Japanese for Kids · Level 2
84 words
Japanese word
どういたしまして
Pronunciation
Romajidōitashimashite
Meaning
- interjectionyou're welcome
Example
ありがとうと言われたら、どういたしましてと言います。a ri ga tō to i wa re ta ra dō i ta shi ma shi te to i i ma su
When someone says thank you, I say, "You're welcome."
More examples
妹に本を貸したら、お礼を言われてどういたしましてと答えました。imōto ni hon o ka shi ta ra o rei o i wa re te dō i ta shi ma shi te to kota e ma shi ta
After lending my sister a book, she thanked me, and I replied, "You're welcome."
Core concept
Marks a courteous response that says the help was no trouble.
Similar words
いえいえieie: A modest reply that gently denies the need for thanks.
Definition in Japanese
相手から感謝を示されたときに、礼には及ばないという気持ちを表して返す言葉。ai te ka ra kan sha o shime sa re ta to ki ni rei ni wa oyo ba na i to i u ki mo chi o arawa shi te kae su koto ba
Word origin
どういたしまして (dō itashimashite) is built from どう (dō, "how"), the humble verb いたす (itasu, "do humbly"), and まして (mashite), a polite connective ending that helps form the fixed expression.
Usage tips
- どういたしまして (dō itashimashite) is a conventional response to ありがとう (arigatō), while everyday Japanese also uses replies such as いえいえ (ie ie).