How to Say ‘Not at all, thank you very much.’ in Japanese

いえいえ、ありがとうございました。

ie ie arigatou gozai mashi ta

[ee-eh ee-eh ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee mah-shee tah]

💬 Usage Tip: ございました is the past form, used to thank someone for something that's already finished, like a ride that just ended. Use ありがとうございます for thanks in the moment or for something still ongoing.

🇯🇵 In Japan: いえいえ (ie-ie) brushes off the driver's apology or bow so neither side loses face. Even after a disagreement over payment, Japanese passengers typically close with polite thanks rather than leaving on a sour note.