10 ways to say “You are welcome” in Japanese

10 ways to say “You are welcome” in Japanese

1. どういたしまして (dou itashimashite) = You’re welcome / It’s a pleasure

→ Polite – standard (strangers, colleagues, superiors, customers)
→ This is the most standard way to say “you’re welcome”, often response when someone says “ありがとう” (Arigato)

For example, a shop assistant helps you find the things you need at the store:
You: ありがとうございました。
Shop assistant: どういたしまして。

2. 大丈夫 (daijōbu) = It’s okay / It’s alright

→ Suitable from informal to mildly polite (use for everyone)
→ Used to reassure or accept a request.

For example, a friend bumps into you while running in a hurry.
Your friend: ごめんなさい！
You: 大丈夫です。

3. 問題ない (mondai nai) = No problem

→ Neutral – slightly friendly (colleagues, friends)
→ Reassuring that it’s okay.

For example, your colleague sends a file late:
Colleague: 遅(oku)れてすみません。
You: 問題ないですよ。

4. いいよ (ii yo) = Okay / It’s alright

→ Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Very often used instead of “you’re welcome”.

For example, your brother borrows a pen from you:
Your brother: ありがとう！
You: いいよ。

5. いつでも声かけて (itsudemo koe kakete) = Call/tell me anytime you need help.

→ Friendly (colleagues, friends, acquaintances)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but an offer to help.

For example, you are guiding a newcomer:
Newcomer: 助(たす)かりました。ありがとうございます。
You: うん、いつでも声かけて。

6. 全然 (zenzen) = Absolutely not / It’s nothing

→ Informal (friends, family)
→ Often used with implicit negatives such as: 全然大丈夫 (ぜんぜん だいじょうぶ ), 全然気にしない (ぜんぜん きにしない)

For example, you apologize for bothering your mom:
You: 迷惑　(めいわく）でしたか。(Am I bothering you mom?)
Mom: 全然（ぜんぜん）。(Absolutely not)

7. 気にしないで (ki ni shinaide) = Don’t worry / Don’t mind

→ Friendly Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Used when the other person apologizes or thanks for a small thing.

For example, you apologize for bothering your classmate:
You: ごめんね、急（きゅう）に連絡　（れんらく）して。(Sorry for contacting you so suddenly)
Your classmate: いいよ。気（き）にしないで。(It’s okay, don’t worry)

8. 遠慮しないで (enryo shinaide) = Don’t be shy / Don’t be formal

→ Moderately polite – friendly (acquaintances, guests, colleagues)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but rather encouragement.

For example, you visit your friend’s house and his father tell you to eat there with them:
His father: ホアちゃん、今日（きょう）はここでご飯（はん）食（た）べようね。(Hoa, let’s eat here today.)
You: え、いいんですか。(Oh, is that okay?)
His father: : 遠慮（えんりょ）しないで。(Don’t be shy.)

9. よかった (yokatta): Thank goodness / That’s good

→ Informal (friends, acquaintances)
→ Not “you’re welcome,” but rather expresses relief.

For example, you find your dog after a long time searching:
Your friend: 見（み）つかりました。(I found it!)
You: よかった！(Thank goodness!)

10. 別に (betsuni): It’s nothing special / It’s okay

→ Very intimate, slightly cold if used incorrectly
→ This phrase can easily be misinterpreted as impolite when used with strangers.

For example, a cool tsundere boy helps to carry things for his crush:
Girl: ありがとう。(Thank you)
Boy: 別（べつ）に。(It’s nothing special.)

Each way of saying “You’re welcome” is really different depending on the conversation you are in. For beginners, to understand and better use these structures without confusion, you need to practice again and again, reading, listening and joining in real conversation.

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