どういたしまして
Douitashimashite
You are welcome
Literally: What have I done [to deserve thanks]?
In 15 Seconds
- The standard, polite way to say 'you are welcome' in Japanese.
- Best used with strangers, teachers, or in general polite public settings.
- Can feel a bit stiff or formal among very close friends.
Meaning
It is the classic way to say 'you’re welcome' in Japanese. It tells the other person that what you did was no big deal and they shouldn't worry about it.
Key Examples
3 of 6Holding the door for a stranger
どういたしまして。
You are welcome.
Helping a teacher with their bags
いいえ、どういたしまして。
No, you're very welcome.
A colleague thanks you for a report
どういたしまして。お疲れ様です。
You're welcome. Good job today.
Cultural Background
The act of bowing while saying 'Douitashimashite' is common. A small 15-degree bow (eshaku) usually accompanies this phrase to show sincerity. In business, 'Douitashimashite' is often replaced by 'O-yaku ni tatete saiwai desu' (I am happy to be of use) to emphasize service over just 'being welcome.' Younger generations often find 'Douitashimashite' too long and stiff. They frequently use 'Zenzen!' (Not at all!) with a smile. In Osaka/Kyoto, you might hear more local variations, but 'Douitashimashite' remains the universal standard for anyone coming from outside the region.
The 'Iie' Buffer
Adding 'Iie' (No) before 'Douitashimashite' makes you sound much more natural and humble.
Don't shorten it!
Unlike 'Arigatou' which can be 'Domo,' 'Douitashimashite' cannot be shortened to 'Dou.'
In 15 Seconds
- The standard, polite way to say 'you are welcome' in Japanese.
- Best used with strangers, teachers, or in general polite public settings.
- Can feel a bit stiff or formal among very close friends.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'gold standard' for being polite. It is the first response you learn for arigatou. It literally translates to 'what have I done?' This shows your humble side. You are telling them your help was small. It makes the other person feel at ease. It is like saying 'it was nothing' with a bow.
How To Use It
Wait for that arigatou to hit your ears. Then, respond with a gentle dou itashimashite. Keep your voice soft and friendly. A small nod makes it even better. It is like a verbal high-five for being helpful. Don't overthink the grammar; just say it as one piece. It flows better when you say it smoothly without pauses.
When To Use It
Use it when a stranger thanks you for directions. It is perfect for a shopkeeper or a teacher. Use it in a meeting when a colleague says thanks. It works great when you are being a 'good citizen.' It is the 'safe bet' for most social interactions. You will sound like a well-mannered person every time. Imagine you just held the elevator for someone; this is your moment.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this with your very best friends. It can sound a bit too stiff or distant. They might think you are being sarcastic or cold. Also, be careful with very high-ranking bosses. For them, a more humble phrase is often better. If you use it while texting your sibling, they might laugh. It is a bit like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. You do not want to sound like a textbook at a party.
Cultural Background
Japanese culture loves the 'art of the humble brag.' By saying this, you minimize your own effort. It is not about being 'welcome'; it is about being modest. Historically, it comes from humble verbs used in the Edo period. It is deeply rooted in the concept of enryo (restraint). You are basically saying, 'Please, do not worry about me.' It is all about maintaining social harmony.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, try ie ie. This literally means 'no, no.' It is the most common way friends talk. For something super formal, use tondemo gozaimasen. That means 'it is unthinkable that I deserve thanks.' In casual texts, you might see douita. It is the lazy, cute version of the full phrase. Sometimes people just give a polite smile and a nod instead.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-polite expression. While safe for beginners, be aware that native speakers often find it slightly formal for daily use among peers.
The 'Iie' Buffer
Adding 'Iie' (No) before 'Douitashimashite' makes you sound much more natural and humble.
Don't shorten it!
Unlike 'Arigatou' which can be 'Domo,' 'Douitashimashite' cannot be shortened to 'Dou.'
Smile and Nod
In Japan, a smile and a small nod often communicate 'you're welcome' more effectively than the words alone.
The 'Ie Ie' Trend
If you want to sound like a local, try using 'Ie ie' (No, no) instead of the long textbook version.
Examples
6どういたしまして。
You are welcome.
A standard, polite response to a stranger's thanks.
いいえ、どういたしまして。
No, you're very welcome.
Adding 'iie' (no) makes it sound even more humble.
どういたしまして。お疲れ様です。
You're welcome. Good job today.
Combines a polite response with a common office greeting.
どういた！またね！
You're welcome! See ya!
Uses the slangy, shortened 'douita' for a close friend.
はい、どういたしまして！
Yes, you are most welcome!
Using a slightly over-enthusiastic tone for a small task.
どういたしまして。気をつけてね。
You're welcome. Take care, okay?
Warm and reassuring tone for a sensitive situation.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate polite response.
A: {本|ほん}を{貸|か}してくれてありがとう。 B: ________。
When someone thanks you (Arigatou), the standard response is 'Douitashimashite'.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
You helped a stranger find the train station and they thanked you.
Helping a stranger is a perfect time for the polite 'Douitashimashite'.
Which of these is the most formal way to say 'You're welcome'?
Choose the most formal option:
'Ii yo' and 'Uun' are casual. 'Douitashimashite' is the formal/neutral standard.
Fill in the missing characters: ど__たしまして
ど__たしまして
The full phrase is 'Douitashimashite'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say You're Welcome
Formal
- • どういたしまして
- • とんでもございません
Casual
- • いいよ
- • 全然！
- • 気にしないで
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: {本|ほん}を{貸|か}してくれてありがとう。 B: ________。
When someone thanks you (Arigatou), the standard response is 'Douitashimashite'.
You helped a stranger find the train station and they thanked you.
Helping a stranger is a perfect time for the polite 'Douitashimashite'.
Choose the most formal option:
'Ii yo' and 'Uun' are casual. 'Douitashimashite' is the formal/neutral standard.
ど__たしまして
The full phrase is 'Douitashimashite'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's not 'rude,' but it's not the most professional. It's better to use 'O-yaku ni tatete kouei desu.'
No, 'Dou' means 'How' and makes no sense on its own in this context.
Japanese politeness often involves longer words to show respect and take up more 'social space.'
Yes, but mostly in formal or semi-formal settings. In casual life, 'Ie ie' is more common.
Just bow and say 'Iie' (No). It works perfectly!
Yes (どう致しまして), but it is almost always written in hiragana.
No, it is strictly a response to being thanked.
Yes, frequently in school or formal settings.
No, that is 'Douzo' or 'Onegaishimasu.' Don't mix them up!
Yes, it is completely gender-neutral.
Related Phrases
いいえ
similarNo
とんでもない
specialized formNot at all
こちらこそ
similarMe too / Likewise
気にしないで
synonymDon't worry about it
よかった
builds onI'm glad
