Signification
A polite response to a compliment or 'thank you,' meaning 'don't mention it'.
Contexte culturel
Humility (Kenson) is a core social pillar. Accepting praise directly can be seen as lacking grace. 'Tondemonai desu' is the linguistic tool used to maintain this grace. In business, deflecting praise to the team or the client's guidance is essential. Using 'Tondemo gozaimasen' shows high-level 'Kyaku-sama' (customer) respect. In Kyoto, politeness can be even more layered. 'Tondemonai' might be used with a specific soft intonation to sound more elegant (Kyoto-ben influence). Younger generations still use it, but often shorten it to 'Zenzen' (Not at all) or 'Iie iie' in casual settings, reserving 'Tondemonai' for part-time jobs or elders.
The 'Iie' Sandwich
For maximum naturalness, sandwich it: 'Iie, tondemonai desu, iie.' It sounds very humble.
Don't overdo it
If you say it 10 times in one conversation, it starts to sound insincere. Mix it with 'Arigatou' occasionally.
Signification
A polite response to a compliment or 'thank you,' meaning 'don't mention it'.
The 'Iie' Sandwich
For maximum naturalness, sandwich it: 'Iie, tondemonai desu, iie.' It sounds very humble.
Don't overdo it
If you say it 10 times in one conversation, it starts to sound insincere. Mix it with 'Arigatou' occasionally.
Body Language
Always wave your hand slightly in front of your chest (palm facing left/right) when saying this to a compliment.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate response to the following compliment from your boss: 'Your Japanese is very good!'
Boss: 日本語がとても上手ですね！
Option C is the most humble and culturally appropriate response. Option B is okay but less 'Japanese' in a formal setting. Option A is arrogant.
Complete the dialogue with the correct polite form.
A: 昨日は手伝ってくれてありがとう。 B: いえいえ、_______。
'Tondemonai desu' is the standard polite present form.
Match the phrase variation to the correct situation.
1. とんでもない (Casual) | 2. とんでもございません (Very Formal) | 3. とんでもないです (Standard Formal)
Casual for friends, 'gozaimasen' for clients, 'desu' for teachers/standard situations.
What would you say if a stranger thanks you for picking up their dropped wallet?
Stranger: あ、ありがとうございます！助かりました。 You: _______。
This is a polite, natural way to dismiss the thanks and wish them well.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesBoss: 日本語がとても上手ですね！
Option C is the most humble and culturally appropriate response. Option B is okay but less 'Japanese' in a formal setting. Option A is arrogant.
A: 昨日は手伝ってくれてありがとう。 B: いえいえ、_______。
'Tondemonai desu' is the standard polite present form.
1. とんでもない (Casual) | 2. とんでもございません (Very Formal) | 3. とんでもないです (Standard Formal)
Casual for friends, 'gozaimasen' for clients, 'desu' for teachers/standard situations.
Stranger: あ、ありがとうございます！助かりました。 You: _______。
This is a polite, natural way to dismiss the thanks and wish them well.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsTechnically, some purists say 'Tondemonai' is an adjective and shouldn't take 'desu' directly, but in modern Japanese, it is 100% standard and correct.
Yes! In a casual setting, 'Tondemonai!' can mean 'That's impossible!' or 'No way!'
'Douitashimashite' is 'You're welcome.' 'Tondemonai desu' is 'Not at all.' The latter is more humble and formal.
Yes, it is a very polite and appropriate way to respond to a teacher's praise.
Expressions liées
どういたしまして
similarYou're welcome.
滅相もない
specialized formDon't be absurd / Not at all.
恐縮です
similarI am humbled / I feel small.
まだまだです
builds onI still have a long way to go.
