In 15 Sekunden
- The standard, most common way to say 'you're welcome.'
- Literally means 'of nothing,' implying the favor was no trouble.
- Safe to use in almost any social or professional situation.
Bedeutung
This is the most common way to say 'you're welcome.' It literally means 'it's nothing,' suggesting that the favor you did wasn't a big deal.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Holding the door for a stranger
— Obrigado! — De nada.
— Thanks! — You're welcome.
After a business meeting
De nada, fico à disposição para o que precisar.
You're welcome, I'm available for whatever you need.
Texting a friend who thanked you for a link
De nada! 😉
No problem! 😉
Kultureller Hintergrund
Brazilians often use 'Imagina' or 'Por nada' as much as 'De nada.' There is a strong emphasis on making the other person feel like the favor was a joy to perform. In Portugal, 'De nada' is standard, but 'Não tem de quê' is very frequent in shops and restaurants, sounding slightly more traditional and polite. Politeness is highly valued. 'De nada' is often followed by 'estamos juntos,' reflecting a culture of mutual support and community. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, 'De nada' is used with great warmth. In formal settings, the full 'Não há de quê' is respected.
The Smile Rule
In Portuguese cultures, 'De nada' is often accompanied by a small smile or a nod to show sincerity.
Gender Neutrality
Remember: 'Obrigado' changes for gender, but 'De nada' never does. It's always the same!
In 15 Sekunden
- The standard, most common way to say 'you're welcome.'
- Literally means 'of nothing,' implying the favor was no trouble.
- Safe to use in almost any social or professional situation.
What It Means
De nada is your go-to response when someone says obrigado or obrigada. It is the bread and butter of Portuguese politeness. Think of it as saying 'don't mention it.' You are telling the other person that the effort you made was small. It makes the other person feel at ease for asking for help.
How To Use It
Using it is incredibly simple. Wait for someone to thank you. Then, just drop a quick de nada. You don't need to conjugate anything. It never changes based on who you are talking to. It is like a verbal high-five after a good deed. If you want to sound extra nice, say it with a smile.
When To Use It
Use it everywhere, every single day. Use it when you hold a door open. Use it when you pass the salt at dinner. It works perfectly when a colleague thanks you for an email. It is great for when a tourist asks for directions. It is the safest choice for any beginner. You will sound like a polite local immediately.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if someone is giving you a massive, life-changing gift. In very deep, emotional moments, it might sound a bit too casual. If you saved someone's life, de nada is a bit of an understatement! Also, don't use it if you are the one who should be saying thank you. It is strictly a response to gratitude, not a conversation starter.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values humility and warmth. By saying 'it is nothing,' you are being humble. It is a way to maintain social harmony. In Brazil, people are generally very informal and friendly. In Portugal, it is just as common but might be said more quickly. It has been the standard response for centuries across the Lusophone world.
Common Variations
If you want to spice things up, try não há de quê. This is a bit more elegant and formal. In Brazil, you will often hear imagina. This literally means 'imagine,' as in 'imagine I would even charge you for that!' Another casual one is por nada. If you are feeling very relaxed, just say disponha. This means 'at your disposal.'
Nutzungshinweise
Extremely versatile and neutral. It works in 99% of situations from the beach to the boardroom. No gender or number agreement required.
The Smile Rule
In Portuguese cultures, 'De nada' is often accompanied by a small smile or a nod to show sincerity.
Gender Neutrality
Remember: 'Obrigado' changes for gender, but 'De nada' never does. It's always the same!
The Brazilian 'Imagina'
If you want to sound like a local in Brazil, try using 'Imagina' instead of 'De nada'—it sounds very natural.
Don't be silent
In many Lusophone countries, not responding to 'Obrigado' can be seen as rude. Always say 'De nada'!
Beispiele
6— Obrigado! — De nada.
— Thanks! — You're welcome.
A classic, everyday polite exchange.
De nada, fico à disposição para o que precisar.
You're welcome, I'm available for whatever you need.
Adding a professional follow-up makes it sound more polished.
De nada! 😉
No problem! 😉
Works perfectly in digital chats with emojis.
De nada, imagina! Amigos são para essas coisas.
Don't mention it! Friends are for these things.
Combining it with 'imagina' adds warmth.
De nada... não fiz mais que a minha obrigação!
You're welcome... I did nothing more than my duty!
A slightly humorous way to say it was no big deal.
— Obrigada. — De nada, aproveite a refeição.
— Thank you. — You're welcome, enjoy your meal.
Standard service industry politeness.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the dialogue with the most common response.
Ana: Muito obrigada pela ajuda! Pedro: ___.
De nada is the standard response to 'obrigada.'
Which of these is NOT a way to say 'You're welcome' in Portuguese?
Select the incorrect option:
'Você é bem-vindo' is an incorrect literal translation from English.
Match the response to the context.
Context: A formal business email thanking you for a report.
'Não tem de quê' is more appropriate for formal written contexts.
Choose the most natural Brazilian variation.
— Valeu pela carona! — ___!
'Imagina' is a very common and natural Brazilian response to 'valeu.'
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAna: Muito obrigada pela ajuda! Pedro: ___.
De nada is the standard response to 'obrigada.'
Select the incorrect option:
'Você é bem-vindo' is an incorrect literal translation from English.
Context: A formal business email thanking you for a report.
'Não tem de quê' is more appropriate for formal written contexts.
— Valeu pela carona! — ___!
'Imagina' is a very common and natural Brazilian response to 'valeu.'
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, in very casual situations, repeating 'Nada, nada' while waving your hand is common.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
It's a way of saying 'Imagine that I would even consider this a favor'—it's very polite and modest.
There is almost no difference in meaning. 'Por nada' is slightly more common in Brazil.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for standard business emails.
No. Unlike 'Obrigada,' 'De nada' is invariant.
It means 'There is nothing of what [to thank].' It's a more formal version.
Yes, it is universal across Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, etc.
No. If someone says 'Desculpe' (Sorry), you should say 'Tudo bem' or 'Não foi nada.'
It means 'At your disposal.' It's a very polite way to say you're happy to help again.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Por nada
synonymFor nothing
Não há de quê
formalThere is nothing of what [to thank]
Imagina
similarImagine
Disponha
specialized formAt your disposal
Obrigado
contrastThank you
