My pleasure
in SpanishCon gusto
/kohn GOO-stoh/
This is a warm, polite, and very common way to say "my pleasure" or "with pleasure." It's a friendly and sincere-sounding alternative to the standard "de nada" (you're welcome).
Responding with 'Con gusto' (My pleasure) shows that you were genuinely happy to help. It's a warm and friendly way to accept thanks.
💬Other Ways to Say It
El placer es mío
/ehl plah-SEHR ehs MEE-oh/
A very polite and slightly formal phrase that literally means "the pleasure is mine." It emphasizes that you genuinely enjoyed helping the other person.
De nada
/deh NAH-dah/
The most common and fundamental way to say "you're welcome." While its literal meaning is "it's nothing," it serves the same function as "my pleasure" in acknowledging thanks.
No hay de qué
/noh eye deh KEH/
Meaning "there's nothing to thank for," this is another extremely common and polite way to say "don't mention it" or "you're welcome."
A la orden
/ah lah OR-dehn/
Literally "at your order" or "at your service." In certain countries, this is the go-to response, especially in customer service contexts like shops, restaurants, and markets.
Para servirle
/PAH-rah sehr-VEER-leh/
This means "(I'm here) to serve you." It's a very polite, slightly old-fashioned, and service-oriented response. The `-le` ending refers to the formal "you" (usted).
Mucho gusto
/MOO-choh GOO-stoh/
While famous for meaning "nice to meet you," it can also be used as a standalone response to thanks, meaning "with great pleasure." It's a warmer, more enthusiastic version of "con gusto."
No es nada
/noh ehs NAH-dah/
A casual way of saying "it's nothing" or "it was no big deal." This phrase downplays the significance of the favor you did.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right way to say 'my pleasure' depends on formality, region, and what you want to express. Here’s a quick comparison of the most common options.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| De nada | Neutral | Any and every situation. It's the universal default. | Never necessary to avoid, but other options can sound warmer. |
| Con gusto | Neutral | Sounding warm, friendly, and sincere in everyday interactions. | It's rarely a bad choice, but "El placer es mío" is better for very high-formality settings. |
| El placer es mío | Formal | Business settings, showing respect, or when you want to be exceptionally polite. | Casual situations with close friends, where it might sound a bit stiff. |
| A la orden | Neutral (Service) | Customer service contexts or daily life in specific countries like Colombia. | Outside of the specific regions where it's common, as it may not be understood. |
| No es nada | Informal | Small favors between friends and family. | Formal or professional situations, as it can sound dismissive. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The 'g' in 'gusto' is hard (like 'go'), and the 'j' sound in some regions is not present in these phrases.
These are fixed expressions, so you don't need to worry about conjugating verbs or changing word endings. You just memorize the whole chunk.
The main challenge is cultural: knowing which phrase fits the context (formal, informal, service, regional) is key to sounding natural.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing the right formality level for the situation.
- Remembering the specific regional phrases like 'a la orden'.
💡Examples in Action
—Muchas gracias por llevarme al aeropuerto. —¡Con gusto! Que tengas un buen viaje.
—Thank you so much for taking me to the airport. —My pleasure! Have a good trip.
—Le agradezco su tiempo y su valioso consejo, señor. —El placer es mío.
—I thank you for your time and your valuable advice, sir. —The pleasure is all mine.
—Gracias por el dato, parce. —¡A la orden!
—Thanks for the info, dude. —You got it! / At your service!
—Oye, ¿me pasas la sal? Gracias. —De nada.
—Hey, can you pass me the salt? Thanks. —You're welcome.
🌍Cultural Context
Emphasizing Help vs. Downplaying It
In Spanish, you can choose how you frame your help. Phrases like "De nada" or "No es nada" (It's nothing) humbly downplay the effort. In contrast, "Con gusto" (With pleasure) or "El placer es mío" (The pleasure is mine) highlight that you genuinely enjoyed helping, which can feel warmer and more personal.
The Importance of Responding
In Spanish-speaking cultures, responding to "gracias" is an important social custom. Leaving a "thank you" unanswered can feel a bit abrupt or cold. Always having a reply like "de nada" or "con gusto" ready is a key part of sounding polite and fluent.
Service with a Smile: 'A la orden'
In countries like Colombia, "a la orden" is more than just "you're welcome"; it's a cultural staple of customer service. It communicates friendliness, attentiveness, and a constant readiness to help, reflecting a very welcoming and service-oriented culture.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation Error
Mistake: "Saying "Mi placer.""
Correction: Say "Con gusto" or "El placer es mío."
Using 'Mucho Gusto' Ambiguously
Mistake: "Using "Mucho gusto" right after meeting someone who then thanks you for something."
Correction: In that specific context, use "De nada" or "Con gusto" to avoid confusion.
Using a Casual Phrase Formally
Mistake: "Replying with "No es nada" to a company executive who thanks you for a major report."
Correction: Use "El placer es mío" or "Para servirle."
💡Pro Tips
When in Doubt, 'De Nada' is Your Friend
If you're ever unsure about which phrase to use, "De nada" is universally understood and is never wrong. It's the safest, most reliable option for any situation, from the market to the boardroom.
Level Up to 'Con Gusto'
Once you're comfortable with "De nada," start using "Con gusto." It's just as versatile but sounds a bit warmer and more engaged. It's a small change that makes you sound more friendly and natural.
Listen for Local Flavors
Pay attention to what native speakers say around you. If you're in Colombia and hear "a la orden" everywhere, start using it! Adapting to regional expressions is one of the fastest ways to connect with locals and sound more fluent.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spaniards tend to stick to the classics like 'De nada' and 'No hay de qué.' 'Con gusto' is understood but used less frequently than in Latin America. The 'c' in 'gracias' is pronounced with a 'th' sound (the 'ceceo').
Mexico
Mexico has a wide range of options. 'Por nada' is a very common casual response among friends. 'Para servirle' is frequently heard in shops and restaurants, reflecting a polite service culture.
Colombia
'A la orden' is the hallmark of Colombian Spanish, used constantly by vendors, waiters, and in everyday interactions. It means 'at your service' and is used to say hello, you're welcome, and goodbye. 'Con gusto' is also exceptionally common.
Argentina
Argentinians often use 'No, por favor' as a response to a very heartfelt thank you, which can be surprising to other Spanish speakers. 'De nada' remains the standard for everyday situations.
📱Texting & Social Media
de nada
Used in very casual texting (WhatsApp, SMS) between friends.
gracias por los apuntes! - dnd
thanks for the notes! - yw
por nada
Sometimes seen in casual chats, where 'x' is used as a shorthand for 'por'.
TQM! gcs x todo! - x nada bb
I love you so much! thx for everything! - don't mention it babe
💬What Comes Next?
After you say 'Con gusto' or 'El placer es mío'
Qué amable.
How kind of you.
Gracias.
Thank you.
After you help someone and say 'De nada'
De verdad, muchas gracias.
Really, thank you very much.
No te preocupes.
Don't worry about it.
🧠Memory Tricks
This links the Spanish word 'gusto' to the English concept of doing something with enthusiasm, making the meaning easy to remember.
The similarity in structure and words makes this formal phrase one of the easiest to remember through direct association with its English equivalent.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is the sheer variety of common responses in Spanish compared to English. While English speakers mostly rely on 'you're welcome', 'no problem', or 'my pleasure', Spanish offers a wider palette to express nuance—from humbly dismissing the favor ('de nada') to enthusiastically sharing in the pleasure of helping ('con gusto'). Regional variations are also much more pronounced in Spanish.
Spanish phrases like 'Con gusto' or 'El placer es mío' can feel more heartfelt and direct about the positive feeling of helping than the sometimes automatic-sounding 'you're welcome' in English. Conversely, 'De nada' ('it's nothing') is a more indirect, humble way of receiving thanks.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: A direct, word-for-word translation would be 'mi placer,' which is grammatically incorrect and never used in this context.
Use instead: To capture the feeling of 'my pleasure,' you should use phrases like 'Con gusto' or 'El placer es mío.'
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say thank you
This is the phrase that prompts the 'my pleasure' response. You need to know both sides of the conversation.
How to say please
It's another fundamental polite expression that you'll use constantly in requests.
How to say excuse me
Learning 'con permiso' and 'disculpe' is essential for navigating public spaces politely.
How to say I'm sorry
Knowing how to apologize with 'lo siento' or 'perdón' is just as important as knowing how to be polite.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: My pleasure
Question 1 of 3
You hold the door for a business executive in an office building in Madrid. She says, "Muchas gracias." What is the most appropriate response?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'Con gusto' and 'De nada'?
'De nada' is the standard, neutral 'you're welcome' that means 'it's nothing.' 'Con gusto' is a warmer alternative that means 'with pleasure,' implying you genuinely enjoyed helping. Both are correct, but 'Con gusto' often feels friendlier.
Is it okay to just say 'Gusto' instead of 'Con gusto'?
No, you should always use the full phrase 'Con gusto.' Saying just 'Gusto' by itself as a response to 'gracias' would sound incomplete and unnatural to a native speaker.
When is 'El placer es mío' the best choice?
Use 'El placer es mío' in more formal situations where you want to show a high level of respect. It's perfect for business settings, when speaking to an older person, or after receiving a very elaborate thank you.
Can I use 'No problema' like 'No problem' in English?
While many learners use 'no problema,' the more grammatically correct and natural-sounding phrase is 'No hay problema.' It's a perfectly fine casual response, similar to 'No es nada.'
Why do some people say 'De qué' as a response?
'De qué' is a very short, casual version of 'No hay de qué.' It's like saying 'don't mention it' and is common in informal speech in many regions, including Mexico and Spain. Avoid using it in formal contexts.
Is it rude to not say anything after someone says 'gracias'?
It can be considered a bit impolite or abrupt, especially in service situations. It's a small social courtesy that is almost always expected. A simple 'de nada' is always better than silence.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →