In language learning, conversation is a two-way street. You might have already mastered formal and informal ways to say 'Thank You', but do you know how to respond?
In Mandarin Chinese, "You're Welcome" is not just a polite noise; it reflects the relationship between two people. Using a formal phrase with a close friend can create distance, while using casual slang with a boss might be disrespectful.
This guide explores the essential vocabulary for HSK 1 beginners and the idiomatic expressions for HSK 5 professionals.
Cultural Context: The Art of "No Need"
In English, we say "You are welcome" (accepting the thanks). In Chinese, the logic is usually "No need to thank me" or "Don't be so polite."
This reflects the Chinese concept of Guanxi (Relationship) and "In-groups."
- Friends/Family: We are close, so there is no need for "Guest politeness" (Ke qi).
- Strangers/Business: We maintain professional distance, so we deflect the thanks humbly.
The Essentials: HSK Level 1 & 2 (Standard)
These are safe to use in 90% of interactions, from shopkeepers to teachers.
1. 不客气 (Bú kè qi)
- Meaning: "Don't be polite."
- Analysis: 客气 (Kèqi) implies the politeness of a guest. By saying "No Keqi," you are telling them to relax. It is the textbook standard for HSK Level 1.
2. 不用谢 (Bú yòng xiè)
- Meaning: "No need to thank [me]."
- Analysis: This is slightly faster and more direct than Búkèqi, but serves the exact same function.
Informal Ways: Speaking Like a Local
If you use Búkèqi with your best friend, they might look at you weirdly. It sounds too stiff. Use these instead for daily life.
1. 没事 (Méi shì)
- Meaning: "It's nothing" / "No worries."
- Usage: Extremely common in Northern China. If you accidentally bump into someone and apologize, they will also reply with "Méishì." It covers everything.
2. 小意思 (Xiǎo yì si)
- Meaning: "Small meaning" / "It was a trifle."
- Usage: Used when you do a favor for a friend, like buying them a coffee or helping them move a box. It implies the effort was so small it's not worth mentioning.
3. 不会 (Bú huì) - The Taiwan Variation
- Meaning: "I wouldn't / It won't."
- Usage: Short for "Bú huì xiè" (Won't thank). This is the dominant way to say "You're welcome" in Taiwan and is becoming common in Southern Mainland China.
Formal Ways: Business and Modesty
When speaking to a boss, a client, or in a formal interview, slang is inappropriate.
1. 这是我应该做的 (Zhè shì wǒ yīnggāi zuò de)
- Meaning: "This is what I should do." / "It is my duty."
- Usage: The gold standard for the service industry or talking to a boss. If your boss praises you for finishing a report, use this. It shows professionalism.
- Learn more about Business Mandarin Vocabulary here.
2. 举手之劳 (Jǔ shǒu zhī láo) - HSK 5 Idiom
- Meaning: "The effort of lifting a hand."
- Usage: This is a Chengyu (Idiom) used to be modest. While casual in meaning (it was easy), the language register is quite educated. Use this if you helped a colleague fix a computer issue and want to sound sophisticated.
3. 哪里哪里 (Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ) - Deflecting Compliments
- Meaning: "Where? Where?" (Implying: Where is this 'goodness' you speak of? I don't see it.)
- Usage: Use this only when someone thanks you by complimenting you (e.g., "Thanks, your Chinese is amazing!"). Saying "You're welcome" to a compliment is seen as arrogant. You must deflect!
- See more examples in our guide to Politelly Responding to Compliments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The Google Translate Fail: Do not say "你受欢迎" (Nǐ shòu huānyíng). This means "You are popular." It is a classic example of literal translation mistakes Chinese learners make.
- Over-Politeness: If you pass salt to your mom and she says thanks, just smile or grunt "En." Saying Bú kè qi to parents can sometimes feel like you are treating them like strangers!
- Silent Nod: In strict business etiquette, silence can be rude. Always acknowledge the thanks verbally.
Conclusion
Mastering the response to gratitude is about matching the energy of the speaker.
- Friend says "Thanks"? You say "Méishì."
- Boss says "Thanks"? You say "Yīnggāi de."
- Stranger says "Thanks"? You say "Búkèqi."
Start practicing these variations today to make your conversations flow more naturally. For more tips on social etiquette, check out our guide on Chinese Dining Etiquette.
加油 (Jiāyóu) on your HSK journey!