"You're Welcome" Isn't Always 不客气 in Chinese
Most learners memorize 不客气 as the go-to reply to 谢谢, but real Chinese speakers reach for several other everyday responses. Danielle, an international Chinese teacher, breaks them down.
More than one way to say "you're welcome"
Most Chinese courses teach 不客气 (bú kèqi) as the standard reply to 谢谢 (xièxie, thank you) and stop there. In this video, Danielle (@danielles.chinese) shows three more responses native speakers actually use: 不用谢 (bú yòng xiè), 没事 (méi shì), and 应该的 (yīng gāi de), each with a slightly different feel.
Why the alternatives matter
Sticking to a single textbook phrase is a fast way to sound like you learned Chinese from a book rather than from real conversation. Knowing a few natural alternatives, and roughly when each one fits, makes your responses sound far more like how people actually talk day to day.
Try the phrases yourself
Recognizing these responses is useful, but reaching for the right one instinctively takes real practice. You can start practicing your Chinese with an AI language partner on ImChatty right away, no account needed, or create a free profile to connect with real Mandarin speakers and tutors.
Danielle, if you're reading this: we'd love to have you as one of ImChatty's early tutors. Our door is open.
- Goes beyond the textbook answer to 谢谢
- Covers 不用谢, 没事, and 应该的 with clear meanings
- Focused on real, natural Chinese, not just textbook phrases
- From an international Chinese teacher
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Both. Peer exchange is free and available instantly for informal practice. ImChatty also has a pathway to verified language partners and tutors for more structured sessions if you want guided feedback.
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