A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "My pleasure" in French
The standard French way to say 'you're welcome' after someone thanks you, very common.
De rien
duh ree-AHNneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone says 'Merci' to you. It's the most common and natural response in almost any situation.
Alternatives
- Il n'y a pas de quoiSlightly more formal, good for showing a bit more politeness.
- Avec plaisirUse this when the favor or action was genuinely enjoyable for you.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'rien'
The 'rien' sound is nasal, like 'an' in 'want', not like the English word 'rain'.
Saying 'Mon plaisir'
This is a literal translation and sounds very strange in French; stick to 'De rien'.
A small cultural note
While 'De rien' is the most common, some people find it a little dismissive, as if the thanks wasn't necessary. 'Avec plaisir' or 'Il n'y a pas de quoi' can sometimes feel warmer.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do I say De rien?
You say 'De rien' immediately after someone says 'Merci' to you. It's the standard polite reply.
Is De rien always okay?
Yes, 'De rien' is almost always acceptable and understood. It's the most frequent response to 'Merci'.
What's the difference between De rien and Avec plaisir?
'De rien' is a general 'you're welcome,' while 'Avec plaisir' specifically means 'with pleasure' and implies you enjoyed doing it.
