Please DON’T Say “You’re Welcome”! - Better Responses To THANK YOU | Learn English
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- Sure, you can say ‘you’re welcome’, but why not expand your vocabulary and learn more phrases and responses to ‘thank you’? Learn different responses from casual to ultra-polite. Learning how to respond to ‘thank you’ will increase your conversational fluency and help you sound more like a native English speaker. I’ll show you everything you need to master these alternatives to ‘you’re welcome!
00:00 Thank you!
00:57 You’re welcome!
01:32 You’re quite welcome!
01:57 You’re very welcome!
02:16 You’re so welcome!
02:38 You’re most welcome!
03:23 No problem!
03:58 My pleasure!
04:17 Thank YOU!
05:15 Sure thing!
05:36 Of course!
06:06 No worries!
06:40 Don’t mention it!
07:11 Anytime!
07:30 I’m happy to!
07:48 It was nothing!
08:01 No sweat!
08:45 What do to next
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Improve your American Accent / spoken English at Rachel's English with video-based lessons and exercises. Rachel uses real life English conversation as the basis for teaching how to speak English and how to sound American -- improve listening comprehension skills. Study English vocabulary and English phrases such as phrasal verbs, as well as common expressions in English. Learn American idioms and American slang.
#YoureWelcome #THANKYOU #LearnEnglish
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In Pakistan we are taught British English... So we have had a very little chance with American English Exposure which has remained my interest... So I saw a lot of your Videos and also downloaded them... May Allah bless you...
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Gosh.. it’s been 10 years since I started following Rachel’s English. It’s amazing to see how she has grown into this CZcams field . Thank you for your videos, Rachel. I am very fan of yours
Me too 😂
As an English speaker people say "you're welcome" all the time it's very polite and perfectly okay to say
👏 👏 👏
Although it usually is not sencire...
I say you're welcome every time I never say yer welcome. I'm disgusted by the butchering of pronunciation. I'm a Texan and here "wh" doesn't exist. People say " don't cross the wite lines on the road, in fact don't cross them weather they are wite or yellow" 🤮.. I have given up correcting them because when I say white/ wite and whether/ weather they literally can not hear the difference!!!! Disgusting!!!
Watching this video you also reminded me of "wat" in place of what 🤮
It becomes automatic and meaningless. Like have a nice day.
“You’re welcome” is short for “You’re welcome to my time and attention because you’re worth it.” That’s kindness.
Thank you for this. I always wondered what it meant and I don’t know if this English professor even knew. It wasn’t mentioned in the video. I think that’s why there are alternatives to “you’re welcome.” Because a lot of people don’t know what it means.
👍🏾 Yep!
Wow cool didn’t know that, thanks!
Exactly. It's kind. It works in both formal and informal situations. It shows respect to the person thanking you. It's utter nonsense to find the phrase used by virtually everyone for over a century to be "problematic" because a few callow youth don't bother to learn the origins of common phrases in their own language. FYI, "goodbye" is a shortened version of "God be with you (ye in old English.) No atheist should find it offense as we've moved on from the religious connotations long ago.
👏 👏 👏
Please know “you’re welcome” is perfectly acceptable and shows kindness to others. Don’t be so concerned about snobbery and forget kindness is most important.
The first fifteen seconds of the video says exactly this
She literally said that
Except the title of the video is ‘Please DON’T Say “You’re Welcome”!’
@@marcinmerrimack1726 Under what conditions? “… if you want to improve the variety of your spoken English”? “… if you want to sound natural and like you didn’t just learn the language by rote”? Entirely reasonable.
“You’re welcome” is often taught as the only answer when that’s not the case, and you can communicate nuance and internet by using an alternative or variation.
My point is that the video title is just junk clickbait. Though there are alternative responses, “You’re welcome” is never incorrect.
"You are welcome." is positive reinforcement. It makes the thanker feel better and want to thank you again or compliment you. Other responses acknowledge the thanks but block further responses. "Don't mention it." "OK, I won't mention it." "It's nothing." "Well it's something to me. " We are losing gratefulness in our society. Let's bring it back. Thank you.
Great!
I think it would be interesting to poll native english speakers on this subject. I have seen a lot of people sharing the sentiment that you are here, while I’ve also seen people saying the opposite. A lot of people see “no problem” as preferable because it’s letting the other person know that they were not a burden on them. Personally, I think both are okay! It’s just very interesting to see people have such opposite views.
@@alexakelley2353 I use "my pleasure" all the time and I think it's more generous than "you're welcome." My mom HATES "no problem" (I think that's generational maybe) and I feel the same about "no worries." I wasn't worried. There are also regional considerations, as where I'm from (NY/NJ area) some of the more formal responses could be perceived as sarcastic.
The one I can’t stand “Of course!”…comes off a bit snobbish.
@@trackgrad08 Ikr
"Thank you"
"You owe me, BIG TIME!"
Hahaha 😂 I'm going to normalise this.
Such a good response. I owe you one
😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂 Good one!
Ah, the George Costanza
1. You’re quite welcome
2. You’re very welcome
3. You’re so welcome
4. You’re most welcome
5. No problem
6. My pleasure
7. Sure/sure thing
8. Of course
9. No worries /don’t worry about it
9. Don’t mention it 10.
Anything/Anytime
11. I am happy to help
12. No sweat
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
"I m happy to oblige." Is that still used or is it too formal?
@@rachelsenglish 9. no worries, is the number 1 answer here in Australia 🇦🇺
And what about " not at all"? Does it exist?
@@rj-jl5nv That's not used much, but in a business call, it makes much more sense.
The little girl saying “thank you” when the guy decorated her skateboard and his response of, “anytime.” Was the cutest thing ever. 😊 I will have to try some of these.
I used to work for The Ritz-Carlton and we were not allowed to say "No Problem" because that phrase implies that they may have been inconveniencing you but it wasn't a problem.
I agree. I work in customer service, I was trained never to say 'No problem'.
It's considered negative.
Thats exactly what it means. I dont like when people, especially in businesses/stores, use that phrase
I'm in total agreement. 'No problem' is not in my vocabulary. It's particularly common with younger people ... maybe this is an example of a change in language that occurs whether we like it or not. No problem.
@@Rupe51 younger people are also a very disconnected often self centered demographic. Theyd rather let you know you didnt bother them too much, than actually feel nice doing something for another
"Thank you!"
Me: "It was by the honour of my ancestors that I take your words and forever hold them in reverence. Honour be with you."
You're welcome Sergio and thanks for watching!
I love this response! Actually invests in a conversation! In Eastern Asia this might be a response to thanks!
@@rebeccaainslie4637 I actually talk like this, for most native English speakers they either are flabbergasted and don't know how to respond or laugh.
@@sergioruiz733 that's fun of you!
@@sergioruiz733 I do like that sort of talk but fear that if it became widespread it would have unintended consequences: castles, moats, jousting, getting injured in the joust, siege warfare, sword fights to the death, impassable territory because you belong to the wrong clan, etc.
In Minnesota, we reply to a "Thank you" with " "You bet" most of the time.
I say 'sure thing!' But wanna migrate to ' my pleasure!'
Not “you betcha”?
@@artby1285 😂
Yes! You bet is awesome! It makes me feel reenergized and content to say thank you to someone.
A girl I worked with years ago always replied to a “Thank you” with “Don’t worry about it.” This got me every time, I used to think, I’m not worried, I’m thanking you. ☺️
Native English speaker here “Don’t worry about it” sounds irritating to me. Same with “no problem” - should not be used in any business. Also “no worries” seems a more appropriate response to “I’m sorry…” “No worries” meaning “it’s ok (you are forgiven)”. Off topic a bit but young people seem to say “You’re good” way too much!
@@Minnie11chula or “way” much too often (sorry, way too often : ). Not to mention such jewels as “where I’m AT” instead of “where I am”.
@@Minnie11chula My boss is over 50 white American evangelical guy and “proper”. He uses “you’re good” all the time and “much obliged”. Ewwwwwwwwwww. I’ve never used “you’re good”. Seems weird. I agree with you on all points.
I’m guessing that “Don’t worry about it, “”no problem, “”no worries,” and
“ it was nothing” (amongst others) were translated from other languages such as Spanish. (De nada) So that is why they sound odd to us native English speakers. They might sound perfectly fine in Spanish.
Also if we were to say “ you’re welcome” in Spanish- “ Usted eres Beinvenidos.” They would look at us like we were from another planet. So it’s ok that we are annoyed with all these “no”s too. So many negatives just doesn’t sound right in English. I know we are a melting pot, but at some point, enough is enough.
All of these responses are perfectly fine in any situation. This is just making English much more complicated than it already is. Every person is quite happy to hear you're welcome and nobody has ever walked away from a conversation thinking the other person didn't say you're welcome in an inappropriate way.
I’ve actually read an article about how angry some people get when you DON’T say “you’re welcome”. They find responses like, “of course” or “no problem” disrespectful. The article later went on to say that it was typically a generational thing, and that the younger generation will respond with other sayings since they don’t consider the act they’re doing a service, or rather, it’s expected of them.
Thanks for sharing!
Probably this article or something like it. When interacting with younger people, I'd avoid "you're welcome" in informal situations as it can come off as passive aggressive (especially if you get the tone wrong).
allthingslinguistic.com/post/124189121619/no-problem-vs-youre-welcome
I'm content to get an acknowledging response, so any of these she mentions is fine with me...i think I've used most of them.
I feel like these work best stacked with some other response like "glad to help", I typically use "no problem" or "no worries" only if someone is apologetic in their request for assistance or their way of saying thank you, end then almost always stacked with some other response.
@@rachelsenglish ¿ok?, ¿saying thank you to a machine ? ¿¿I have to think about that???
Nothing is ever wrong with saying "you're welcome" in response to "thank you".
Except those times, situations and regions where it sounds smug and self-satisfied.
Phatic expressions rely on mutual understanding, and absolute rules like this are rarely entirely accurate.
@@oldvlognewtricks That is how it often makes me feel. It feels like the person is saying that I’m ‘welcome’ to say thank you to them rather than for how they helped me.
@@tracik1277 The general rule is that the person is referring to their efforts, not your thanks.
“You’re welcome to my assistance” or similar.
The phrase itself is fairly meaningless, though: it’s about following convention to acknowledge the other person. Like “Bless you” or “Gesundheit” when someone sneezes, exactly what you say is less important than the appropriate ritual.
@@oldvlognewtricks I’m English, but brought up in the 1970’s (in England). Things were less Americanised then, and simpler generally. Politeness was insisted upon. People saying ‘you’re welcome’ is a recent phenomenon in my experience. I was agreeing with your point about how it can often sound smug and self-satisfied, because that’s how it comes across when I encounter it, especially in shops etc. In shops these days, the assistants are underpaid and over-worked and many tend to sarcastically vent their frustrations on customers, I can’t say I blame them in a way, but back in my day, you had to be impeccably respectful to customers or else you would get the sack.
I work in retail and there is only one customer that answers "you're welcome" and it's kind of weird. It's ok to say and I like the dude, he is a nice guy but he is literally the only guy that does it and it stands out lol . But it could be because sometimes it's "thanks have a good day" which usually would illicit some kind of "you too" but he just says "you're welcome" 😆
Its HOW you say it versus what your saying, that is genuine
"Happy to help" is my go-to. So much so that it has spread through my workplace as the common response and some of them have told me it is now their standard reply as well.
RE: "no worries" and "no problem". I was taught not to respond with these two phrases when speaking with customers. I was told that the last word they hear is "problem" and "worry" and we didn't want them to think there was a problem or that they should have any worries. I would respond with: "It's all good!" "Of course, happy to help" I like this topic!
Thanks for sharing Catherine!
Maybe 25 years ago there was a cartoon in The New Yorker depicting a dinner table with well dressed people, and the question asked by a woman wearing a skirt suit and addressing a young man: “Why when I ask can you please pass the salt, do you say ‘no problem?’” There at the start of its use, there was a question of correlation really, because why would passing the salt be a problem? And yet, I’m saying it now, too, because I hear it so much.
I recently hear a lot in US stores and at customer service support arrogant “of course” instead of “you are welcome” or “my pleasure”, mostly from Young people. It feels abusive and unprofessional. Customer service at high end companies however not allowed this and consider it unprofessional. So it would be nice to clarify where this answer inappropriate so all the yang audience who listen this video not going down instead of grow their vocabulary.
I agree with Catherine F. Comment!
It's a generational thing. Younger generations (millennials and gen-z) say no problem or no worries because we were doing a service that was no problem or worry to us.
@@Wildcat777Panther I maybe can get where you could consider "of course " as arrogant but abusive is a pretty far stretch. Saying "of course " is basically another way of saying my pleasure or I'm happy to do it. It really depends on the context of the situation. If I say of course it's usually after someone thanks me for favor and when I respond "of course " it's a heartfelt way of saying there's no need to thank me that I'll always be there. It only really bothers me when I thank someone and they reply with "umhumm" or "sure".
I really hate these “clickbaits” like “don’t say this”. It makes you think you don’t know anything about the language and then the person says “oh, it’s okay to say that but you can say theses other words”. All channels are doing this to get views, but I think honesty is better. Just say that there are different ways to respond to thank you.
I totally agree.
But it works. 😊
@Matt Stewart She says not to say a "t" at the end of "most" and "can't"? We Americans do pronounce the "t" in "most" (however, it's voiced before a following word beginning in a vowel), but "can't" does have a "nasalized a" in place of the "t".
True dat 😂 Clickbait inflation
@@LauraMorland N is by definition nasal, but we add a glottal stop. But with the “t”, I think she’s right. Because S and T are both articulated in the same place, we tend to assimilate the t. We don’t just drop it; we actually turn it into an S and hold that S a little longer. We also do it in a situation like “mosT simply > mos-simply.”
I was talking to someone before and said “thank you” and every time she said “it’s ok” like i offended her or like she was sad. even tho she explained it’s just something she says, i honestly have no problem with “you’re welcome” it’s simple, traditional, straight to the point, and theres really nothing to be read in between the lines as opposed to some other proposed options
I agree with you on this. I knew a person who would say " no problem" if I said thank you...and I was always perplexed by it.... kind of made me feel like saying " I wasn't aware there could potentially be a problem" ....
Tried and true...you're welcome...works for me. 😊
💯
I learned one back in the '60's and it has served me well: "Thanks!(thank you!) "No Charge!"
I'll say you're welcome whenever I want.
Me too!!
😂😂
😂😂
Thanks
🤣🤣
A long time ago I learned with a telephone operator:
- Thank you very very much.
- You are very welcome, indeed.
I loved it and use it sometimes even today. Thanks for sharing.
I too try to give a bit more in my response than the person thanking me gave. This is a good example of that.
Politeness. Truly treasured. I’ve found a lot of young people, your 20 to teens, don’t usually respond to Thank you” which in any language is rude not to respond.
If I’m thanking a person for a service rendered or council given; it us greatly diminished when the Thank You is ignored.
Ironically these same young people are more than energetic to collect a monetary tip in a restaurant before I’ve even departed the table.
A note about “Don’t mention it”. Avoid it. If someone is Thanking You for something it might be of high importance to them.
By saying Don’t mention it” implies that it wasn’t of importance to you.
Business rule 101: a simple, firm, audible making eye contact ‘ You’re welcome’ goes a long way.
Thanks for sharing Jeff!
I also worked at a restaurant. The "No problem" response is similar to the "No worries" response. Some "fancy" people consider it rude because you are implying that their request was problematic, they were being difficult, or they were causing a problem or inconveniencing you in some way... fortunately most "fancy" people don't bother thanking the help anyway. 😉
See, I always saw 'no problem' to mean the request wasn't at all a problem where as 'you're welcome' implies that the person did go out of their way. If I ever say 'no problem' it is as part of 'no problem at all.' My brother-in-law only says 'no problem' and I know it catches some older people off guard.
My often response to “Thank you” is “absolutely”
That's my go to also.😁
my response as well
This should of been added to the list
i say that also
I’m not a native English speaker. The first time I heard “ of course” after I said “thank you“ to someone, I thought he meant “of course you have to thank me”. I soon learned it’s just another way to say “you are welcome”, but after living in US for 18 years, I still can’t get used to it.
Hi everyone,
If you want to improve your english by reading books and for more , I invite you to my channel :).
i am native, proper native (England) and if I heard someone say 'of course' i would probably respond with 'ugh'
In the past I've been guilty of responding to a "thank you" with "of course," but it wasn't at all meant as "of course you have to thank me." It was more like, "Of course I'd do that for you - I didn't mind it at all! Glad I could help :)"
English is my first language and I also find "of course" sounds a bit rude.
@@roninboxers Of course , you are right
As a mexican is so good to remember a lot of this examples so comunication in english continues as casual and fluid as in spanish despite the lack of daily english interactions. I loved to practice and repeat the pronunciations! 😊
I love being “most formal and less common”. Thank you!
Brilliant! I love that for you.
@@rachelsenglish I am a nurse and I work with the elderly. I love connecting with my patients, which in nursing means “meeting them where they are”. I very much appreciate history in terms of language and communication. Especially when I’m trying to connect with a patient who has a cognitive disorder such as dementia. When I use an expression from the past I usually see a connection and it really makes me feel good. The power of words and language!
Drive-Thru Worker: "Enjoy your meal"
Me: "Thanks, you too" *Panics and drives off*
I Will teach you speak Indonesia lol😂
Indonesia : mantap!
English : cool!
I hope you Like it lol🥴😂
I HATE when I do this 🤣
ha. my grandma wished me happy birthday,and i said " happy birthday to you too." in my defence i was around 10.
Lol
I'm not the only one who said that 😅
I worked for a company that trained us to avoid responding with “No problem.” The service or action provided is supposed to be our problem that we fix. We perceived the phrase as down grading the quality of our service. The phrase may seem benign but I absolutely love the company’s approach. Thank you for your great content! It’s very educational and should be integrated into job trainings.
Same with "No. Thank YOU!" It subtly negates the original offering of thanks.
You're welcome and thanks for sharing Tingting!
I once moved with a company and the first thing I told the men coming in was: "Please be very careful with my antique furniture. their answer was "no problem ". of course they did massive damage to my furniture.
I agree. "No problem" or "no worries" suggests that problems or worries have been created by the party doing the thanking, that carries, to me, the subtle hint of superiority: It also hints of passive-aggressive behavior which is being masked, if barely, in the exchange.
@@JPSE57 I prefer a simple "No thanks". It eliminates any personalization.
You are welcome is a gracious and kind thing to say. It reiterates the thankyou, by accepting it basically saying "i appreciate you to say thanks, You are most welcome to the gesture that was given"
It used to be worded "you're well worth it" almost like saying no need to thank me but a more polite version so as not to offend the thanks given
I am always amazed that no matter what response I use there is always one person around to tell me how it is wrong. May you never be oppressed by anyone who focuses so much on how you say something that they ignore your intention behind the words.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I agree. Or the tone. To me, the tone and demeanor is more important than specific words.
This ❤
Fer sher is a reduction
Where's the respect?
@@timothyjones3410 The respect should be coming from inside your own self. Not projected onto others to get a supply of something that is your responsibility to your self.
When someone say, "Thank you!"
I'll say, "it is a nasty job but someone has to do it."
When someone says “thank you”, I automatically say “your welcome”! And will continue, because it’s polite.
You’re welcome
I’ve also used “my pleasure”
It should be You're (You Are) Welcome, not Your Welcome.
It’s actually senseless not polite… “You’re welcome to what?” Appreciate me for saying thank you? Grandiose isn’t it? When someone says “thank you” perhaps the polite way to respond would be to show appreciation to them instead-
@@itsnotthatserious9871 I've heard thousand of times in London, answering "you're welcome" when I've said thank you in a shop, a restaurant...even in my English classes all my English teachers used it! Why now is not correct anymore when British people use it??
Here is one that I have to respond to quite often. As a US Navy veteran, I am often thanked for my service with "Thank you for your service." My favorite response is "it was my honor." I say it that way (it is truly heartfelt) because I want to let the person who thanked me know that my reason for being willing to sacrifice was their and our country's welfare. I want to give them a powerful affirmation of my gratitude for them thanking me, and that they are important. Rachel, if you have suggestions that would make my response even strong, I'd love to hear from you.
Thank you @Carl Webinar -
I love it when Veterans reply with: " it was my honor," "it was my pleasure," "no problem."
Those are the best responses.
As a Veteran, can you tell us people how we can make you feel more appreciated?
I do say "thank you for your service," when I see Veterans, but to me, that doesn't even tap the surface of the ice. I think I just say it because that is what we learned from society that is most common and expected, but it does seem a little cheap to me.
I've heard a lot of Veterans not necessarily mind when people say "thank you for your service," but saying "thank you..." it does sound kind of "rehearsed," per se.
I love support and stand in solidarity with our Veterans.
Although Veterans don't need to know my life story, I would like to tell yous something more meaningful than "thank you for your service."
Maybe it's because I'm a daughter of the best Veteran there was, and I take pride in it, but....
I would really like you to know, Sir, and to all the Veterans that your sacrifice and your work is well appreciated and words can never truly express how much I really actually am thankful for your service.
Repent and God bless you and yours. ♥️ 🙏🏼 🇺🇸
That’s a beautiful response. & thank you for your service.
I've thanked many Vets for their service, and most say, "Thank you," but my favorite reply was, "Thank *YOU* for your support!"
My son is active army. When someone thanks him for his service his usual response is, “Thank you for your support.”
Oh, cut the ....
There is no honor in being a servant or slave of the government, that kills innocent civilians worldwide just because your owner says that it is good idea.
Murderer.
My grandfather actually gets offended when people say no problem, I think it is important to note that when people say no problem it is genuine and not intended disrespectfully.
I'm sure nobody cares, but I always say "you're entirely welcome." I used to always say, "thank YOU"
Either is really nice!
@@darlenefraser3022 thanx very much.
"You're welcome" is traditional and I will continue to use it.
Please do, Neil Johnson!
What's wrong with the world? What? Thank you... you're welcome duh... Rachel?
If it isn't a big favor, "you're welcome" can come off as smug to native speakers.
Can you pass me water?
Here.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
This might make you sound too full of yourself, as if you did a big favor and are proud of it.
@@chetanphoenix I completely agree with your underlying point. However, I'm wondering if it's possible that "you're welcome" may have a different connotation in different Englishes. So if you are a native speaker of English, unless it was a typo, yours is a different "brand" of English than mine. "Can you pass me water" is not grammatical to a native speaker of AE, anyway....
Aside from that, I agree that when sitting and dining around a table, it would be *totally unnatural* to respond "You're welcome" to somebody to whom you passed the (pitcher, or bottle of) water. Most of the time, after somebody has passed you some water (or salt or pepper), you wouldn't even need to say "thanks," -- a smile or a nod of the head would suffice
But if you *do* say thanks, I completely agree that that it would be *odd* for the other person to respond, "You're welcome." It sounds *way* too formal for something so minor as passing the salt!
@@LauraMorland "Can you" is definitely a wrong form but it's so used in the US that I even hesitate to use the correct "could you" in fear of sounding too pedantic. 😂 Language is all about connecting with people and in a lot of the cases, wrong grammar connects you to people better lol.
If you receive thanks for passing the water, a 'sure' is good enough.
An interesting thought is that "You're Welcome" was talked about in comparison to "no problem" when I was in college (about 2 - 3 years ago). A lot of people around my age and younger felt that "you're welcome" was a somewhat rude response since it indicated that the person who helped was due a "thank you" by the person who was helped because whatever was said or done was a hassle or a chore.
For Example, "'Thanks for holding the door.' 'You're welcome'".
It was argued that the response "You're welcome" inferred a confirmation that holding the door for the person was a hassle and that the minimum requirement for doing an action that the person didn't have to do was a, "Thank you".
Another aspect of the discussion was that "you're welcome" was mainly used by older generations. It was commonly brought up when people were discussing the idea of respect. Many people who didn't like "you're welcome" also felt that no one was due respect just because of their age. Respect was earned based on actions and words. Inevitably, the idea of audacity was also mixed in every now and then.
So, they preferred "no problem" since it inferred that it wasn't a hassle or chore to do or say something. This is probably linked to the response, "Don't worry about it," but because it's so long most who don't like "you're welcome" will instead use "no problem" since American english likes to shorten their speech as much as possible while still being understandable to those around them.
For regional context, I lived in the south in the US, so the idea of politeness and what constituted polite vs not was common in some groups.
I’m 23 and have lived in the US south my whole life. I agree 100%. The only time I ever use “you’re welcome” is when the other person keeps saying thank you. I will usually start with “no problem” and throw in an “anytime” or maybe a “don’t worry about it” or “sure thing”. If they keep insisting to say thank you to me, I’ll finally round it out with “you’re welcome” because I feel like it signals the friendliness is over.
"You're welcome" is acceptable and by far the most respectable answer.
I often say, "my pleasure" because usually, it is my pleasure to help someone else.
@ Rockne Oliver, I find that to be a lovely alternative. It is perfectly acceptable in a more formal setting, or expressed in writing.
I wish Rachel would provide more context as regards exactly when and where more colloquial substitutions are acceptable, and where they may not be. I agree with the poster who suggests this may land some non-native speakers in trouble.
@ Rockne Oliver - I love that response. It does not seem formal to me at all
is it if I stick to “Anytime” with strangers? I just moved to NYC and things here are quite different
It is such a pain to think of each time I responded with "you're welcome" after my crush thanked me, when what I really wanted to say is always "my pleasure".
@@CarMa-ito Oh god, no. Not in New York.
I also respond with "glad I could help" or "The pleasure is all mine".
Listening to all these “thank you“ situations is warming my heart to all the ways people help each other
As someone who’s worked in customer service for 10 years, when someone says “thank you!” I usually respond with “thank you! Have a great day!”
Lots of comments on here saying that they hate "no problem" or "no worries" as a response to "thank you". I've always used those expressions, but I never knew it bugged anyone - you learn something new every day!
I'd offer that "no problem" and "no worries" are good when interacting with someone who feels bad about having to ask for help. But if someone doesn't feel bad about asking for help, then they imply that the person _should_ feel bad for asking for help. I'd always stack them with something more positive like "glad to help" or the like.
@@j.f.fisher5318 yes indeed. I think it is passive aggressive. It casts blame without having to be held responsible for that blame. And worse yet, that blame can be false, yet there's no responsibility to account for that as well. It's toxic if you ask me.
My go-to has always been "My pleasure," because 1.) it makes me feel good to be of assistance to someone, and 2.) it's fun to see their reaction to hearing something other than the standard "You're welcome." Thanks for all the other options to switch things around!
Thanks for sharing Kate!!
Plus, that's what the say at Chick-fil-a!❤️
"You're welcome" is the traditional English response to "Thank you." It's perfectly polite and acceptable, and honestly it's what I, as a native English speaker, expect to hear. I get a little tired of places where "You're welcome" is not an acceptable response.
I say "sure" .
all the time.
def with a smile in my voice.. nothing passive aggressive, just genuine..
Some of the most beautiful words I've ever heard in English, or any language are: Please; Thank you; You're welcome; Excuse me; I'm sorry.
Very rare language indeed and even more rare when someone means it.
The Meanings.
The Meanings make it all beautiful.
The video up there is teaching really well how to impersonate average American speech, but it's making a slurry of the meanings ... making everything synonymous to everything else
and since so few mean those things when they are said, those words have become cheapened. So it is far better to choose a deliberate response that isn't part of the autopilot ettiquite and shows that one cared enough to express their feelings.
@@this_Joe_Smith I would agree to the extent that it would be better to dive into _why_ the people being used as examples are saying what they said, and why they felt that just using the knee-jerk "you're welcome" was an inadequate response.
@@j.f.fisher5318 yes, i very much agree. Excellent phrase: etiquette autopilot
I've been told it's best to avoid "no problem" "no worries" "it was nothing" "no sweat" and the like, as they suggest you were only kind because it was easy for you, rather than "my pleasure" "I'm happy to" and others that suggest you did the kindness because you actually wanted to.
@Sterling Archer I understand that. And I'm not saying it's necessary in all occasions, but the point of avoiding language like "no problem" is that, AS diminishing language you run risk of also invalidating the grateful party's emotional experience of feeling said gratitude. One can both, not make a big deal about what they did, but also allow the other person to have their experience. Play it by ear, but I'd argue "my pleasure" is the superior language to be in the habit of defaulting to, and one can even create casual versions of that, sometimes via mere delivery. Having once defaulted chronically to "no problem" myself and slowly swapping to "my pleasure" over 5 years as the new default, I can tell you it will serve anybody well.
@Sterling Archer "No problem" actually IS interpreted, at times, at least emotionally, in the manner I have suggested, as several years having employed either has proven to me.
That your social intuitions have led you to bicker with me on these pedantic points is both hilariously ironic and says quite a lot about said social intuitions.
This channel is fabulous! I am a native English speaker but I am hoping there are channels of this type for other languages. A life goal is to learn multiple languages.
If anyone has a recommendation for a teacher like this for any other language, I would love to check it out!
As a teacher I always respond with always a pleasure
Thanks for sharing! :)
I’m in the medical profession and when my patients thank me for my care of them I always say “It has been my pleasure” because in that situation replying “You’re welcome” feels like a humble brag.
@Christigoth In Europe, patients do not say ''thank you'' to doctors. Doctors do not work at a mall.
@@TheSnorkeler Do they say "thank you doctor" instead?
@@TheSnorkeler that's sad, our connection to others through mutual aid is among the most vital of higher human behaviors. Sounds like a culture that is trying to shut down human-to-human connections in an incredibly vital aspect of life.
"I gotchu" is the most casual and best way to get your sincere message across
I gotchu holmes
As a native speaker, my favorite response to thank you is "Oh absolutely!" It's like "Of Course" but feels more genuine and enthusiastic.
Great!
I tend to be a wee bit of a curmudgeon so when I first heard people start to replace 'you're welcome' with 'no problem', it bothered me although I had a hard time pinpointing why it did. After some thought, I came up with what sounded to me like a good reason. No problem sounded to me like you were saying that you weren't put out too much; you're welcome sounded to me like you were saying, "I was glad to do that for you".
Thank you for this video. Although we are native English speakers, I'm going to use this video with my child with high functioning autism who only has the one response to thank you. A variety of responses in a person's repertoire will help in social interactions. Thanks again!
Honestly, I really dislike these videos titled do not use! What’s wrong with you are welcome? I feel videos titled like this just make language learners more anxious about speaking and as such are actually harmful. How would you feel if you saw a video telling you not to use a phrase that for years you had thought was ok and used it? For so many learners, being anxious about speaking and making mistakes is the worst hurdle on their language journey. That’s why I always tell my students not to worry and use any expression that communicates what they wish to communicate, even if not perfect and even if not mistake free.
I really love Rachel and her channel. She is one of my favorite people on youtube. But from a teacher point of view, I feel like videos titled like this are kind of ‘selling your soul’ to youtube. This kind of title is so popular with the algorithm but not good for students themselves
I don't agree with you, I think the tittle makes you being curious and she explains that there's nothing wrong with it but there are many ways to say the same and sound more natural.
I totally agree SP, there is nothing wrong with just plain You’re Welcome, and presenting these “alternatives “ will just get people into trouble. Bad video, bad, bad
I totally agree with you
@@gloriaflores1538 Don't say "I Don't agree"
Just a marketing tease.
It might be helpful to explain the definition of “your” and that “you’re” is a contraction of the more formal “you are”. I’ve always preferred using “You are welcome” as it seems more sincere.
I do the same! I started speaking in correct sentences when my kids were little so it would be natural to them. I am doing well, not I am fine or I am good. We cannot go or do instead of can't go or do. Both of my children are readers as well, bolstering their understanding and use of English vocabulary.
Thank you…. Anytime 🌻💕😊
You're Welcome!
It’s the intent and tone that makes a difference. I like the variances with the smile in the voice.
I'm always bad at responding to someone thanking me so this would definitely help me. Thank you!
You're welcome Mike!
To be certain,I am grateful for this video.i have stopped people on autopilot who say "sure." by asking do they mean where the water comes up to the beach?
I'm also an anti filler word "um" person.
Thank you for all your efforts.
She makes it very clear that nothing is wrong with you're welcome. You're welcome is at the number one spot, she also shows the proper way to say it with added ways to say it. She's just showing ways to expand your vocabulary by showing different words other than you're welcome.
Thanks for sharing Raquel! :)
I think the clickbait title just throws everyone off.
What sounds like a simple expression carries a lot nuances. Great Rachel,it's worth diving into. This proved to be a real enriching experience for me since it's used in everyday conversation and this makes a lot of difference. It's simple yet powerful. Thanks for the wonderful opportunity to learn something so very important.
Alot of English words and phrases can carry several meanings. We're often big fans of sarcasm and irony. I could see how it would trip up a new speaker.
@@sainttrilby7171 A lot*
In England we say "You're welcome "
My dear there is nothing wrong with old school learning. I am sure you would be a better teacher to people who are just learning English. Most of us are content with our vocabulary. Thank you
Rude. If you don't like her content, don't watch it!
I was taught, "Always my pleasure." However it is rare that I am ever thanked.
I am an American native English speaker and say You’re Welcome most of the time. It seems the most nice and polite.
Great lesson. I did know it, but I did not realize there were so many different ways to answer to a "thank you".
Thanks for a fantastic explanation and good examples!
Hello... I don’t even know how I landed here, but I am certainly glad I did. I am a native speaker of Spanish, I have lived in the US for almost twenty years now, and even though I speak English well and fluently, there are aspects of the language I would like to improve. Languages are definitely a lifelong learning process, even in our native language. Your explanations here are spot on, easy to follow and to put into practice. You just gained a new fan and follower. Great work...!
That's great to hear Carlos! Thanks a lot for watching!
As an American working across geography and cultures, I have had to to unlearn these variations of "you're welcome" and start using the formal response because I don't want to come off flippant and rude. I'll also add that while the formal response is far less common in the USA, I sometimes use it in a very deliberate manner when I really want the receiver of the word to deeply understand how welcome they are.
Thanks for sharing John!
@@rachelsenglish It's important work that you are doing letting folks outside of the US know that Americans aren't being rude when they use different responses! I just adjust how I talk depending on context and only use the specific variations of "you're welcome" instead of no problem, of course, etc.
3:50 I'm on the managers side. "No problem" should be reserved for when people infer that there was a problem (E.g. "sorry for bothering you" or "thanks for your time, I know you're busy". The correct response to a thank you is something along the lines of "you're welcome".
I think it's worth noting that the divide between you're welcome/no problem or no worries tends to be generational as well, at least in the USA. Younger people tend to view "you're welcome" as kind of passive aggressive, like "yeah, you should be grateful," and tend to default to "no problem" or "no worries," instead, unless it is a more formal event or work environment. While older people tend to view "no problem" as rude and implying that they are causing problems, and usually default to "you're welcome."
Yes. I'm a millenial and I find I use "you're welcome" less than "no worries" or "no problem". It's funny to read some comments saying they find anything other than "you're welcome" is rude or that it's a form of microaggression.
I was raised with "you're welcome" and "no problem" feels dismissive and too casual when used in a business setting or with someone I don't know well. It feels like they're saying, "you don't bother me all THAT much with your request."
Born in 1963, I was raised with "you're welcome" and "no problem" feels dismissive and too casual when used in a business setting or with someone I don't know well. It feels like they're saying, "you don't bother me all THAT much with your request." Considering that it's invariably coming from someone my adult children, or grandchildren's age, it also seems a little disrespectful of my age. (Maybe because our society tends to view older adults as a burden, or problem?) I work in customer service and often use the more neutral, "my pleasure," which applies to both young and old without triggering and lets them know I was happy to help them.
Interesting. I was born in the 80s and also have that feeling that "You're Welcome" is a bit snobbish / implies that the other person SHOULD be grateful. But, I also feel that way about the response "Of course". Like of course you should be thankful. I don't know where I picked up these feelings. I like "my pleasure" and similar responses.
Well said
I sometimes use "you are most welcome" - no contractions, intoned in a ceremonial way, perhaps accompanied with a small bow, when a sort of playful response is called for. Similar to saying "I bid you farewell!" instead of "Bye!" :o)
As an English speaker, it’s ok to say „you’re welcome“. I think it depends on the situation, what kind of versions one uses.
Personally, I’d say „of course“ comes of a bit snobbish, it’s just my opinion, maybe other people think differently.
(I grew up multilingual, which is why I think differently about some things.
I forget sometimes that I can speak or understand multiple languages or I struggle to speak just in one language in one sentence, but it does not happen often.)😂
I say Yes often. That acknowledges the other person's appreciation of what you have said or done.
i use no problem/no worries because saying "you're welcome" feels like i think of myself highly, whereas saying no problem/no worries is my way of saying that they don't need to worry about it or think that they inconvenienced me... i'm from southern ontario in canada so i dunno if that could be why
I'm from Canada too but I live in Edmonton and I agree 100%. Those are my go-to phrases as well.
I'm not Canadian and feel the same way, I'm from Washington state. When she said "when in doubt say your welcome" I was thinking "no problem" would be better.
@@ThatOneLadyOverHere It's generational. The no problem generation grew up hearing "you're welcome" as sarcasm if they forgot to say you're welcome to the you're welcome generation that thinks anything else is uncivilized. When something gets used in sarcasm more than not, it gets ruined. You're welcome is starting to go the way of bless your heart.
Well what If I was to so say when I hear people say "no problem" means they think they are better than I, because it would have been a problem for me do..
In Australia, we use ‘no worries’ a lot for ‘you’re welcome’. 😊
Anna Slater Makes sense.
❤️
I was up in Darwin and i said thanks to some bloke and he replied " No drama`s". As a Brit I thought that was hilarious.
'No wuckin forries', ive heard that too
@Chaplay OMG relax... 🙄
A lot of commenters have stated that they deplore "no problem." I use it constantly at work because I help my co-workers approx. 90% of the time and external people 10% of the time. When co-workers say thank you, I say "no problem" to demonstrate two things. 1) It is my job and I am happy to help. 2) To emphasize that it truly is no problem for me to help them and to make them feel comfortable in asking for help whenever they need it.
Without listening yet I would say you are very welcome, it is my pleasure, thank you, no worry, no problem, not at all...ok will listen now. Thanks for a good video.
My pleasure Steve!
I'm from the old school. The most appropriate response is always "You're Welcome"!
Same here...
I'd say -- You're welcky! 😄
Which School is that?
Yes, agree! There is no need to change the classic.
sure, leave those we have connected with using as much thought as we give to saying "bless you" when someone sneezes. It is perfectly fine for living your life and experiencing your interactions with others on autopilot. Cheers!
In England "you're welcome" is the best response.
It is hear too! (states). This video is ridiculous lol
It's the best response in the U.S. too.
I think it is the best respectable response to the fact that one is expressing gratuity. What is wrong with us that we would not see the weight of such a sincere gift of words?
It is by far the best response wherever English is spoken. There is no need to be clever or trendy. Just say, "you're welcome," and move on.
Oh, what do the English know about English........oh......wait........... ahahahaha
“You’re welcome” is always correct. It’s nice to teach other ways, of course. However, if you’re going to go by whatever Siri has to say (she learns by what you or the masses say) or someone in various video clips, you might as well add “ur” too. That’s what a lot of people use online. 🙄
Thanks for sharing Beezer!
@@rachelsenglish - You’re welcome 😉
I'm very happy to hear the contraction "you're" used with welcome. What really bothers me is hearing "no problem" (as if I could have perceived a problem to begin with).
There is nothing wrong with "You're welcome!" Period!
she can stick her views where the sun don't shine.
Gordon Wilkinson hahahah
You clearly didn't watch the video.
I love to be answered with "My Pleasure" when i eat at Chick-fil-e
She never said there was-
"my pleasure" is my favorite. I briefly worked at Chick-fil-A and it took me so long to get in the habit of saying this to guests. Of course, around the time I got into the groove of saying "my pleasure" every time, I quit. For some reason, strangers get a kick out of hearing you say "my pleasure" out in the world. They get this stunned yet pleased look on their face. Sometimes they even go "Chick-fil-A!!"!
Thanks for sharing Penny!
"For You Anything" is a good response as well
I agree about "no problem" in work situations. When I ask you for coffee and you say no problem, of course it's no problem, it's your job! if it's a personal favor for a friend, then "no problem" can be a much better response.
I use, “thank you kindly” & my pleasure” for the respect manner but more because I actually am very grateful for other’s kindness
I just thank people for thanking me, as a British person “you’re welcome” comes off to me as “yes I DID do something good for you, good for me 😊” depending on the context.
Yeah me too, or I say "no problem" without really thinking about it lol. Also, I don't know if it is the same for your area, but I noticed around my area in the US sometimes based on context "You're welcome" comes off as "you better be thankful" even if it isnt meant that way
I always interpreted it as "you are welcome (to it)", suggesting I was not put out at all by their request and would be happy with repeat requests, when often this is not the case.
@@EienOfDark that is the literal meaning, but people use it passive-aggressively so much (e.g., saying "you're welcome" when someone didn't thank you) that it doesn't sound sincere anymore.
That’s how I always felt about it too, which is why “no problem” makes more sense to me. However, some older generations get triggered by “no problem” for some reason, so at work, where I interact with the public a lot, I say “you’re welcome” even though it feels weird.
90s kid from Canada chiming in. I find "you're welcome" sounds a bit entitled 🤣 I prefer "no worries" and "no problem".
I thought I was done learning about the English language in elementry and high school. Clearly I was wrong, I'm learning new things I didn't know before hand. Thank you for posting this. It's my pleasure to watch your content and continue learning.
Your check is in the mail.
As a multilingual person. And English is my third language, I appreciate your videos so much and in particular. I have an accent heavy accent which I watch carefully, I assure you that you help me do much. THANK YOU beautiful (in person and in presentation and in subject) God bless you
@Sam Thanks for sharing!
I love your videos! I would like to add one caveat to “No problem”. Those of us in the older category don’t like to hear “no problem” when we thank someone for doing their job. An example is waitstaff. When we say thank you to them for bringing our water to the table, “No problem” doesn’t feel like an appropriate response. As soon as they leave, my husband says, You’re damn right it’s not a problem. It’s your job!”
What's wrong with it?
Agreed!
I didn't think of it that way, interesting! The was I see it as the younger generation is actually emphasizing the fact that it's my job and definitely not a problem. I think that's what most people I know use it as, and I think the waitstaff too
@@katiebug_asmr That’s why it’s important for the different generations to communicate. When we’re aware of how others think (different nationalities or generations) we can be more understanding.
@@pamgoodwin6569 I agree!
As a native speaker from the western US i always use “of course” and “no problem” , “you’re welcome” can come off as rude if you say it in the wrong tone which is easy to do by accident
You must be any generation younger than a Boomer yeah?
@@JaxLittles yeah, born in 98
@@devin5297 Yeah. 85 here. Our generations say "no problem" as we are expected to be helpful and nice because it's logical and right. Entitled and old folks use "you're welcome." Lol
90s kid checking in and I prefer to use "no worries" and "no problem". I'm from Canada and these 2 phrases are common here.
@@JaxLittles "no worries" is very common in Australia, where I lived for 35 years. "No wukkuz" is a variant of that. Here in New Zealand the majority of the population adopts more strongly from their English heritage, and therefore says "you're welcome".
"You bet" is acceptable, too, in a very informal situation.
The title is a little click-baity, but in a clever way, I think. All my life I never really thought about the fact that I've been saying "yer" welcome instead of "you-er" welcome. Spoken English really is a different beast than the written version, and that's something non-native speakers should know.
Thanks for sharing your view, appreciate that Polar!
Thanks, Rachel's English.
This video helped me so much.
Here in West Texas we have another sort of old fashioned response,it is to say "You Bet!" And it is accompanied by a look to the person's face and with a friendly warm ,sincere smile! P.S.: The real correct way is is to accent it like we do- "You Bay-yet"!!!!lol!
How about "my pleasure"? Honestly, out of ALL responses to "thank you", "my pleasure" is BY FAR the most GENUINE. There is absolutely NO WAY to try to gather something even remotely NEGATIVE to "my pleasure". It is as SELFLESS of a response as you can possibly get. ..AND...simply using "my pleasure" catches the receiver completely off guard. They usually respond with...a smile. I use "my pleasure" both professionally and in my personal life.