How to say “You're welcome” in Korean
- 아니에요anieyo
Not at all
"You're welcome" in Korean is most often 아니에요 (anieyo), which literally means "it's not (anything)". The textbook phrase 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) is correct, but in daily life Koreans usually brush off thanks in a humbler way.
Ways to say it
| Korean | Level | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 아니에요 anieyo | Polite | The most natural everyday reply to thank you. Like saying "oh, not at all". |
| 천만에요 cheonmaneyo | Polite | The textbook "you're welcome". Correct, but it can sound a little stiff in casual conversation. |
| 별거 아니에요 byeolgeo anieyo | Polite | "It's nothing." Humble and friendly. |
| 괜찮아요 gwaenchanayo | Polite | "It's fine." Often added after 아니에요. |
| 아니야 aniya | Casual | "Nah, it's nothing" to a friend or younger person. |
| 뭘 mwol | Casual | Short for "what for?", a casual "don't mention it" between friends. |
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
A friend thanks you for buying lunch
A stranger thanks you for holding the door
An older neighbor thanks you for help
Tips
Koreans tend to deflect thanks rather than accept it. Saying 아니에요 shows modesty, which is why it is more common than 천만에요.
Do not confuse 아니에요 here with "no". In this situation it means "it was nothing", not a refusal.
Sometimes people reply with a small nod, a smile, or a simple 네 (ne). That is fine too.
More on 천만에요 in our Korean phrase guides.
Questions learners ask
Do Koreans actually say cheonmaneyo?
They know it and it is correct, but in daily conversation 아니에요 (anieyo) or 별거 아니에요 (byeolgeo anieyo) is much more common.
What is a casual way to say you're welcome in Korean?
With friends, say 아니야 (aniya) or 뭘 (mwol). Both mean something like "don't mention it".