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: [どういたしまして] is the textbook "you're welcome," but in real life it can sound a bit formal or stiff in casual situations.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japan, people often reply to thanks with phrases like [いえいえ] or [だいじょうぶです] instead of [どういたしまして]. Fun textbook-versus-real-life moment!
Phrase Breakdown
どう
dou
[doh]
how; in what way
Part of the fixed phrase どういたしまして, meaning you’re welcome.
どういたしまして、とこたえます。
I reply, “You’re welcome.”
いたし
itashi
[ee-tah-shee]
do (humble/polite stem part)
Part of the polite set phrase どういたしまして.
どういたしまして、とえがおでいいます。
I say, “You’re welcome,” with a smile.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite verb ending part
Part of the polite structure inside the fixed expression.
どういたしまして、とていねいにいいます。
I politely say, “You’re welcome.”
て
te
[teh]
te-form ending part
Final sound unit of the fixed phrase どういたしまして.
どういたしまして、とへんじします。
I respond, “You’re welcome.”
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