no hay de qué
Lemma Details
Translation: you're welcome; don't mention it; it's nothing; no problem
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase is a fixed expression used as a response to thanks. It literally translates to 'there is nothing for which' (no = no, hay = there is, de = for/of, qué = what/which). The phrase implies that there is nothing to be thanked for, similar to the English expressions 'don't mention it' or 'it's nothing'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
—Gracias por ayudarme con la tarea. —No hay de qué.
—Thank you for helping me with the homework. —You're welcome.
—Te agradezco mucho por el regalo. —No hay de qué, lo hice con gusto.
—I really appreciate the gift. —Don't mention it, I did it with pleasure.
—Mil gracias por tu tiempo. —No hay de qué, cuando quieras.
—A thousand thanks for your time. —It's nothing, anytime.
Mnemonics
- Think of it as 'there is nothing to thank me for' - literally 'there is not of what'
- Remember it as 'No, hey, don't worry about it' - sounds a bit like 'no hay de qué'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This is one of several common responses to 'gracias' (thank you) in Spanish-speaking countries. While 'de nada' is perhaps the most widely known response, 'no hay de qué' is also very common in everyday conversation across most Spanish-speaking regions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both phrases mean 'you're welcome,' but 'no hay de qué' is slightly more formal and literally means 'there is nothing for which [to thank me]' while 'de nada' literally means 'of nothing' or 'it's nothing.'
Notes: Both phrases are interchangeable in most contexts, though 'de nada' is more commonly used and easier for beginners to remember.
Mnemonic: 'No hay de qué' is longer and more elaborate, like a more formal response.
Explanation: 'No hay de qué' is specifically a response to thanks, while 'no hay problema' (there is no problem) can be used more broadly to indicate that something is not an issue or inconvenience.
Confused word:
—¿Te molesta si abro la ventana? —No hay problema.
—Do you mind if I open the window? —No problem.
Notes: In some contexts, especially informal ones, 'no hay problema' can also be used as a response to thanks.
Mnemonic: 'No hay problema' contains 'problema' (problem), so it's about something not being a problem, while 'no hay de qué' is specifically about not needing thanks.