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.
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.
「大丈夫？怪我した？」「大したことないよ」
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?" "It's nothing."
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.
「ありがとう」「うん」
"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.
「ありがとう」「いいえ」
"Thank you." "It's nothing."
The standard 'you're welcome', literally 'what have I done?'. Slightly more formal than いいえ.
「手伝ってくれてありがとう」「どういたしまして」
"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.
「本当にありがとう」「とんでもないです」
"Thank you so much." "Not at all."
Literally 'don't worry about it'. Casual and friendly, used among peers.
「ごめん、遅くなって」「気にしないで」
"Sorry I'm late." "Don't worry about it."
Literally 'it's nothing'. Used when you don't want to explain or when something is trivial.
「どうしたの？」「なんでもない」
"What's wrong?" "It's nothing."
Very casual, often used by younger people. Means 'not really' or 'nothing in particular'.
「怒ってる？」「別に」
"Are you mad?" "It's nothing."
Means 'it's okay' or 'no problem'. Very common and versatile.
「遅れてごめん」「大丈夫だよ」
"Sorry I'm late." "It's nothing."
As above, 'don't worry about it'. Works for both thanks and apologies.
「ごめんね」「気にしないで」
"Sorry." "It's nothing."