Ways to Say "You're Welcome" in French
The everyday French reply to thanks is "De rien", which works in almost any informal or neutral situation. In formal settings, or when you want to sound warmer, French speakers reach for "Je vous en prie" or "Avec plaisir".
The most common way
Literally "of nothing" — the standard, no-fuss way of saying "you're welcome".
How to say it: Say it as one smooth unit, "duh-RYEN", with a soft throaty French r and a nasal vowel in "rien" — don't pronounce a hard English r or a final n.
Other ways to say it
- formal / polite
A courteous "you're welcome" that can also mean "please, go ahead" — it sounds polished and considerate.
When to use it: Use it with strangers, older people, customers, or anyone you address with "vous".
- friendly / warm
"With pleasure" — a genuine, upbeat reply that shows you were glad to help.
When to use it: Say it to friends, colleagues or guests when you want the thanks to feel warm rather than automatic.
- polite, slightly soft
"There's nothing to thank me for" — modest and a touch more emphatic than "De rien".
When to use it: Good with acquaintances or in semi-formal contexts when you want to downplay the favour politely.
- casual
"No worries" — relaxed and modern, signalling that helping was no bother at all.
When to use it: Use it with friends, colleagues your own age, or in everyday informal exchanges.
- casual, very spoken
The dropped-syllable spoken version of "Il n'y a pas de quoi" — quick, relaxed, very conversational.
When to use it: Say it among friends or family when speaking fast and informally; avoid it in writing or formal settings.
- modest / friendly
"That's normal" — it frames your help as the natural thing to do, with a humble, kind tone.
When to use it: Use it with people close to you or when someone thanks you profusely for a small favour.
In a conversation
- A
!
Thanks a lot for your help!
- B
, .
With pleasure, it was easy.
- A
? .
Are you sure? I owe you big time.
- B
, .
Really, it's nothing.
Common mistakes
Bienvenue !→ De rien !"Bienvenue" means "welcome" as a greeting on arrival, not a reply to thanks.
Vous êtes bienvenu.→ Je vous en prie.This is a word-for-word translation of the English phrase and sounds odd in French as a response to thanks.