Korean Dictionary
How to say "My pleasure" in Korean
“My pleasure” in Korean is 별말씀을요 (pronounced "Byeolmalsseumeulyo").
별말씀을요
Byeolmalsseumeulyo
Usage & Context
A humble response to thanks, meaning 'not at all' or 'it was nothing'. Shows modesty, which is highly valued in Korean culture. Older Koreans especially use this phrase frequently. 아니에요 is a simpler, more casual alternative commonly used by younger generations.
Example Sentence
도와줘서 정말 고마워요. —별말씀을요, 당연히 해야죠.
Thank you so much for helping. —My pleasure, of course I should.
How to use 별말씀을요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “My pleasure” is 별말씀을요, romanized as Byeolmalsseumeulyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 별말씀을요.
Pronunciation Guide
별말씀을요 (Byeolmalsseumeulyo) sounds like 'byeol-mal-sseum-eul-lyo'. 'Byeol' is like 'byul' (similar to 'Seoul' but with a 'b'). 'Mal' is like 'mall'. 'Sseum' is like 'sum' but with a tense 's' sound. 'Eul' is like 'uh-l', and 'lyo' is like 'lyo' in 'million'. The 'ㅆ' in 말씀 is a tense 's' sound.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
별말씀을 다 하십니다
Byeolmalsseumeul da hasimnida
A more formal and slightly longer version, emphasizing the humility.
Casual (반말)
별말씀을
Byeolmalsseumeul
A shortened casual version, though '아니야' (aniya - no/it's nothing) is more common casually.
More Example Sentences
Responding to thanks for a favor you genuinely enjoyed doing.
정말 고마워요! —별말씀을요, 제가 좋아서 한 일인데요.
Thank you so much! —My pleasure, I did it because I wanted to.
After helping someone with a problem, offering continued support.
덕분에 잘 해결됐어요. —별말씀을요, 언제든지 말씀하세요.
Thanks to you, it was resolved well. —My pleasure, just let me know anytime.
A humble response from a teacher after being thanked by parents or students.
선생님, 정말 수고 많으셨어요. —별말씀을요, 당연히 해야 할 일이었죠.
Teacher, you really worked hard. —My pleasure, it was naturally something I had to do.
Cultural Context
'별말씀을요' (Byeolmalsseumeulyo) is a humble and polite response to 'thank you,' conveying 'not at all,' 'it was nothing,' or 'don't mention it.' It literally means 'you're saying special words,' implying that the thanks are undeserved or too grand for the small favor. This phrase highlights the Korean value of modesty and humility. While younger generations often use the simpler '아니에요' (Anieyo), '별말씀을요' is still frequently used by older Koreans and in more formal or respectful contexts.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 별말씀을요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
말씀하세요.
Please speak. / Please tell me.
별일 없어요.
Nothing special / Nothing's wrong.
별거 아니에요.
It's nothing much. / It's no big deal.
Related Expressions
아니에요
Anieyo
No / It's nothing (common, simpler)
천만에요
Cheonmaneyo
You're welcome (less common in modern speech)
괜찮아요
Gwaenchanayo
It's okay / No problem
당연하죠
Dangyeonhajo
Of course! (Can be used when the favor was expected)
More Greetings Words
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