De nada
jee NAH-duh
How to say itPart of: Thanks
“You’re welcome; don’t mention it.”
Brazilians use de nada after someone says obrigado, obrigada, or valeu. Literally “of nothing,” it reassures the other person that the favor was no burden; it is safe, neutral, and common across Brazil in everyday speech.
Looking for all the ways to say thank you? Thank you in Portuguese: the guide
EverydayAll Brazilalso: denada, dinada, dndReply: No reply needed
How Brazilians use it
“— Obrigada pela ajuda! — De nada!”
“— Thanks for the help! — You’re welcome!”
After a small favor
“— Valeu por me esperar. — De nada, foi rapidinho.”
“— Thanks for waiting for me. — No problem, it was quick.”
Relaxed reply to a friend
“— Muito obrigado pelo café. — De nada, fica à vontade.”
“— Thanks a lot for the coffee. — You’re welcome, make yourself at home.”
At someone’s home
“— Obrigado pelas informações. — De nada.”
“— Thank you for the information. — You’re welcome.”
Neutral service or work setting
How to reply
- No reply neededAfter someone says de nada, people usually just smile, nod, or continue the conversation.
- Imagina / maginaA warmer, very natural Brazilian alternative after someone thanks you.
- Por nadaAnother accepted reply to thanks, close to de nada.
- DisponhaPoliter; useful with customers or when offering help.
Similar expressions
- Obrigado / obrigadathe thank-you that de nada answers
- Valeu / vlwinformal “thanks”; de nada can answer it
- Agradeçomore explicit “I appreciate it”
Brazil vs Portugal
De nada is also understood in Portugal as a reply to thanks. You may also hear alternatives such as não tem de quê or ora essa, while imagina is especially common in casual Brazilian Portuguese.
Common mistakes
- Write de nada as two words in standard Portuguese; denada and dinada are common but nonstandard.
- Do not change de nada for gender: men and women both say de nada.
- Do not use do nada when you mean “you’re welcome”; do nada means “out of nowhere” or “from nothing.”
Frequently asked questions
What does de nada mean in Portuguese?
De nada means “you’re welcome” or “don’t mention it.” It is the standard, neutral reply when someone thanks you with obrigado or obrigada.
Is it de nada or denada?
The standard spelling is de nada, two words. Denada and dinada are common mistakes or phonetic spellings, but they are not the normal written form.
Does de nada change for a man or woman?
No. Unlike obrigado/obrigada, de nada is fixed. A man, a woman, or a group can all say de nada.
Is imagina the same as de nada in Brazil?
Imagina can do the same job after a thank-you, but it often sounds warmer or more casual. De nada is the safe neutral choice; imagina is very natural in friendly conversation.