6 Ways to Say You're Welcome in Korean
After this page, you can pick the right way to say “You're Welcome” depending on formality and relationship.
10-Second Answer
천만에요 is the textbook "you're welcome," but Koreans respond to thanks far more often with 아니에요 ("no, [it was nothing]") — deflecting the thanks rather than formally accepting it. Which one you pick again depends on formality and how much you want to downplay the favor.
The Full Spectrum
| Phrase | Formality | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| 천만에요 (cheonmaneyo) | Formal, textbook | The dictionary answer to 감사합니다 — understood everywhere, if slightly stiff in daily talk |
| 아니에요 (anieyo) | Polite, the real default | "No, [it's nothing]" — the phrase Koreans actually use most to deflect thanks politely |
| 별말씀을요 (byeolmalsseumeul-yo) | Formal, humble | "Don't mention it" — a more deferential, slightly old-fashioned polite reply |
| 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) | Polite-casual | "It's fine/no worries" — used when the favor was small, works with coworkers or acquaintances |
| 아니야 (aniya) | Casual (반말) | Same deflection as 아니에요, just dropped to casual speech with close friends |
| 괜찮아 (gwaenchana) | Casual (반말) | "No worries" among close friends — the most common casual reply after helping someone out |
The One Rule That Matters Most
Don't over-rely on 천만에요 — it's correct but sounds textbook-formal in real conversation. Natives usually respond to 감사합니다/고마워 with a quick 아니에요 or 괜찮아(요), deflecting rather than formally "accepting" the thanks the way English "you're welcome" does.
Quick Examples
A: 정말 감사해요! B: 아니에요, 별거 아니에요.
A: jeongmal gamsahaeyo! B: anieyo, byeolgeo anieyo.
A: Thank you so much! B: No worries, it was nothing.
별거 아니에요 ("it's no big deal") often tags along after 아니에요.
괜찮아, 다음에 또 도와줄게.
gwaenchana, daeume tto dowajulge.
No worries, I'll help you again next time.
Casual reply between friends, softening the exchange with a future offer.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Always answering with 천만에요
It's not wrong, but real conversations lean on 아니에요/괜찮아(요) far more often — 천만에요 can sound like it's straight out of a textbook.
Mistake #2 — Treating 괜찮아요 as only meaning "I'm okay"
괜찮아요 doubles as a warm, casual "you're welcome / no worries" reply — context (right after thanks) makes the meaning clear.
Mini Quiz
1. Which reply do Koreans actually use most often after being thanked?
2. What does 괜찮아요 mean when said right after someone thanks you?
3. Which phrase is the most formal, dictionary-style "you're welcome"?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
10 Ways to Say Goodbye in Korean
Thanks and its reply are covered — goodbye is the next phrase pair every beginner needs at the same formality granularity.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-11 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.