Translation guide
How to say 'it's nothing' in Japanese, used to downplay a favor, dismiss thanks, or minimize a situation.
You want to say 'it was nothing' or 'don't mention it' after someone thanks you for a small favor.
A simple, polite way to say 'no, it's nothing' in response to thanks. Very common.
"Thank you." "It's nothing."
The standard 'you're welcome', literally 'what have I done?'. Slightly more formal than いいえ.
"Thanks for helping me." "You're welcome."
Means 'not at all' or 'don't be ridiculous'. Used to strongly deny that any thanks are needed.
"Thank you so much." "Not at all."
Literally 'don't worry about it'. Casual and friendly, used among peers.
"Sorry I'm late." "Don't worry about it."
You want to say that something is not a big deal, like a minor injury or mistake.
Means 'it's not a big deal' or 'it's nothing serious'. Common in casual speech.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" "It's nothing."
Literally 'it's nothing'. Used when you don't want to explain or when something is trivial.
Very casual, often used by younger people. Means 'not really' or 'nothing in particular'.
You want to say 'it's nothing' or 'no problem' after someone apologizes.
Both are used to respond to thanks. いいえ is simpler and more casual, while どういたしまして is slightly more formal and explicit. In very casual situations, いいえ can sound a bit stiff; friends might use うん or just smile.
"Thanks." "Yeah."
Avoid directly translating 'it's nothing' as それは何でもない in most contexts. While なんでもない exists, it is used for 'nothing in particular' or when brushing off a question, not typically as a response to thanks.
"What's wrong?" "It's nothing."
"Are you mad?" "It's nothing."