Knowing how to say “you’re welcome” in Portuguese is key to polite and natural communication. The most common phrase is “de nada” (pronounced: deh NAH-duh), which means “of nothing” or simply “you’re welcome.” It’s widely used across Brazil and Portugal, making it a reliable response when someone thanks you. However, there are many other ways to express “you’re welcome” depending on the formality, setting, and region. Below, we cover various phrases, complete with English translations, pronunciations, and examples.
Common and Alternative Ways to Say “You’re Welcome” in Portuguese
1. De Nada – The Classic Phrase
Translation: You’re welcome
Pronunciation: deh NAH-duh
Usage: “De nada” is the most common and versatile phrase to say “you’re welcome.” It suits any context—formal, informal, personal, or professional.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Obrigado pelo conselho. (Thanks for the advice.)
- Person B: De nada! (You’re welcome!)
2. Não Há de Quê – A Polite and Formal Option
Translation: There’s nothing to thank for
Pronunciation: now AH jeh KEH
Usage: This phrase is a bit more formal and conveys modesty. It’s perfect when you want to politely downplay your effort.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Agradeço por sua ajuda. (I appreciate your help.)
- Person B: Não há de quê. (There’s nothing to thank for.)
3. Por Nada – Casual and Friendly
Translation: It’s nothing
Pronunciation: pohr NAH-duh
Usage: Common in Brazil, “por nada” is an informal way to say “you’re welcome,” suitable for everyday conversations.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Valeu por me ensinar isso! (Thanks for teaching me that!)
- Person B: Por nada! (It’s nothing!)
4. Imagina – Casual and Relaxed
Translation: Imagine
Pronunciation: ee-mah-ZHEE-nah
Usage: Often used among friends, “imagina” implies that the assistance given was no trouble at all. It’s very relaxed and casual.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Obrigado por emprestar o livro. (Thanks for lending me the book.)
- Person B: Imagina! (No problem!)
5. Disponha – Professional and Courteous
Translation: At your disposal
Pronunciation: diz-POH-nya
Usage: This phrase is polite and commonly used in business or service settings, indicating that you’re always ready to help.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Obrigada pelo atendimento rápido. (Thank you for the quick service.)
- Person B: Disponha. (At your disposal.)
6. Sem Problema – No Problem
Translation: No problem
Pronunciation: sem pro-BLEH-ma
Usage: This phrase is perfect for informal situations when you want to casually tell someone that their gratitude isn’t necessary.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Desculpa te incomodar e obrigado. (Sorry to bother you and thanks.)
- Person B: Sem problema! (No problem!)
7. É um Prazer – It’s a Pleasure
Translation: It’s a pleasure
Pronunciation: eh oon prah-ZEHR
Usage: Used in more formal or courteous interactions, “é um prazer” expresses genuine delight in helping someone.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Obrigado por organizar tudo. (Thank you for organizing everything.)
- Person B: É um prazer! (It’s a pleasure!)
8. Com Prazer – With Pleasure
Translation: With pleasure
Pronunciation: kohm prah-ZEHR
Usage: A slightly more formal variation of “é um prazer,” this phrase is ideal when you want to show that your assistance was gladly given.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Muito obrigado pela sua ajuda. (Thank you so much for your help.)
- Person B: Com prazer. (With pleasure.)
9. Às Ordens – At Your Service
Translation: At your service
Pronunciation: ahz OHR-denz
Usage: Commonly used in customer service or when you want to indicate that you are always ready to help, this phrase is perfect for professional settings.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Agradeço por sua atenção. (I appreciate your attention.)
- Person B: Às ordens. (At your service.)
10. Tudo Bem – It’s All Good
Translation: It’s all good
Pronunciation: TOO-doo BENG
Usage: Casual and laid-back, this phrase is used when the favor was minor, and you want to downplay it further.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Desculpe e obrigado. (Sorry and thank you.)
- Person B: Tudo bem! (It’s all good!)
11. Tranquilo – No Worries
Translation: No worries
Pronunciation: trahn-KEE-loh
Usage: Common in informal settings, especially in Brazil, it’s used to show that you were happy to help without making a fuss.
Example Conversation:
- Person A: Valeu pela força! (Thanks for the support!)
- Person B: Tranquilo! (No worries!)
When and Where to Use Each Phrase
- “De nada” – Use anytime, anywhere; it’s versatile and universally understood.
- “Não há de quê” – Slightly formal; great for polite responses in both casual and professional settings.
- “Por nada” – Friendly and informal; perfect for everyday chats.
- “Imagina” – Use in relaxed and friendly interactions with close acquaintances.
- “Disponha” – Ideal for business or when you want to maintain a professional tone.
- “Sem problema” – Casual; use it when you want to keep things light.
- “É um prazer” and “Com prazer” – Formal; suitable for special occasions or polite contexts.
- “Às ordens” – Best for professional and customer service scenarios.
- “Tudo bem” – Informal; works well in low-key settings.
- “Tranquilo” – Laid-back and perfect for informal, friendly exchanges.
Conclusion
Mastering these different ways to say “you’re welcome” in Portuguese can significantly enhance your interactions, helping you sound more fluent and natural. Whether you’re in a formal meeting or chatting with friends, knowing the right phrase will allow you to respond appropriately. Keep practicing these expressions, and soon, your Portuguese responses will feel effortless.
