Speak like a local: De nada

You are leaving the bakery with your bread when you notice the person behind you has both hands full. You hold the door open so they can get through without dropping anything. They look at you and say 'obrigado'. You smile and say 'de nada' before carrying on down the street.

What it means

The literal translation of 'de nada' is 'of nothing'. It means you're welcome. Portuguese people say it to answer 'obrigado' or 'obrigada'. The idea behind it is that what you did was no trouble at all, so there is nothing to thank you for. It is the most common and the safest reply when someone thanks you.

Who you can say it to

You can use this phrase with anyone. If a friend thanks you for lending them a book, you say it casually. If a customer thanks you at work, you say it to sound polite and easy. If an older stranger thanks you for giving up your seat on the bus, this reply shows good manners. It fits both speaking and writing, so you can also use it in an email after helping someone.

Words it travels with

People often add a few warm words after 'de nada' to make it sound friendlier. They say 'de nada, foi um prazer' to tell you it was a pleasure to help. Among friends you might hear 'de nada, pá', which adds a relaxed, chatty tone, a bit like adding 'mate' in English. 

More ways to say you're welcome

If you want a warmer, very Portuguese reply that foreigners rarely use, try this one.

• 🙌 Ora essa. (Don't mention it.)

If you want to say there is genuinely nothing to thank you for, use this.

• 🤷 Não tem de quê. (No need to thank me.)

If you are helping a customer or want to sound polite and at their service, reach for this.

• 🛎️ Disponha. (You're welcome / at your service.)

A detail most foreigners miss is that Portuguese people rarely pronounce all the sounds clearly. The 'e' in 'de' almost disappears in normal speech, so what you actually hear is closer to 'd'nada', run together in one quick breath.