How to Say ‘You're welcome.’ in Japanese
どういたしまして
dou itashi mashi te
[doh ee-tah-shee mah-shee teh]
💬 Usage Tip: Fixed phrase for “you’re welcome.” Often paired with [いいえ].
🇯🇵 In Japan: In real life, many people simply say [いいえ] or [いえいえ] (a softer “no no”) instead of the full [どういたしまして].
Phrase Breakdown
どう
dou
[doh]
how / in what way (as part of phrase)
どう literally means “how,” but in どういたしまして it’s a fixed set phrase meaning “You’re welcome.” Don’t translate word-by-word in conversation.
ありがとうございます。どういたしまして。
Thank you. You’re welcome.
いたし
itashi
[ee-tah-shee]
(humble form) do / serve (as part of phrase)
いたし is from いたす, a humble form of する (“to do”). In どういたしまして it forms a polite set response to thanks: “You’re welcome.”
駅を案内してくれてありがとうございます。どういたしまして。
Thank you for guiding me to the station. You’re welcome.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
(polite stem, part of phrase)
まし is the stem used in polite forms like 〜ました / 〜まして. Here it appears inside the fixed phrase どういたしまして.
助かりました、ありがとうございます。どういたしまして。
That helped a lot, thank you. You’re welcome.
て
te
[teh]
and / in that way (as part of phrase)
て often connects actions or forms set expressions. In どういたしまして it completes the fixed polite phrase meaning “You’re welcome.”
ありがとうございます。どういたしまして。気をつけて。
Thank you. You’re welcome. Take care.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation scenarios made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“Moved to Tokyo and the polite vs. casual speech levels were killing me. This app breaks it all down with real scenarios. My coworkers noticed the difference in weeks.”
Kevin Z., 31, Game Developer
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager