’s common when words would feel excessive or when you’re moving past someone.
When it fits
- Quick, low-stakes exchanges (holding a door, passing an item).
- In motion (elevator, hallway), when speaking would be awkward.
- Paired with a soft はい (hai) or どうも (dōmo) for extra warmth.
Mini-dialogs
- A：ありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.
B：（ニコッと軽くうなずく）— silent nod = “you’re welcome.” - A：助かりました、ありがとう。Tasukarimashita, arigatō.
B：（うなずき）はい。 — nod + hai.
One gentle nod is enough; multiple quick nods can read as impatient.
4-2 Bowing — A polite gesture that often accompanies any phrasing
A quick 会釈 (eshaku)—about 15° for one second—is the default “polite acknowledgement” to thanks. It’s routinely paired with modest phrases like いえいえ (ieie) or とんでもないです (tondemonai desu).
When it fits
- Customer-facing situations (shops, reception, service).
- Formal settings where you want visible courtesy.
- When speaking softly (crowded/quiet spaces).
Mini-dialogs
- A：本当にありがとうございます。Hontō ni arigatō gozaimasu.
B：（会釈）いえいえ。 — slight bow + “Not at all.” - A：今日は助かりました、ありがとうございました。Kyō wa tasukarimashita, arigatō gozaimashita.
B：（会釈）どういたしまして。 — slight bow + “You’re welcome.”
Etiquette notes: Keep your back straight, let the bow start with the neck/waist (not just a head bob), and time it to overlap the end of your phrase for a smooth, respectful feel.
5. Regional Dialects and Local Variations
Dialect replies can sound warm and local—but keep them to the region where they’re used. When in doubt, default to いえいえ / どういたしまして.
5-1 Kansai Dialect: かまへん (kamahen), ええから (ee kara)
Both downplay thanks: “no worries,” “it’s fine.”
- A：手伝ってくれて、ありがとうな。
Tetsudatte kurete, arigatō na. ー “Thanks for your help.”
B：かまへん、かまへん。
Kamahen, kamahen. — “No problem at all.” - A：わざわざありがとう。
Wazawaza arigatō. ー “Thank you for your kindness.”
B：ええから、気にせんとき。
Ee kara, ki ni sentoki. — “It’s fine—don’t worry about it.”
Note: Other Kansai variants include 気にせんといて (kinisentoite, “don’t worry about it”).
5-2 Hokkaidō: なんもなんも (nanmo nanmo)
A characteristic Hokkaidō way to dismiss thanks: “not at all; don’t mention it.”
- A：雪かき助かりました、ありがとうございます。
Yukigaki tasukarimashita, arigatō gozaimasu. ー “Thank you for helping me shovel the snow.”
B：なんもなんも。
Nanmo nanmo. — “No problem at all.”
From December to March, residents clear heavy snow from roofs, yards, and roadsides to keep daily life safe.
5-3 Kyūshū: うんにゃ (unnya)
In parts of Kyūshū (esp. Kagoshima), うんにゃ means “no / not at all,” and can modestly brush off thanks. A wider, easy option heard around Fukuoka is よかよ／よかよー (yokayō) = “it’s fine; no worries.”
- A：急に頼んでごめん、ありがとう。
Kyū ni tanonde gomen, arigatō.
B：うんにゃ、よかよ。
Unnya, yokayō. — “Nah, it’s fine.”
5-4 Okinawan: ぐぶりーさびたん (guburii sabitan)
In Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan), ぐぶりーさびら (guburii sabira) means “excuse me/please pardon me” and is used as a polite parting phrase when leaving a visit or passing in front of someone—akin to 失礼します.
Its past form ぐぶりーさびたん (guburii sabitan) literally means “I have been rude/I excused myself” (失礼しました). In everyday Okinawan use, this has also extended to a modest reply to thanks—functioning like “you’re welcome / don’t mention it.”
- A：ソーキそば、おごってくれて、ありがとうございます。
sokisoba, ogottekurete, arigatō gozaimasu. ー “Thank you for treating me to Soki Soba.” - B：ぐぶりーさびたん。 — “You’re welcome.”
A rich variety of Okinawa soba topped with tender, slow-simmered pork spare ribs that melt into the broth.
Usage notes
- These are regional forms; outside Okinawa—or with younger speakers—standard Japanese replies like いえいえ or どういたしまして are safer.
- Etymology in brief: （ご）無礼 (burē “rudeness”) + polite auxiliary さびら → ぐぶりーさびら (“excuse me”); past さびたん → ぐぶりーさびたん (“I excused myself”), which can politely accept thanks.
Source: 沖縄の方言（うちなーぐち）一覧と解説のまとめ｜沖縄方言.com “【沖縄方言】ぐぶりーさびたん意味は「かしこまりました」使い方、由来も解説” ([Okinawan dialect] The meaning of “guburisabitan” is “I understand.” Explanation of usage and origin.). Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://xn--nfvr6mqoqxjl.com/greetings/kashikomarimashita/
Language shift (context)
Okinawan (しまくとぅば) is classified as endangered, and local surveys show declining use—while about 73.2% report a sense of familiarity with the language, only 28.6% say they use it at least for greetings or more. This means you’ll hear these forms less often among younger speakers, even in Okinawa.
Source: Okinawa Prefectural Government. “令和3年度 しまくとぅば県民意識調査報告書” (2021 Okinawan Language Prefectural Public Awareness Survey Report). Retrieved August 20, 2025, from https://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/shigoto/kankotokusan/1011671/1011741/1011777/1011781.html
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