Korean Dictionary
How to say "You're welcome" in Korean
“You're welcome” in Korean is 천만에요 (pronounced "Cheonmaneyo").
천만에요
Cheonmaneyo
Usage & Context
A response to being thanked. While 천만에요 is the classic response, Koreans also use 별말씀을요 (don't mention it), 아니에요 (no, no), and 괜찮아요 (it's fine). In casual speech, 아냐 or 별거 아니야 are common among friends.
Example Sentence
감사합니다! —천만에요, 도움이 됐으면 해요.
Thank you! —You're welcome, I hope it helped.
How to use 천만에요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “You're welcome” is 천만에요, romanized as Cheonmaneyo.
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 천만에요.
What learners usually mean by “You're welcome in Korean”
The main trap is that the textbook answer 천만에요 is correct but often not what Koreans actually say after thanks.
Real usage
In everyday speech, 아니에요, 괜찮아요, 별말씀을요, or 별거 아니에요 can sound more natural. 천만에요 is still understandable, but it can feel formal or textbook-like.
Avoid this mistake
Do not answer every 감사합니다 with 천만에요. The reply should match the situation: service, work, friend, or family.
Better pattern
Use 아니에요 for a humble polite reply, 별말씀을요 for a polished polite reply, and 별거 아니야 with close friends.
polite everyday reply
정말 감사해요. —아니에요, 도움이 돼서 다행이에요.
Thank you so much. —Not at all, I'm glad it helped.
casual reply to a friend
고마워! —별거 아니야.
Thanks! —It was nothing.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'chon-mah-neh-yo' — the first syllable 'cheon' rhymes with 'won' (short 'uh' vowel, not 'ee-oh'). Keep the four syllables light and even; the final 'yo' is the soft polite ending, not a shout.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
천만의 말씀입니다
cheonmanui malsseumimnida
Very formal 'don't mention it,' used in business, to elders, or in polite customer-service contexts
Casual (반말)
별거 아니야
byeolgeo aniya
Casual 'it's nothing,' used with close friends, siblings, or a partner
More Example Sentences
politely brushing off thanks from a coworker
도와주셔서 감사해요. —아니에요, 별말씀을요.
Thank you for helping me. —Oh no, don't mention it.
a restaurant owner replying to a customer
덕분에 잘 먹었습니다. —별말씀을요, 또 오세요.
Thanks to you, I ate well. —Don't mention it, please come again.
a friend dropping you off after class
태워 줘서 고마워! —에이, 뭘, 가는 길이었는데.
Thanks for the ride! —Pfft, no worries, I was headed that way anyway.
Cultural Context
Koreans rarely say 천만에요 in everyday conversation — it sounds slightly bookish today. In real life, 아니에요 (oh, it's nothing) and 별말씀을요 (don't mention it) are far more common, often accompanied by a small wave of the hand or a shy smile. Deflecting thanks is a politeness reflex in Korean culture: accepting gratitude too eagerly can feel immodest, so people downplay their kindness. Among close friends, a quick 뭘 or 에이 뭘 (pfft, what for) does all the work.
Editorial note
We review 'you're welcome' entries against real Korean replies because Korean speakers often answer thanks with phrases closer to 'it's nothing' or 'no problem' instead of a direct translation of English 'welcome.'
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
별말씀을요.
Don't mention it. (polite)
아니에요, 괜찮아요.
No, it's fine.
뭘 이런 걸로.
Oh, over something like this? (modest brush-off)
Related Expressions
별말씀을요
byeolmalsseumeuryo
don't mention it (polite)
아니에요
anieyo
no, it's nothing
괜찮아요
gwaenchanayo
it's fine / no problem
고마워요
gomawoyo
thank you (the phrase it responds to)
Frequently asked questions
When is it appropriate to use 천만에요 in Korean conversations?+
천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo) is a classic and polite way to say "You're welcome" in Korean. While grammatically correct, it's often perceived as somewhat formal or even slightly old-fashioned in modern everyday conversations. Koreans more commonly use alternatives like 아니에요 (anieyo, meaning "no, no" or "it's nothing") or 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo, meaning "it's fine" or "no problem") in most situations, especially with people they know well.
What are some common alternatives to 천만에요 for 'you're welcome' in Korean?+
Beyond 천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo), several phrases are frequently used. 별말씀을요 (byeolmalsseumullyo), meaning "don't mention it," is a polite and common alternative. 아니에요 (anieyo, "no, no" or "it's nothing") and 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo, "it's fine") are very versatile and widely used. For casual speech among friends, 아냐 (anya) or 별거 아니야 (byeolgeo aniya) are common, conveying a more relaxed "no big deal" sentiment.
Are there any common mistakes or misunderstandings when using 천만에요 in Korean?+
A common misunderstanding is assuming 천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo) is the only or most common response to "thank you." While correct, overusing it can sound slightly unnatural or overly formal in casual settings. Many learners don't realize that phrases like 아니에요 (anieyo) or 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) are much more prevalent in daily Korean conversations. It's best to observe native speakers' usage to gauge formality.
How do you correctly pronounce 천만에요 and what are some pronunciation tips?+
천만에요 is pronounced "Cheon-man-eyo." The "cheon" part is similar to "chun" in English, but with a slightly softer 'ch'. "Man" is like the English "man." "Eyo" is pronounced like "eh-yo," with a soft 'e' sound. Focus on a smooth transition between syllables. The emphasis is generally quite even across the syllables, without a strong stress on any particular part.
Can 천만에요 be used in both formal and informal situations effectively?+
천만에요 (Cheonmaneyo) is generally considered a formal or polite expression. While it can be used in formal situations without issue, it's less common in informal settings. For casual interactions with friends or family, more relaxed alternatives like 아냐 (anya) or 별거 아니야 (byeolgeo aniya) are preferred. Even with strangers or in slightly formal contexts, 아니에요 (anieyo) or 괜찮아요 (gwaenchanayo) are often chosen for their versatility and slightly less formal feel.
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Related Guides
How to Say Thank You in Korean
To say thank you in Korean, say "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida) for formal situations or "고마워요" (gomawoyo) for casual-polite situations. With close friends, use the casual "고마워" (gomawo). 감사합니다 is the safest choice and works everywhere.
How to Say Welcome in Korean
To say welcome in Korean when someone arrives, use 어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo), meaning "please come in" or "welcome." For formal events, signs, or announcements, use 환영합니다 (hwanyeonghamnida).
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