Meaning
Standard response to thank you.
Cultural Background
In Serbia, refusing thanks with 'Nema na čemu' is part of being a 'domaćin' (a good host). It shows that you value the relationship more than the effort you put in. During a Slava (family patron saint day), guests will thank the host many times. The host will almost always use 'Nema na čemu' or 'Hvala vama što ste došli' to maintain a humble atmosphere. In Belgrade, 'Nema na čemu' is the standard. In rural areas, you might hear 'Bog ti platio' (May God pay you), which is a very traditional way of saying thanks/you're welcome. In Serbian business, 'Nema na čemu' is preferred over 'Ništa' to maintain professionalism. It strikes the right balance between friendliness and distance.
Add a smile
In Serbian culture, the verbal 'Nema na čemu' is often accompanied by a warm smile or a slight nod to show sincerity.
Don't overthink the grammar
Even though 'čemu' is a specific case, just learn the whole phrase as a single block. You'll never need to change it.
Meaning
Standard response to thank you.
Add a smile
In Serbian culture, the verbal 'Nema na čemu' is often accompanied by a warm smile or a slight nod to show sincerity.
Don't overthink the grammar
Even though 'čemu' is a specific case, just learn the whole phrase as a single block. You'll never need to change it.
The 'Ma' prefix
Adding 'Ma...' before the phrase (Ma, nema na čemu!) makes you sound like a native speaker who is being extra modest and friendly.
Eye contact
When saying this to a stranger, brief eye contact is considered polite and respectful.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate polite response.
Marko: 'Hvala ti puno što si mi pozajmio knjigu!' Ana: '________, nadam se da će ti se svideti.'
Ana is responding to Marko's thanks, so 'Nema na čemu' is the standard polite response.
Match the response to the situation.
You just gave your seat to an elderly lady on the bus. She says 'Hvala, sinko' (Thank you, son). What do you say?
'Nema na čemu' is the perfect polite response to an elder's thanks.
Fill in the missing word in the phrase.
Nema ___ čemu.
The fixed preposition for this phrase is 'na'.
Which of these is NOT a correct way to say 'You're welcome' in Serbian?
Select the incorrect option:
'Ti si dobrodošao' is a literal translation from English and is incorrect in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'You're Welcome'
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMarko: 'Hvala ti puno što si mi pozajmio knjigu!' Ana: '________, nadam se da će ti se svideti.'
Ana is responding to Marko's thanks, so 'Nema na čemu' is the standard polite response.
You just gave your seat to an elderly lady on the bus. She says 'Hvala, sinko' (Thank you, son). What do you say?
'Nema na čemu' is the perfect polite response to an elder's thanks.
Nema ___ čemu.
The fixed preposition for this phrase is 'na'.
Select the incorrect option:
'Ti si dobrodošao' is a literal translation from English and is incorrect in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Molim' is a perfectly acceptable and very common alternative to 'Nema na čemu'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your younger brother.
Grammatically, the preposition 'na' in this context requires the locative case, which for 'šta' is 'čemu'.
Yes, in Serbian culture, failing to acknowledge a 'Hvala' can be seen as cold or arrogant.
You can say 'Nema na čemu, zaista' or 'Bilo mi je veliko zadovoljstvo'.
Yes, it is identical in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin.
Absolutely. It is the standard way to respond to thanks in a professional email.
It is the locative/dative form of 'šta' (what). On its own, it means 'to/on what'.
Only if you are talking to someone much older or in a very formal setting like a court.
It's a hard 'ch' sound, like in 'chocolate'. Keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
Related Phrases
Molim
synonymPlease / You're welcome
Ništa
informalNothing
I drugi put
builds onAnd another time
Nema problema
similarNo problem
Zadovoljstvo je moje
specialized formThe pleasure is mine
