Translation guide
A polite response to thanks, meaning 'you're welcome' or 'it was nothing.' Also used to downplay one's own effort or to preemptively tell someone not to thank you.
You're welcome (polite)
No, no (casual)
The speaker wants to politely acknowledge thanks, often by minimizing the favor or effort.
The standard, polite 'you're welcome.' Safe for most situations.
"Thank you very much." "You're welcome."
A casual, friendly way to say 'no, no, don't mention it.' Very common in spoken Japanese.
Literally 'it's unthinkable,' used to strongly deny that any thanks are needed. Polite and humble.
Means 'please don't worry about it.' Used when the favor was small or the other person seems overly grateful.
Literally 'no,' used as a modest 'not at all.' Can sound a bit abrupt or old-fashioned; more common in writing or formal speech.
The speaker wants to minimize the trouble they went to, often before the other person thanks them.
Casual, friendly way to say 'it's no big deal.' Common among friends.
"This is no big deal. Don't mention it."
Literally 'it's an easy task.' A lighthearted, somewhat old-fashioned way to say 'it was nothing.'
"This much is nothing, don't mention it."
Means 'it's nothing at all.' Very casual, used when the favor was truly trivial.
"Oh, thanks." "Don't mention it."
The speaker anticipates thanks and tells the other person not to bother, often because the favor is small or expected.
Formal way to say 'no thanks are necessary.' Used in business or polite contexts.
"Don't mention it. I only did what was natural."
Casual version of the above, meaning 'no need for thanks.'
A very casual way to say 'it's fine, don't worry about it.' Can sound dismissive if not used with close friends.
"Don't mention it, don't mention it. Don't worry about it."
どういたしまして is the textbook 'you're welcome' and is always safe. いえいえ is more natural in casual conversation and conveys a lighter, friendlier tone. Overusing どういたしまして can sound stiff in everyday chat.
If a friend says 'thanks,' 'いえいえ' is more natural.
The English phrase 'don't mention it' cannot be directly translated into Japanese. Expressions like それを言わないでください (don't say that) would be confusing. Use the set phrases above instead.
「手伝ってくれてありがとう」「いえいえ」
"Thanks for helping me." "No, no, don't mention it."
"You really helped me out." "Don't mention it (it was nothing)."
"Thank you for going out of your way." "Please don't mention it."
「ご親切にありがとうございます」「いいえ、どういたしまして」
"Thank you for your kindness." "No, don't mention it."
"Don't mention it. We're friends, right?"