How to say it · Kind words

Replying to thank you

Someone thanks you and you freeze, or say the first thing you can translate. A quick, warm reply makes the favour feel even nicer.

6 ways to say it

On a park path, an older woman thanks Jo for returning her glove, and a heart travels back to her along a dotted arc.

How graciousLightGracious

No problembest default Any timehappy to do it again You're welcomepolite and clear Don't mention itplaying it down Happy to helpwork-friendly My pleasuregracious

Way 1 · best default

No problem

Easy and friendly. It tells them the favour cost you nothing.

How graciousLight

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

"Thanks for the lift." "No problem, any excuse for a drive."

No problem at all. Let me know if you need anything else.

In a conversation

A: Thanks for holding the door.
B: No problem.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Never mind.~~

Say: No problem.

Vietnamese speakers often translate their usual reply into "Never mind". But in English that means "forget it, it doesn't matter".

Practice saying this

Next: Any time

Way 2 · happy to do it again

Any time

Warm: you'd gladly help again. Great for friends and colleagues you like.

How graciousMiddle

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

Any time. That's what friends are for.

"Thanks for listening last night." "Any time, honestly."

In a conversation

A: You saved me with those notes. Thank you!
B: Any time.

Practice saying this

Next: You're welcome

Way 3 · polite and clear

You're welcome

The standard polite reply. Good with strangers and customers; can sound a bit stiff with friends.

How graciousMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

"Thank you so much for your help." "You're welcome."

You're welcome! Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Common mistake

Not: ~~Welcome.~~

Say: You're welcome.

On its own, "Welcome" sounds like you're greeting a guest at the door. Keep the "you're".

Practice saying this

Next: Don't mention it

Way 4 · playing it down

Don't mention it

Modest: the favour was bigger, but you don't want them to feel they owe you.

How graciousMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Don't mention it. You'd have done the same for me.

"I can't believe you drove all that way." "Don't mention it."

In a conversation

A: Thank you for helping us move. It took all day!
B: Oh, don't mention it.

Practice saying this

Next: Happy to help

Way 5 · work-friendly

Happy to help

Professional and warm. Very common in work emails and customer service.

How graciousGracious

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

Happy to help. Just send it over when it's ready.

Glad it worked! Always happy to help.

Practice saying this

Next: My pleasure

Way 6 · gracious

My pleasure

Extra polite: you enjoyed doing it. Often heard in hotels, restaurants and from hosts.

How graciousVery gracious

ToneFormal

Use itAnywhere

Examples

"Thank you for dinner, it was lovely." "My pleasure."

It was my pleasure to show you around the office.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

The mistake learners make

What a translation app gives you, and what people actually say.

Not: ~~(saying nothing, or just "OK")~~

Say: No problem

Silence after "thanks" can feel cold in English. Even two words tell them you heard and it was fine.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

No problem Any time You're welcome Don't mention it

Which would you say?

The mistake learners make

Now say it out loud

More moments like this