24 Polite Japanese Replies to “Thank You”

Expressing gratitude is a beautiful part of any language, but knowing how to respond politely and warmly makes conversations even more special.

In Japanese, there are many ways to reply to “Thank you,” ranging from casual to formal, each adding a unique flavor to your interactions.

Whether you’re chatting with friends, colleagues, or strangers, having a variety of polite replies ready can help you connect better and show respect.

This article will walk you through 24 polite Japanese replies to “Thank you,” perfect for different situations and moods.

Learning these responses will not only improve your Japanese but also help you sound more natural and thoughtful in daily conversations.

Let’s dive right in and explore these warm, friendly ways to say “you’re welcome” in Japanese!

Understanding Polite Replies in Japanese

Politeness is a key aspect of Japanese culture and language.

When someone says “Thank you” (ありがとう arigatou), your reply can show your humility, friendliness, or respect depending on the context.

Using the right level of politeness helps maintain harmony and makes your communication smoother.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Simple phrases often carry deep cultural meaning, so practicing them regularly is a good idea.

Even small gestures like a smile or a slight bow can enhance your polite reply.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. どういたしまして (Dou itashimashite) — “You’re welcome”

This is the classic and most common way to say “You’re welcome” in Japanese.

It’s polite yet casual enough to use with friends, coworkers, or even strangers.

“Dou” means “in what way” and “itashimashite” is a humble form of “to do,” implying “It was nothing.”

Using this phrase shows modesty and appreciation for the thanks you received.

You can safely use it anytime someone thanks you without worrying about formality.

It’s a great phrase to build your polite Japanese foundation.

2. いいえ (Iie) — “No” (Meaning “No problem” or “Not at all”)

“Iie” literally means “No,” but in this context, it means “No problem” or “Don’t mention it.”

This brief reply is easy to remember and very commonly used in everyday conversations.

It’s simple and effective in showing that the favor was no trouble.

Be careful not to confuse it with refusal; tone matters here.

For example, if someone says “Thank you for your help,” replying with “Iie” expresses humility.

It’s a neat, short response perfect for quick exchanges.

3. どうも (Doumo) — “Thanks” or casual “You’re welcome”

“Doumo” is a versatile expression that can mean both “Thanks” and “You’re welcome.”

It’s very casual and often used among friends or younger people.

Using it as a reply to “Thank you” is friendly and informal.

This phrase works well in relaxed settings or casual chats.

Keep in mind it’s less formal than other options, so avoid using it in serious or business contexts.

It’s a great starter phrase to sound natural in everyday Japanese.

4. 気にしないでください (Ki ni shinaide kudasai) — “Please don’t worry about it”

This phrase literally means “Please don’t worry about it.”

It’s polite and comforting, showing that you want the other person to feel at ease.

Perfect for situations where someone feels they might have troubled you.

Note the importance of the polite “kudasai” at the end to keep it respectful.

For example, after helping a friend, you can say this to make them feel relaxed.

It’s a thoughtful way to respond that deepens your connection.

5. どうぞ (Douzo) — “Please” or “Go ahead” as a reply

Though commonly meaning “Please,” “Douzo” can be used as a reply to “Thank you.”

It implies “Here you go” or “I’m happy to help.”

It’s simple, polite, and friendly.

Be careful not to overuse it, as it’s often used when offering something physically.

Used well, it shows generosity and openness.

It’s a useful phrase to add warmth to your replies.

6. 大丈夫です (Daijoubu desu) — “It’s okay” or “No problem”

“Daijoubu desu” means “It’s okay” or “No problem.”

This polite phrase reassures the other person that everything is fine.

It’s a gentle way to respond when someone thanks you for a favor.

Make sure to include “desu” for politeness in most situations.

For example, if someone apologizes and thanks you, this phrase calms the mood.

It’s a versatile reply that works well in many casual to semi-formal contexts.

7. こちらこそ (Kochira koso) — “Likewise” or “The pleasure is mine”

“Kochira koso” literally means “This side (me) indeed,” used to politely say “Likewise.”

It’s a humble way to return thanks or show mutual appreciation.

Very useful in conversations where you want to emphasize that you’re also thankful.

It expresses equality and respect in the exchange.

Using it deepens the sense of connection between speakers.

It’s a great phrase to practice for more natural, balanced conversations.

8. お安いご用です (Oyasui goyou desu) — “It was an easy favor”

This phrase means “It was an easy favor” or “No big deal.”

It’s polite and humble, perfect for downplaying your effort after helping someone.

Including “desu” keeps the tone respectful.

Best used with friends or coworkers to show modesty.

It adds a warm, casual touch to your reply.

Try it out when you want to sound approachable and kind.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 恐れ入ります (Osore irimasu) — “I am humbled” or “Thank you (formal reply)”

This phrase is a very polite and humble way to respond to thanks.

It literally means “I am humbled” and is often used in business or formal situations.

It shows deep respect and appreciation for the gratitude expressed.

Avoid using this phrase casually as it sounds very formal.

For example, replying with “Osore irimasu” to a client’s thanks shows professionalism.

It’s a valuable phrase for formal Japanese communication.

10. こちらこそありがとうございます (Kochira koso arigatou gozaimasu) — “Thank you to you as well”

This is a formal extension of “Kochira koso,” adding “arigatou gozaimasu” for politeness.

It translates to “Thank you to you as well,” showing mutual gratitude.

Perfect for business or respectful social settings.

Make sure to pronounce the long “gozaimasu” to sound natural.

It elevates your reply and demonstrates good manners.

Use it when you want to emphasize respect and appreciation deeply.

11. とんでもないです (Tondemo nai desu) — “Not at all” or “Don’t mention it”

This phrase is a humble way to respond to thanks, meaning “Not at all” or “It’s nothing.”

It’s often used in polite conversations to downplay one’s actions.

Including “desu” keeps the tone formal and respectful.

Avoid using it in casual chats as it might sound too stiff.

For example, after helping a colleague, you can say “Tondemo nai desu” to be humble.

It’s a classic polite reply that sounds genuinely modest.

12. お役に立ててうれしいです (O-yaku ni tatete ureshii desu) — “I’m happy to be of help”

This phrase expresses happiness about being helpful.

It’s polite and warm, perfect for formal or semi-formal contexts.

“O-yaku ni tatsu” means “to be useful” and “ureshii desu” means “I’m happy.”

It’s a thoughtful way to reply to thanks, showing genuine care.

For example, in customer service, this phrase builds rapport.

Practice it to sound sincere and professional.

13. いつでもどうぞ (Itsudemo douzo) — “Anytime, please”

This polite phrase means “Anytime, please,” inviting the other person to ask for help again.

It’s friendly, respectful, and shows willingness to assist.

Great for formal and casual situations alike.

Don’t forget to use polite intonation to sound warm.

For instance, after helping a coworker, saying “Itsudemo douzo” encourages ongoing support.

It’s a perfect phrase to express kindness and availability.

14. お気遣いなく (Okizukai naku) — “No need to worry” or “Don’t trouble yourself”

This phrase politely tells someone not to worry or trouble themselves.

“Okizukai” means “consideration” and “naku” means “without.”

It’s often used in formal or semi-formal conversations.

Avoid using it casually as it may sound too formal.

Use it when someone is overly grateful or apologetic.

It’s a kind way to ease tension and show humility.

15. どうぞお構いなく (Douzo okamai naku) — “Please don’t bother”

Similar to “Okizukai naku,” this phrase politely asks the other person not to worry or trouble themselves.

It’s formal and often used in customer service or polite social situations.

“Okamai” means “concern” or “attention,” and “naku” means “without.”

Be careful to use it in appropriate contexts to avoid sounding cold.

It’s ideal when declining excessive gratitude or offers.

It shows you appreciate the thanks but want to keep things easy.

16. こちらこそお世話になっております (Kochira koso osewa ni natte orimasu) — “I’m the one who’s grateful for your support”

This is a very formal way to say you are the one who is thankful.

“Osewa ni natte orimasu” means “being taken care of” or “receiving support.”

It’s common in business and professional relationships.

Use it to show humility and appreciation for ongoing help.

It’s a phrase that strengthens relationships and mutual respect.

Perfect for emails, meetings, or formal conversations.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. いいよ (Ii yo) — “It’s okay” or “No problem”

“Ii yo” is a very casual and friendly way to say “It’s okay.”

It’s perfect among close friends or family.

Use this when you want to sound natural and laid-back.

Avoid using it in formal or unfamiliar settings.

It’s a quick, easy phrase for everyday casual chats.

Pair it with a smile to sound warm and genuine.

18. どうもね (Doumo ne) — “Thanks, no problem” in slangy tone

“Doumo ne” is a slangy, casual reply often used among friends.

It combines “doumo” (thanks) with “ne,” a sentence-ending particle that softens the tone.

It’s informal and sounds very native-like.

Don’t use it in formal situations or with strangers.

It adds a friendly, easygoing vibe to your conversations.

Great for practicing casual speech with peers.

19. いいってば (Ii tte ba) — “I said it’s okay!” (playful)

This playful phrase means “I told you it’s okay!”

It’s casual and often used to reassure someone who insists on thanking you.

“Tte ba” adds a bit of emphasis and a fun tone.

Use it with close friends or younger people to sound lively.

Avoid in formal or serious contexts.

It helps you sound very natural and friendly.

20. なんでもないよ (Nan demo nai yo) — “It’s nothing”

“Nan demo nai yo” literally means “It’s nothing.”

It’s a casual way to downplay the favor or help you gave.

“Yo” at the end makes it more conversational and warm.

Effective among friends or family to sound humble.

It’s a comforting phrase that assures the other person.

Use it to keep things light and friendly.

21. いいよいいよ (Ii yo ii yo) — “It’s really okay” (friendly repetition)

This phrase repeats “Ii yo” to emphasize that it’s definitely okay.

It’s very casual and friendly, great for informal chats.

Repeating the phrase shows enthusiasm and warmth.

Perfect when someone keeps thanking you and you want to reassure them.

Use it with a smile to sound genuine.

It’s a fun phrase that helps build closeness in relationships.

22. いいから (Ii kara) — “It’s fine, so please don’t worry”

“Ii kara” is a casual phrase meaning “It’s fine, so…” with an implied “please don’t worry.”

It’s used to gently stop someone from worrying or insisting.

Be mindful of tone as it can sound commanding if not soft enough.

Use it with close friends or family for reassurance.

It’s a natural way to calm someone down in casual speech.

Practice it to sound more native-like in informal situations.

23. まあまあ (Maa maa) — “It’s okay” or “Don’t mention it”

“Maa maa” means “So-so” or “It’s okay” depending on context.

As a reply to thanks, it’s a gentle way to say “Don’t mention it.”

It’s very casual and used mostly among friends or family.

Not suitable for formal contexts.

It’s a soft phrase that helps keep the mood light.

Try it out when chatting with close people to sound relaxed.

24. 気にしないで (Ki ni shinaide) — “Don’t worry about it” (casual)

This is a simpler, more casual version of “Ki ni shinaide kudasai.”

It means “Don’t worry about it,” showing friendliness and ease.

Ideal for informal conversations with friends or peers.

Drop “kudasai” to sound less formal but still polite.

It’s a kind phrase that helps you seem approachable and caring.

Use it often to make your Japanese sound natural and warm.

Concluding Thought

Mastering polite replies to “Thank you” in Japanese opens doors to more meaningful and respectful conversations.

By varying your responses from casual to formal, you’ll sound more natural and culturally aware in different settings.

Keep practicing these phrases with friends, classmates, or colleagues, and watch your confidence and communication skills grow beautifully.