How do native English speakers respond to “Thank you”?
In my school and university I was taught to say "Not at all" or "Don't mention it" in response to "Thank you!". Now I rarely hear these phrases used, but rather something like "You're welcome", "It's OK", "My pleasure", or "No problem".
My real life conversation experience is very poor. I often listen to some English learning podcasts, and watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from the modern real life world.
How do native English speakers tend to respond to "Thank you!" now? What I should care about, when choosing from the available options?
word-choice politeness
|
show 8 more comments
In my school and university I was taught to say "Not at all" or "Don't mention it" in response to "Thank you!". Now I rarely hear these phrases used, but rather something like "You're welcome", "It's OK", "My pleasure", or "No problem".
My real life conversation experience is very poor. I often listen to some English learning podcasts, and watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from the modern real life world.
How do native English speakers tend to respond to "Thank you!" now? What I should care about, when choosing from the available options?
word-choice politeness
2
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
3
For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
2
@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
6
An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
7
As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56
|
show 8 more comments
In my school and university I was taught to say "Not at all" or "Don't mention it" in response to "Thank you!". Now I rarely hear these phrases used, but rather something like "You're welcome", "It's OK", "My pleasure", or "No problem".
My real life conversation experience is very poor. I often listen to some English learning podcasts, and watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from the modern real life world.
How do native English speakers tend to respond to "Thank you!" now? What I should care about, when choosing from the available options?
word-choice politeness
In my school and university I was taught to say "Not at all" or "Don't mention it" in response to "Thank you!". Now I rarely hear these phrases used, but rather something like "You're welcome", "It's OK", "My pleasure", or "No problem".
My real life conversation experience is very poor. I often listen to some English learning podcasts, and watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from the modern real life world.
How do native English speakers tend to respond to "Thank you!" now? What I should care about, when choosing from the available options?
word-choice politeness
word-choice politeness
edited Apr 4 '12 at 16:05
RegDwigнt♦
82.8k31281378
82.8k31281378
asked Sep 4 '10 at 8:10
remrem
4,387245670
4,387245670
2
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
3
For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
2
@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
6
An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
7
As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56
|
show 8 more comments
2
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
3
For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
2
@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
6
An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
7
As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56
2
2
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
3
3
For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
2
2
@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
6
6
An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
7
7
As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56
As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56
|
show 8 more comments
19 Answers
19
active
oldest
votes
In common conversation in the US Midwest I rarely hear "Not at all" or "Don't mention it." "No problem" is very common, and "You're welcome" is also pretty well-used.
My personal usage:
I use "Not at all," "Don't mention it," and "No problem" when the activity I'm being thanked for was really no big deal. I use "My pleasure" when emphasizing that I'm happy to be of assistance (often in a customer service context), and "You're welcome" when the action prompting the thanks was a little bit of a bother. In essence I use different phrases to indicate how "thanks-worthy" the activity was.
That's probably not common usage, though.
EDIT
I think I misrepresented what I originally meant, so here's a little clarification.
If someone thanks me for something I always do (for instance I always cook dinner in our house) then I would say "No problem" or "My pleasure" depending on context. If I did a chore that was someone else's responsibility, I would say "You're welcome" even if I was happy to have done it, because it took an extra effort on my part, not because it was a "bother."
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
|
show 4 more comments
I don't think you'll have any issues with any of these replies in normal conversation, so I wouldn't let it concern you. There is a relatively new study that claims people who say things such as "no problem" in reply to "thank you," are essentially saying that the thanker's issue was somehow beneath the responder, but I doubt if anyone actually feels like that. It's all a big to-do about nothing, really.
If someone thanks you, just be sincere about it--show that you appreciate their acknowledgement of whatever it is that you have done for them in whatever fashion you find comfortable. Heck, use Spanish; say, "de nada."
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes sayde rien
(French).
– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
add a comment |
How native English speakers tend to
respond to "Thank you!" now? What I
should care about, when choosing from
the available options?
In a shop, if the assistant says "thank you", I usually say "thank you" back to them. Another thing is that quite a lot of the time it isn't necessary to reply to "thank you" with any particular "response" phrase. For example in a dialogue like this:
A: Here's your key.
B: Thank you.
A: See you next week.
there isn't really any need to say any set phrase after the "thank you". I think in normal English discourse we often don't reply to "thank you" in any special way. (I don't have any statistics about this, but that is my strong impression.)
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
|
show 2 more comments
"You're welcome" was taught to me in school (NW America) as polite, but "no problem" and "don't mention it" are common between friends. My tech support guy always texts " np" after I thank him for fixing my computer at work. It seems self-effacing and generous to me.
add a comment |
When I first started travelling on business to the US (from Canada), I felt a little miffed that my "Thankyou"s were not being acknowledged. Not with "you're welcome", not with "happy to" or "no trouble at all" or even "no problem". Never mind a "thank YOU" response. Then I noticed that, almost all the time, there was a little "uh-huh". At first that irritated me more, and then I developed a mental translation between "uh-huh" and "you're welcome" and my business trips became less stressful.
I don't think anyone will find you odd if you say "you're welcome" to each thankyou. Don't draw any conclusions about people (their mood, whether they are polite, whether they were raised well, their opinion of your gratitude for their act) by what they say to your thankyous. It varies wildly.
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
add a comment |
The best option is still "you're welcome", and Wiktionary defines it as:
1907 (as reply to “thank you”).
If you're not satisfied, there is the alternative of "My pleasure", which is my personal favourite.
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
add a comment |
The only one that is fairly standard is "You're welcome" the others, in my opinion, are just variants of the same sentiment. That is, it is customary to demur somewhat and make it as if the thing you are being thanked for wasn't worthy of the thanks. It's weird, but who knows where these things get started?
add a comment |
Some other straightforward, professional (possibly terse) options not already mentioned:
Certainly.
Or,
Of course.
Or, already mentioned in longer form, but sometimes shortened to this:
Happy to.
I think that all of these might be more likely to be spoken than written, however.
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
add a comment |
No worries is very common in Australia.
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
add a comment |
My most common response are "Certainly" and "My pleasure" but I sometimes use the less formal "De nada" (I grew up in an area with strong Hispanic roots...), "Sure", "No problem" and of course "You're welcome".
Those you suggest are not in my production vocabulary, but I would find them perfectly acceptable.
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
add a comment |
This depends on your professional setting, but to keep reasonably friendly, often I will simply reply:
No worries.
Or,
Any time.
Or, both:
No worries. Any time.
add a comment |
"You're welcome" is the only correct response to "Thank you" in American English as far as I'm concerned. It grates on my nerves to have someone respond to me using "no problem".
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
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show 2 more comments
I was born in Britain the middle of the last century and learned to say. "Don't mention it." The American response "You're welcome" is now common in Britain and I sometimes use it. Since some acknowledgment seems appropriate I often say "OK". I have heard, "You bet" only from Americans however.
add a comment |
You're welcome!
or
Not a problem!
These are probably your most common and casual replies.
add a comment |
I have read that many in the UK find "You're welcome" grating, preferring the "Not at all" kind of response. I find "No problem" annoying, for reasons I can't quite verbalize.
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
add a comment |
You can use
You're welcome.
or
It was my pleasure.
or
It was nothing. I was happy to help.
There are others, but these will suffice.
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
add a comment |
You would do same for me.
Lesson taught by Guy Kawasaki.
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
1
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
add a comment |
A lot of times in casual conversations, I've seen people, simply nod or smile in response to a 'Thank You'. I think that's also acceptable.
add a comment |
I was born in Britain in 1960 and grew up hearing "You're welcome", "Not at all", "Don't mention it" and "My pleasure". I certainly didn't think of "You're welcome" as an Americanism, rather as the most standard response to "Thank you".
I have lived abroad since the early 1990s and, on a trip back to the UK last month (2018), I was struck by all the shop assistants responding to "Thank you" with "No problem" or "No worries". I was taken aback, since I hadn't expected them (or me) to be worrying about anything. Presumably it has become standard in British English over the past decade and no longer sounds offhand (as it does to me). The compensation is that in Britain the shopkeepers still call their customers "Darling", "Love", "Pet", or other terms of endearment, so I get a warm feeling that way instead.
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
add a comment |
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19 Answers
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In common conversation in the US Midwest I rarely hear "Not at all" or "Don't mention it." "No problem" is very common, and "You're welcome" is also pretty well-used.
My personal usage:
I use "Not at all," "Don't mention it," and "No problem" when the activity I'm being thanked for was really no big deal. I use "My pleasure" when emphasizing that I'm happy to be of assistance (often in a customer service context), and "You're welcome" when the action prompting the thanks was a little bit of a bother. In essence I use different phrases to indicate how "thanks-worthy" the activity was.
That's probably not common usage, though.
EDIT
I think I misrepresented what I originally meant, so here's a little clarification.
If someone thanks me for something I always do (for instance I always cook dinner in our house) then I would say "No problem" or "My pleasure" depending on context. If I did a chore that was someone else's responsibility, I would say "You're welcome" even if I was happy to have done it, because it took an extra effort on my part, not because it was a "bother."
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
|
show 4 more comments
In common conversation in the US Midwest I rarely hear "Not at all" or "Don't mention it." "No problem" is very common, and "You're welcome" is also pretty well-used.
My personal usage:
I use "Not at all," "Don't mention it," and "No problem" when the activity I'm being thanked for was really no big deal. I use "My pleasure" when emphasizing that I'm happy to be of assistance (often in a customer service context), and "You're welcome" when the action prompting the thanks was a little bit of a bother. In essence I use different phrases to indicate how "thanks-worthy" the activity was.
That's probably not common usage, though.
EDIT
I think I misrepresented what I originally meant, so here's a little clarification.
If someone thanks me for something I always do (for instance I always cook dinner in our house) then I would say "No problem" or "My pleasure" depending on context. If I did a chore that was someone else's responsibility, I would say "You're welcome" even if I was happy to have done it, because it took an extra effort on my part, not because it was a "bother."
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
|
show 4 more comments
In common conversation in the US Midwest I rarely hear "Not at all" or "Don't mention it." "No problem" is very common, and "You're welcome" is also pretty well-used.
My personal usage:
I use "Not at all," "Don't mention it," and "No problem" when the activity I'm being thanked for was really no big deal. I use "My pleasure" when emphasizing that I'm happy to be of assistance (often in a customer service context), and "You're welcome" when the action prompting the thanks was a little bit of a bother. In essence I use different phrases to indicate how "thanks-worthy" the activity was.
That's probably not common usage, though.
EDIT
I think I misrepresented what I originally meant, so here's a little clarification.
If someone thanks me for something I always do (for instance I always cook dinner in our house) then I would say "No problem" or "My pleasure" depending on context. If I did a chore that was someone else's responsibility, I would say "You're welcome" even if I was happy to have done it, because it took an extra effort on my part, not because it was a "bother."
In common conversation in the US Midwest I rarely hear "Not at all" or "Don't mention it." "No problem" is very common, and "You're welcome" is also pretty well-used.
My personal usage:
I use "Not at all," "Don't mention it," and "No problem" when the activity I'm being thanked for was really no big deal. I use "My pleasure" when emphasizing that I'm happy to be of assistance (often in a customer service context), and "You're welcome" when the action prompting the thanks was a little bit of a bother. In essence I use different phrases to indicate how "thanks-worthy" the activity was.
That's probably not common usage, though.
EDIT
I think I misrepresented what I originally meant, so here's a little clarification.
If someone thanks me for something I always do (for instance I always cook dinner in our house) then I would say "No problem" or "My pleasure" depending on context. If I did a chore that was someone else's responsibility, I would say "You're welcome" even if I was happy to have done it, because it took an extra effort on my part, not because it was a "bother."
edited Sep 5 '10 at 12:28
answered Sep 4 '10 at 10:07
coricori
3,07721520
3,07721520
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
|
show 4 more comments
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
1
1
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
I know a person living in United States of America, and in 10 years she always replied with you are welcome, but not because I was bothering her.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 11:33
3
3
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@kiamlaluno - While I cannot speak for everyone in the US, I will tend to use more formal language when speaking to non-native speakers of English. Perhaps the person you know does the same?
– ssakl
Sep 4 '10 at 12:54
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
@ssakl: The point is that if she would use you are welcome to mean that I was bothering her, then she should have never said you are welcome. What I meant is that I agree with cori when he says that what he reported is not common usage.
– kiamlaluno
Sep 4 '10 at 13:02
1
1
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
@Cori: +1 nice explanation, it was interesting to read it.
– Roman
Oct 27 '10 at 8:39
1
1
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
I am from Pakistan and my boss has worked in Pakistan and USA. Today, I replied back to him using "Not at all." He came to my room and asked me what it meant.
– Fahad Uddin
Sep 10 '15 at 10:53
|
show 4 more comments
I don't think you'll have any issues with any of these replies in normal conversation, so I wouldn't let it concern you. There is a relatively new study that claims people who say things such as "no problem" in reply to "thank you," are essentially saying that the thanker's issue was somehow beneath the responder, but I doubt if anyone actually feels like that. It's all a big to-do about nothing, really.
If someone thanks you, just be sincere about it--show that you appreciate their acknowledgement of whatever it is that you have done for them in whatever fashion you find comfortable. Heck, use Spanish; say, "de nada."
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes sayde rien
(French).
– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
add a comment |
I don't think you'll have any issues with any of these replies in normal conversation, so I wouldn't let it concern you. There is a relatively new study that claims people who say things such as "no problem" in reply to "thank you," are essentially saying that the thanker's issue was somehow beneath the responder, but I doubt if anyone actually feels like that. It's all a big to-do about nothing, really.
If someone thanks you, just be sincere about it--show that you appreciate their acknowledgement of whatever it is that you have done for them in whatever fashion you find comfortable. Heck, use Spanish; say, "de nada."
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes sayde rien
(French).
– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
add a comment |
I don't think you'll have any issues with any of these replies in normal conversation, so I wouldn't let it concern you. There is a relatively new study that claims people who say things such as "no problem" in reply to "thank you," are essentially saying that the thanker's issue was somehow beneath the responder, but I doubt if anyone actually feels like that. It's all a big to-do about nothing, really.
If someone thanks you, just be sincere about it--show that you appreciate their acknowledgement of whatever it is that you have done for them in whatever fashion you find comfortable. Heck, use Spanish; say, "de nada."
I don't think you'll have any issues with any of these replies in normal conversation, so I wouldn't let it concern you. There is a relatively new study that claims people who say things such as "no problem" in reply to "thank you," are essentially saying that the thanker's issue was somehow beneath the responder, but I doubt if anyone actually feels like that. It's all a big to-do about nothing, really.
If someone thanks you, just be sincere about it--show that you appreciate their acknowledgement of whatever it is that you have done for them in whatever fashion you find comfortable. Heck, use Spanish; say, "de nada."
answered Sep 4 '10 at 14:21
user1013user1013
1812
1812
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes sayde rien
(French).
– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
add a comment |
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes sayde rien
(French).
– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
9
9
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
+1 for being pragmatic. Sincerity and e.g. a smile will matter much more than what exact words you utter in such a situation.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 14:30
I sometimes say
de rien
(French).– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
I sometimes say
de rien
(French).– imallett
Feb 9 '15 at 3:59
add a comment |
How native English speakers tend to
respond to "Thank you!" now? What I
should care about, when choosing from
the available options?
In a shop, if the assistant says "thank you", I usually say "thank you" back to them. Another thing is that quite a lot of the time it isn't necessary to reply to "thank you" with any particular "response" phrase. For example in a dialogue like this:
A: Here's your key.
B: Thank you.
A: See you next week.
there isn't really any need to say any set phrase after the "thank you". I think in normal English discourse we often don't reply to "thank you" in any special way. (I don't have any statistics about this, but that is my strong impression.)
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
|
show 2 more comments
How native English speakers tend to
respond to "Thank you!" now? What I
should care about, when choosing from
the available options?
In a shop, if the assistant says "thank you", I usually say "thank you" back to them. Another thing is that quite a lot of the time it isn't necessary to reply to "thank you" with any particular "response" phrase. For example in a dialogue like this:
A: Here's your key.
B: Thank you.
A: See you next week.
there isn't really any need to say any set phrase after the "thank you". I think in normal English discourse we often don't reply to "thank you" in any special way. (I don't have any statistics about this, but that is my strong impression.)
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
|
show 2 more comments
How native English speakers tend to
respond to "Thank you!" now? What I
should care about, when choosing from
the available options?
In a shop, if the assistant says "thank you", I usually say "thank you" back to them. Another thing is that quite a lot of the time it isn't necessary to reply to "thank you" with any particular "response" phrase. For example in a dialogue like this:
A: Here's your key.
B: Thank you.
A: See you next week.
there isn't really any need to say any set phrase after the "thank you". I think in normal English discourse we often don't reply to "thank you" in any special way. (I don't have any statistics about this, but that is my strong impression.)
How native English speakers tend to
respond to "Thank you!" now? What I
should care about, when choosing from
the available options?
In a shop, if the assistant says "thank you", I usually say "thank you" back to them. Another thing is that quite a lot of the time it isn't necessary to reply to "thank you" with any particular "response" phrase. For example in a dialogue like this:
A: Here's your key.
B: Thank you.
A: See you next week.
there isn't really any need to say any set phrase after the "thank you". I think in normal English discourse we often don't reply to "thank you" in any special way. (I don't have any statistics about this, but that is my strong impression.)
edited Sep 4 '10 at 14:52
answered Sep 4 '10 at 13:21
delete
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
|
show 2 more comments
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
Why is it unnecessary to reply to "thank you"? Not on a grammar level, but a manners level.
– kajaco
Sep 4 '10 at 14:44
8
8
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
When omitting a reply to "thank you", I've seen people smile instead of saying something, essentially responding non-verbally. Not responding in any way seems somewhat rude to me.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:08
5
5
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
@Neil Fein: not responding in any way to what someone else says is usually considered rude whether they have said "thank you" or anything else.
– delete
Sep 4 '10 at 15:11
1
1
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
@NeilFein I assume "See you next week" would be said with a smile in the example dialogue above.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:03
1
1
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
+1 for mentioning "thank you" as a possible response to "thank you" and also mentioning that sometimes you don't need to respond directly.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:06
|
show 2 more comments
"You're welcome" was taught to me in school (NW America) as polite, but "no problem" and "don't mention it" are common between friends. My tech support guy always texts " np" after I thank him for fixing my computer at work. It seems self-effacing and generous to me.
add a comment |
"You're welcome" was taught to me in school (NW America) as polite, but "no problem" and "don't mention it" are common between friends. My tech support guy always texts " np" after I thank him for fixing my computer at work. It seems self-effacing and generous to me.
add a comment |
"You're welcome" was taught to me in school (NW America) as polite, but "no problem" and "don't mention it" are common between friends. My tech support guy always texts " np" after I thank him for fixing my computer at work. It seems self-effacing and generous to me.
"You're welcome" was taught to me in school (NW America) as polite, but "no problem" and "don't mention it" are common between friends. My tech support guy always texts " np" after I thank him for fixing my computer at work. It seems self-effacing and generous to me.
edited Dec 27 '12 at 18:41
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
62.3k1187182
answered Sep 6 '10 at 8:12
PicturepocketPicturepocket
1,55688
1,55688
add a comment |
add a comment |
When I first started travelling on business to the US (from Canada), I felt a little miffed that my "Thankyou"s were not being acknowledged. Not with "you're welcome", not with "happy to" or "no trouble at all" or even "no problem". Never mind a "thank YOU" response. Then I noticed that, almost all the time, there was a little "uh-huh". At first that irritated me more, and then I developed a mental translation between "uh-huh" and "you're welcome" and my business trips became less stressful.
I don't think anyone will find you odd if you say "you're welcome" to each thankyou. Don't draw any conclusions about people (their mood, whether they are polite, whether they were raised well, their opinion of your gratitude for their act) by what they say to your thankyous. It varies wildly.
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
add a comment |
When I first started travelling on business to the US (from Canada), I felt a little miffed that my "Thankyou"s were not being acknowledged. Not with "you're welcome", not with "happy to" or "no trouble at all" or even "no problem". Never mind a "thank YOU" response. Then I noticed that, almost all the time, there was a little "uh-huh". At first that irritated me more, and then I developed a mental translation between "uh-huh" and "you're welcome" and my business trips became less stressful.
I don't think anyone will find you odd if you say "you're welcome" to each thankyou. Don't draw any conclusions about people (their mood, whether they are polite, whether they were raised well, their opinion of your gratitude for their act) by what they say to your thankyous. It varies wildly.
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
add a comment |
When I first started travelling on business to the US (from Canada), I felt a little miffed that my "Thankyou"s were not being acknowledged. Not with "you're welcome", not with "happy to" or "no trouble at all" or even "no problem". Never mind a "thank YOU" response. Then I noticed that, almost all the time, there was a little "uh-huh". At first that irritated me more, and then I developed a mental translation between "uh-huh" and "you're welcome" and my business trips became less stressful.
I don't think anyone will find you odd if you say "you're welcome" to each thankyou. Don't draw any conclusions about people (their mood, whether they are polite, whether they were raised well, their opinion of your gratitude for their act) by what they say to your thankyous. It varies wildly.
When I first started travelling on business to the US (from Canada), I felt a little miffed that my "Thankyou"s were not being acknowledged. Not with "you're welcome", not with "happy to" or "no trouble at all" or even "no problem". Never mind a "thank YOU" response. Then I noticed that, almost all the time, there was a little "uh-huh". At first that irritated me more, and then I developed a mental translation between "uh-huh" and "you're welcome" and my business trips became less stressful.
I don't think anyone will find you odd if you say "you're welcome" to each thankyou. Don't draw any conclusions about people (their mood, whether they are polite, whether they were raised well, their opinion of your gratitude for their act) by what they say to your thankyous. It varies wildly.
edited Nov 24 '11 at 22:17
answered Jun 3 '11 at 14:10
Kate GregoryKate Gregory
8,85122643
8,85122643
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
add a comment |
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
you're very welcome!
– Kate Gregory
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
1
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
"uh-huh" esp. Am. syn. "you're welcome" [c.2011] :)
– Kris
Jan 4 '12 at 9:14
2
2
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
I have a suspicion you are saying "thank you" too profusely (as compared to Americans). If you thank Americans in situations where they aren't necessarily expecting thanks, you will get an "uh-huh". Such situations include holding doors open.
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:08
3
3
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
@Chan-HoSuh: I don't think you can claim there is an American standard of how frequently to say "thank you". In my experience, it varies as dramatically by region as it does across the Canada-US border.
– Sam Lisi
Sep 7 '12 at 10:44
add a comment |
The best option is still "you're welcome", and Wiktionary defines it as:
1907 (as reply to “thank you”).
If you're not satisfied, there is the alternative of "My pleasure", which is my personal favourite.
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
add a comment |
The best option is still "you're welcome", and Wiktionary defines it as:
1907 (as reply to “thank you”).
If you're not satisfied, there is the alternative of "My pleasure", which is my personal favourite.
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
add a comment |
The best option is still "you're welcome", and Wiktionary defines it as:
1907 (as reply to “thank you”).
If you're not satisfied, there is the alternative of "My pleasure", which is my personal favourite.
The best option is still "you're welcome", and Wiktionary defines it as:
1907 (as reply to “thank you”).
If you're not satisfied, there is the alternative of "My pleasure", which is my personal favourite.
edited Jun 23 '11 at 11:29
answered Jun 23 '11 at 10:19
ThursagenThursagen
35.1k38144214
35.1k38144214
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
add a comment |
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
but if i reply only welcome, so
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:23
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
These are only the most formal replies though. ("You're welcome" can work for formal and informal situations.) In British English, I very commonly use "No prob(lem)" or "No worries". If you're trying to be particularly self-effacing, "It was nothing" can also work.
– Noldorin
Jun 24 '11 at 1:27
1
1
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
No one in the UK says "you're welcome" unless they're trying to annoy everyone by sounding american
– adolf garlic
Feb 6 '13 at 9:46
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
What does etymology 1907 mean?
– Pacerier
Dec 23 '13 at 17:05
add a comment |
The only one that is fairly standard is "You're welcome" the others, in my opinion, are just variants of the same sentiment. That is, it is customary to demur somewhat and make it as if the thing you are being thanked for wasn't worthy of the thanks. It's weird, but who knows where these things get started?
add a comment |
The only one that is fairly standard is "You're welcome" the others, in my opinion, are just variants of the same sentiment. That is, it is customary to demur somewhat and make it as if the thing you are being thanked for wasn't worthy of the thanks. It's weird, but who knows where these things get started?
add a comment |
The only one that is fairly standard is "You're welcome" the others, in my opinion, are just variants of the same sentiment. That is, it is customary to demur somewhat and make it as if the thing you are being thanked for wasn't worthy of the thanks. It's weird, but who knows where these things get started?
The only one that is fairly standard is "You're welcome" the others, in my opinion, are just variants of the same sentiment. That is, it is customary to demur somewhat and make it as if the thing you are being thanked for wasn't worthy of the thanks. It's weird, but who knows where these things get started?
edited Dec 27 '12 at 18:44
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
62.3k1187182
answered Sep 4 '10 at 18:17
JohnFxJohnFx
4,29183740
4,29183740
add a comment |
add a comment |
Some other straightforward, professional (possibly terse) options not already mentioned:
Certainly.
Or,
Of course.
Or, already mentioned in longer form, but sometimes shortened to this:
Happy to.
I think that all of these might be more likely to be spoken than written, however.
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
add a comment |
Some other straightforward, professional (possibly terse) options not already mentioned:
Certainly.
Or,
Of course.
Or, already mentioned in longer form, but sometimes shortened to this:
Happy to.
I think that all of these might be more likely to be spoken than written, however.
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
add a comment |
Some other straightforward, professional (possibly terse) options not already mentioned:
Certainly.
Or,
Of course.
Or, already mentioned in longer form, but sometimes shortened to this:
Happy to.
I think that all of these might be more likely to be spoken than written, however.
Some other straightforward, professional (possibly terse) options not already mentioned:
Certainly.
Or,
Of course.
Or, already mentioned in longer form, but sometimes shortened to this:
Happy to.
I think that all of these might be more likely to be spoken than written, however.
answered Jun 23 '11 at 22:57
NicoleNicole
1,23941728
1,23941728
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
add a comment |
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
1
1
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
In that vein, "sure" or "sure thing".
– Chan-Ho Suh
Aug 18 '12 at 17:14
add a comment |
No worries is very common in Australia.
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
add a comment |
No worries is very common in Australia.
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
add a comment |
No worries is very common in Australia.
No worries is very common in Australia.
edited Jan 4 '12 at 6:37
user11550
answered Jun 3 '11 at 23:10
CesarGonCesarGon
3,22511728
3,22511728
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
add a comment |
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
I first heard this, sounding so exotic, from Brits in the early aughts (2000's). But now I hear Americans using it a lot (I live in the US and speak AmE). I might use 'no worries' but it feels a little newish to say it; I'm having a hard time articulating exactly when it is appropriate beyond 'informal'. Maybe just an alternative to 'no problem'.
– Mitch
Sep 26 '18 at 13:30
add a comment |
My most common response are "Certainly" and "My pleasure" but I sometimes use the less formal "De nada" (I grew up in an area with strong Hispanic roots...), "Sure", "No problem" and of course "You're welcome".
Those you suggest are not in my production vocabulary, but I would find them perfectly acceptable.
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
add a comment |
My most common response are "Certainly" and "My pleasure" but I sometimes use the less formal "De nada" (I grew up in an area with strong Hispanic roots...), "Sure", "No problem" and of course "You're welcome".
Those you suggest are not in my production vocabulary, but I would find them perfectly acceptable.
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
add a comment |
My most common response are "Certainly" and "My pleasure" but I sometimes use the less formal "De nada" (I grew up in an area with strong Hispanic roots...), "Sure", "No problem" and of course "You're welcome".
Those you suggest are not in my production vocabulary, but I would find them perfectly acceptable.
My most common response are "Certainly" and "My pleasure" but I sometimes use the less formal "De nada" (I grew up in an area with strong Hispanic roots...), "Sure", "No problem" and of course "You're welcome".
Those you suggest are not in my production vocabulary, but I would find them perfectly acceptable.
answered Jan 2 '11 at 1:23
dmckeedmckee
1,7801415
1,7801415
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
add a comment |
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
“My privilege” strikes me as more elegant than “My pleasure”.
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 27 '12 at 18:47
add a comment |
This depends on your professional setting, but to keep reasonably friendly, often I will simply reply:
No worries.
Or,
Any time.
Or, both:
No worries. Any time.
add a comment |
This depends on your professional setting, but to keep reasonably friendly, often I will simply reply:
No worries.
Or,
Any time.
Or, both:
No worries. Any time.
add a comment |
This depends on your professional setting, but to keep reasonably friendly, often I will simply reply:
No worries.
Or,
Any time.
Or, both:
No worries. Any time.
This depends on your professional setting, but to keep reasonably friendly, often I will simply reply:
No worries.
Or,
Any time.
Or, both:
No worries. Any time.
edited Jun 23 '11 at 11:53
Kit Z. Fox♦
23.4k1993180
23.4k1993180
answered Jun 23 '11 at 10:44
Grant ThomasGrant Thomas
4,46211336
4,46211336
add a comment |
add a comment |
"You're welcome" is the only correct response to "Thank you" in American English as far as I'm concerned. It grates on my nerves to have someone respond to me using "no problem".
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
|
show 2 more comments
"You're welcome" is the only correct response to "Thank you" in American English as far as I'm concerned. It grates on my nerves to have someone respond to me using "no problem".
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
|
show 2 more comments
"You're welcome" is the only correct response to "Thank you" in American English as far as I'm concerned. It grates on my nerves to have someone respond to me using "no problem".
"You're welcome" is the only correct response to "Thank you" in American English as far as I'm concerned. It grates on my nerves to have someone respond to me using "no problem".
answered Sep 4 '10 at 16:10
Dennis WilliamsonDennis Williamson
1,55871831
1,55871831
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
|
show 2 more comments
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
3
3
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
What's the problem with "no problem"?
– b.roth
Sep 4 '10 at 17:28
6
6
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
@Bruno: I perceive it as dismissive and diminishing. When I say "thank you" it's sincere. To me "you're welcome" carries a matching sincerity. If I thought something someone did was "no problem" I might not even say "thank you".
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 4 '10 at 18:03
8
8
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
do you always take the idioms of conversational formality at their literal meaning?
– nohat♦
Sep 6 '10 at 18:48
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
@nohat: no, but that doesn't mean that they don't carry some literal meaning.
– Dennis Williamson
Sep 6 '10 at 21:27
2
2
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
The most annoying possible response to "thank you" is of course yet another "thank you". It demands its own response, descending into infinite recursion. It’s annoying and stupid, but not intentionally rude.
– tchrist♦
Apr 4 '12 at 17:50
|
show 2 more comments
I was born in Britain the middle of the last century and learned to say. "Don't mention it." The American response "You're welcome" is now common in Britain and I sometimes use it. Since some acknowledgment seems appropriate I often say "OK". I have heard, "You bet" only from Americans however.
add a comment |
I was born in Britain the middle of the last century and learned to say. "Don't mention it." The American response "You're welcome" is now common in Britain and I sometimes use it. Since some acknowledgment seems appropriate I often say "OK". I have heard, "You bet" only from Americans however.
add a comment |
I was born in Britain the middle of the last century and learned to say. "Don't mention it." The American response "You're welcome" is now common in Britain and I sometimes use it. Since some acknowledgment seems appropriate I often say "OK". I have heard, "You bet" only from Americans however.
I was born in Britain the middle of the last century and learned to say. "Don't mention it." The American response "You're welcome" is now common in Britain and I sometimes use it. Since some acknowledgment seems appropriate I often say "OK". I have heard, "You bet" only from Americans however.
answered Sep 26 '18 at 11:51
Aled CymroAled Cymro
1895
1895
add a comment |
add a comment |
You're welcome!
or
Not a problem!
These are probably your most common and casual replies.
add a comment |
You're welcome!
or
Not a problem!
These are probably your most common and casual replies.
add a comment |
You're welcome!
or
Not a problem!
These are probably your most common and casual replies.
You're welcome!
or
Not a problem!
These are probably your most common and casual replies.
edited Sep 4 '10 at 20:20
answered Sep 4 '10 at 16:07
Joe PhillipsJoe Phillips
4122713
4122713
add a comment |
add a comment |
I have read that many in the UK find "You're welcome" grating, preferring the "Not at all" kind of response. I find "No problem" annoying, for reasons I can't quite verbalize.
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
add a comment |
I have read that many in the UK find "You're welcome" grating, preferring the "Not at all" kind of response. I find "No problem" annoying, for reasons I can't quite verbalize.
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
add a comment |
I have read that many in the UK find "You're welcome" grating, preferring the "Not at all" kind of response. I find "No problem" annoying, for reasons I can't quite verbalize.
I have read that many in the UK find "You're welcome" grating, preferring the "Not at all" kind of response. I find "No problem" annoying, for reasons I can't quite verbalize.
answered Sep 18 '10 at 6:21
moiocimoioci
4,27411414
4,27411414
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
add a comment |
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
1
1
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
Same here with "no problem". I think the reason is that it implies that there was perhaps actually a problem there. If what I'm saying "thank you" for should in no way shape or form have actually been a problem for them (eg: Doing their job competently), then it just seems rude to get a "no problem". OTOH: If it was actually indisputably a problem for them (eg: "Thank you for doing the Heimlich on me. I almost died."), then a "no problem" would be an appropriate and thoughtful thing to say.
– T.E.D.
Jun 3 '11 at 14:45
1
1
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
It's interesting and ironic that "no problem" strikes many, including me, as dismissive, because "don't mention it" or "not at all" (as well as French "pas de quoi" and Spanish "de nada") don't seem to strike anyone that way, even though they are, in literal terms, no less dismissive.
– H Stephen Straight
Jan 15 '13 at 20:42
add a comment |
You can use
You're welcome.
or
It was my pleasure.
or
It was nothing. I was happy to help.
There are others, but these will suffice.
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
add a comment |
You can use
You're welcome.
or
It was my pleasure.
or
It was nothing. I was happy to help.
There are others, but these will suffice.
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
add a comment |
You can use
You're welcome.
or
It was my pleasure.
or
It was nothing. I was happy to help.
There are others, but these will suffice.
You can use
You're welcome.
or
It was my pleasure.
or
It was nothing. I was happy to help.
There are others, but these will suffice.
answered Jun 23 '11 at 10:17
RobustoRobusto
128k28303514
128k28303514
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
add a comment |
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
what about Most welcome?
– Pir Abdul
Jun 23 '11 at 10:42
1
1
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
@abdul You could use "You are most welcome." It has a warm yet slightly formal feel. Most welcome as a stand alone would sound a little odd, since it is not used much. And "You're most welcome" sounds a little strange too, probably because there is a slight emphasis on most that is difficult with a preceding contraction.
– Kit Z. Fox♦
Jun 23 '11 at 11:52
add a comment |
You would do same for me.
Lesson taught by Guy Kawasaki.
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
1
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
add a comment |
You would do same for me.
Lesson taught by Guy Kawasaki.
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
1
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
add a comment |
You would do same for me.
Lesson taught by Guy Kawasaki.
You would do same for me.
Lesson taught by Guy Kawasaki.
edited Aug 22 '12 at 8:57
RegDwigнt♦
82.8k31281378
82.8k31281378
answered Jun 23 '11 at 23:09
Stefan from KrakowStefan from Krakow
271
271
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
1
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
add a comment |
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
1
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
2
2
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
Who was Guy Kawasaki? And what authority should be given his answer?
– StoneyB
Nov 18 '12 at 22:23
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Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
Context: Why you shouldn't say you're welcome.......
– Pacerier
Aug 26 '15 at 11:04
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A lot of times in casual conversations, I've seen people, simply nod or smile in response to a 'Thank You'. I think that's also acceptable.
add a comment |
A lot of times in casual conversations, I've seen people, simply nod or smile in response to a 'Thank You'. I think that's also acceptable.
add a comment |
A lot of times in casual conversations, I've seen people, simply nod or smile in response to a 'Thank You'. I think that's also acceptable.
A lot of times in casual conversations, I've seen people, simply nod or smile in response to a 'Thank You'. I think that's also acceptable.
answered Feb 28 '18 at 7:30
AnkitAnkit
3322510
3322510
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add a comment |
I was born in Britain in 1960 and grew up hearing "You're welcome", "Not at all", "Don't mention it" and "My pleasure". I certainly didn't think of "You're welcome" as an Americanism, rather as the most standard response to "Thank you".
I have lived abroad since the early 1990s and, on a trip back to the UK last month (2018), I was struck by all the shop assistants responding to "Thank you" with "No problem" or "No worries". I was taken aback, since I hadn't expected them (or me) to be worrying about anything. Presumably it has become standard in British English over the past decade and no longer sounds offhand (as it does to me). The compensation is that in Britain the shopkeepers still call their customers "Darling", "Love", "Pet", or other terms of endearment, so I get a warm feeling that way instead.
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
add a comment |
I was born in Britain in 1960 and grew up hearing "You're welcome", "Not at all", "Don't mention it" and "My pleasure". I certainly didn't think of "You're welcome" as an Americanism, rather as the most standard response to "Thank you".
I have lived abroad since the early 1990s and, on a trip back to the UK last month (2018), I was struck by all the shop assistants responding to "Thank you" with "No problem" or "No worries". I was taken aback, since I hadn't expected them (or me) to be worrying about anything. Presumably it has become standard in British English over the past decade and no longer sounds offhand (as it does to me). The compensation is that in Britain the shopkeepers still call their customers "Darling", "Love", "Pet", or other terms of endearment, so I get a warm feeling that way instead.
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
add a comment |
I was born in Britain in 1960 and grew up hearing "You're welcome", "Not at all", "Don't mention it" and "My pleasure". I certainly didn't think of "You're welcome" as an Americanism, rather as the most standard response to "Thank you".
I have lived abroad since the early 1990s and, on a trip back to the UK last month (2018), I was struck by all the shop assistants responding to "Thank you" with "No problem" or "No worries". I was taken aback, since I hadn't expected them (or me) to be worrying about anything. Presumably it has become standard in British English over the past decade and no longer sounds offhand (as it does to me). The compensation is that in Britain the shopkeepers still call their customers "Darling", "Love", "Pet", or other terms of endearment, so I get a warm feeling that way instead.
I was born in Britain in 1960 and grew up hearing "You're welcome", "Not at all", "Don't mention it" and "My pleasure". I certainly didn't think of "You're welcome" as an Americanism, rather as the most standard response to "Thank you".
I have lived abroad since the early 1990s and, on a trip back to the UK last month (2018), I was struck by all the shop assistants responding to "Thank you" with "No problem" or "No worries". I was taken aback, since I hadn't expected them (or me) to be worrying about anything. Presumably it has become standard in British English over the past decade and no longer sounds offhand (as it does to me). The compensation is that in Britain the shopkeepers still call their customers "Darling", "Love", "Pet", or other terms of endearment, so I get a warm feeling that way instead.
edited 2 days ago
answered 2 days ago
Cat812Cat812
11914
11914
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
add a comment |
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
See my comment to @CesarGon's answer about 'no worries'.
– Mitch
2 days ago
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
@Mitch Yes, I saw it and was intrigued. I assumed "No worries" was an Americanism. My (British) husband just said he thought "You're welcome" was definitely an Americanism that he was reacting to decades ago while I thought it was perfectly standard British English.
– Cat812
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
Read Lynne Murphy's The Prodigal Tongue. Lots of examples of words that US/UK blames UK/US for but had been a US/UK invention or from somewhere else.
– Mitch
yesterday
add a comment |
protected by RegDwigнt♦ Jun 3 '11 at 9:08
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2
Related: english.stackexchange.com/questions/1265/… That question is more specific than this, but its answers are relevant for this too.
– Jonik
Sep 4 '10 at 11:10
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For providing an example of a good, basic question: Thank you.
– Neil Fein
Sep 4 '10 at 15:05
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@rem, you mention that you "watch some films in English. So I listen to dialogs, which are probably not from modern real life world". Don't discount the influence of entertainment on everyday language usage. ;)
– Chris Noe
Sep 4 '10 at 21:22
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An HR rep came to our office to give us the etiquette of email, and her response to this quesiton was to not reply with anything at all if someone sent an email saying "thank you", as it would create clutter in peoples' inboxes.
– OghmaOsiris
Jun 23 '11 at 15:08
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As an aside, I think the reason 'Not at all' and 'Don't mention it' were suggested as responses is because they are closer to the literal meanings of those same responses in other languages (c.f. 'de nada' in Spanish, 'de rien' in French, perhaps most accurately translated as 'of nothing' in English). 'You're welcome' and 'no problem' are the most common responses I've heard in Canada, which are more awkward constructions in other languages when directly translated (although there is 'pas de problème' in French, and 'bitte' in German.).
– Hannele
Nov 24 '11 at 22:56