If you want to learn how to say you’re welcome in French, this guide will help you understand the most common and natural phrases. In French, people use different expressions depending on the situation — formal, polite, or friendly. Here, you’ll learn simple phrases that you can use anytime someone says “thank you,” so you can reply confidently like a native speaker.
Learning how to say you’re welcome in French is just as important as knowing how to say thank you. The most common phrase is de rien, but there are many other expressions depending on formality and context.
By mastering these variations, you’ll sound polite, natural, and confident when responding to gratitude in French conversations. These phrases also help you adapt to casual chats or formal settings with ease. With practice, you’ll be able to reply warmly every time someone thanks you in French.
15 Ways to Say You’re Welcome in French
| # | French Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | De rien | You’re welcome (casual) |
| 2 | Je vous en prie | You’re welcome (formal, polite) |
| 3 | Je t’en prie | You’re welcome (to a friend) |
| 4 | Pas de problème | No problem |
| 5 | Avec plaisir | With pleasure |
| 6 | Bien sûr | Of course |
| 7 | C’est normal | It’s normal / It’s nothing |
| 8 | Il n’y a pas de quoi | There’s nothing to thank me for |
| 9 | Tout le plaisir est pour moi | The pleasure is mine |
| 10 | Aucun souci | No worries |
| 11 | À ton service | At your service |
| 12 | Volontiers | Gladly / Willingly |
| 13 | Ce n’est rien | It’s nothing |
| 14 | Je suis là pour ça | I’m here for that |
| 15 | Ça me fait plaisir | It makes me happy |
1. De rien (You’re welcome)
Origin:
Literally means “of nothing.” This is the most common and neutral way to say “you’re welcome” in French.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour le café.
👤 User B: De rien !
Use: Very common; informal to neutral.
2. Je vous en prie (You’re very welcome)
Origin:
A more formal expression that literally translates as “I beg of you.”
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour votre aide.
👤 User B: Je vous en prie, c’est normal.
Use: Formal; used with strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
3. Je t’en prie (You’re welcome – informal)
Origin:
The informal version of Je vous en prie, using tu instead of vous.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci d’avoir attendu.
👤 User B: Je t’en prie !
Use: Informal, among friends or peers.
4. Pas de problème (No problem)
Origin:
Borrowed from English usage; reflects a casual, can-do attitude.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour le coup de main.
👤 User B: Pas de problème !
Use: Informal and relaxed.
5. Avec plaisir (With pleasure)
Origin:
A polite and warm response meaning you were happy to help.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour votre réponse rapide.
👤 User B: Avec plaisir !
Use: Friendly, used in both formal and informal situations.
6. Il n’y a pas de quoi (No need to thank me)
Origin:
Literally “there’s nothing to thank for.” Slightly old-fashioned but still widely used.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour le prêt du livre.
👤 User B: Il n’y a pas de quoi.
Use: Neutral; polite and humble.
7. C’est moi (It’s me / My pleasure)
Origin:
A modest way to say that you are the one thankful.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour le dîner.
👤 User B: C’est moi !
Use: Informal to friendly; used among close relations.
8. Service (At your service)
Origin:
Shortened from à votre service, used especially in customer service or military settings.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci beaucoup.
👤 User B: Service !
Use: Very informal and modern; used among youth or in Quebec.
9. Y’a pas de quoi (Don’t mention it)
Origin:
Colloquial contraction of il n’y a pas de quoi. Very relaxed and often used in conversation.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci, t’es un ange !
👤 User B: Y’a pas de quoi !
Use: Informal; friendly and laid-back.
10. Mais je t’en prie ! (Oh, you’re very welcome!)
Origin:
An emphatic, expressive version of Je t’en prie, often used with emotion or surprise.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu m’as sauvé la vie, merci !
👤 User B: Mais je t’en prie !
Use: Emphatic; expressive and warm.
11. C’était rien (It was nothing)
Origin:
A humble phrase meaning the action wasn’t a big deal.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci d’être venu si vite.
👤 User B: C’était rien.
Use: Informal and modest.
12. Tout le plaisir est pour moi (The pleasure is all mine)
Origin:
A formal, elegant phrase often used in professional or classy social contexts.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour votre accueil.
👤 User B: Tout le plaisir est pour moi.
Use: Formal and refined.
13. Ça me fait plaisir (It makes me happy)
Origin:
Emphasizes the speaker’s joy in helping.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour ton aide précieuse.
👤 User B: Ça me fait plaisir !
Use: Friendly and warm; informal to semi-formal.
14. N’en parlons plus (Let’s not talk about it)
Origin:
Literally “let’s not talk about it,” implying the help wasn’t worth mentioning.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci pour le dépannage.
👤 User B: N’en parlons plus.
Use: Informal, slightly old-school.
15. C’est normal (It’s normal)
Origin:
Used in French culture to downplay favors and show humility.
Example:
👤 User A: Merci d’avoir pris le temps.
👤 User B: C’est normal !
Use: Friendly, humble tone.
FAQs
- What is the most common way to say you’re welcome in French?
The most common phrase is “De rien,” which means “It’s nothing.” - Is there a polite or formal way to say you’re welcome in French?
Yes, you can say “Je vous en prie,” which is very polite and used in formal situations. - How do you say you’re welcome to a friend in French?
You can use “Pas de problème” or “Avec plaisir.” - What does “Avec plaisir” mean?
It means “With pleasure” and sounds warm and friendly. - Can I use “Je t’en prie”?
Yes — it’s polite but used with people you know, like family or friends. - Is “De rien” rude?
No, it’s simple and friendly. It’s the most commonly used reply. - What’s a very polite version of you’re welcome in French?
“Je vous en prie” is the most formal and respectful. - Can I use these phrases in emails?
Yes — “Je vous en prie” or “Avec plaisir” work well in polite emails. - Is there a casual way for young people to say you’re welcome?
Yes, they often say “Pas de souci,” meaning “No worries.” - Which phrase should I use if I want to sound very kind?
Use “Avec plaisir,” because it feels warm, helpful, and genuine.
Conclusion:
Mastering how to say you’re welcome in French allows you to respond politely in any situation. From the casual de rien to the more formal je vous en prie, these phrases show warmth, respect, and cultural awareness. By using the right expression, you’ll sound natural and leave a positive impression in conversations.
