phrase
you're welcome
yor WEL-kuhm
You're welcome (phrase) means the standard polite reply to thank you, indicating that the help given was freely offered and no thanks were necessary. Example: “Thanks for the lift." "You're welcome.”
phrase
1
The standard polite reply to thank you, indicating that the help given was freely offered and no thanks were necessary.
""Thanks for the lift." "You're welcome.""
"You're welcome — it was no trouble at all."
2
informal Said sarcastically after doing someone a favour they have not acknowledged, or one they did not ask for.
"I've cancelled your 7 a.m. meeting. You're welcome."
"Held the door for a solid ten seconds. You're welcome."
How to use you're welcome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat you say back when someone thanks you.
When to use it
Neutral and standard in American English; in British English "not at all", "no worries" or "that's all right" are at least as common, and "you're welcome" can sound slightly formal or American.
Memory tip
It is always "you're", short for "you are". "Your welcome" is one of the most common spelling errors in English.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
you're welcome vs your welcome
you're welcome vs no problem
Common pairings
oh, you're welcome
you're very welcome
you're most welcome
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"Thanks for the lift." "_____."
Etymology
From 1907 (as reply to thank you).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for you're welcome
See all rhymes for you're welcome →Frequently asked questions
Is it "you're welcome" or "your welcome"?
"You're welcome" is correct, because it is a contraction of "you are welcome". "Your" is a possessive, so "your welcome" would mean a welcome belonging to you, which makes no sense as a reply to thanks.
What is the difference between "you're welcome" and "no problem"?
They serve the same function. "You're welcome" accepts the thanks graciously and is the more traditional, slightly more formal choice. "No problem" plays down the effort involved and is more casual; some older speakers dislike it, while younger speakers often find "you're welcome" faintly stiff.
What can I say instead of "you're welcome"?
Common alternatives are "my pleasure", "not at all", "don't mention it", "anytime" and "happy to help". "My pleasure" and "happy to help" work well in customer service and professional email.
What is the meaning of you're welcome?
"you're welcome" (phrase) means the standard polite reply to thank you, indicating that the help given was freely offered and no thanks were necessary.
