不客气 (bú kèqi) — you're welcome
HSK 2 | phrase | standard response to thanks; also means 'don't be polite'
不客气 (bú kèqi)
不客气 is the standard polite response to 谢谢 (thank you). It literally means "don't be polite" or "no need for formality," making it feel warmer than a simple "you're welcome." Note the tone change: 不 is normally bù (4th tone) but becomes bú (2nd tone) before another 4th-tone syllable.
Meanings
- [phrase] You're welcome; don't mention it. Used as a reply to thanks.
- [phrase] Don't be so polite; make yourself at home. Used to invite someone to relax in social settings.
Example Sentences
谢谢你的帮助！— 不客气！ Xièxie nǐ de bāngzhù! — Bú kèqi! Thank you for your help! — You're welcome!
不客气，这是我应该做的。 Bú kèqi, zhè shì wǒ yīnggāi zuò de. Don't mention it, this is what I should do.
请坐，不客气！ Qǐng zuò, bú kèqi! Please sit down, make yourself at home!
A：非常感谢！B：不客气，随时可以找我。 A: Fēicháng gǎnxiè! B: Bú kèqi, suíshí kěyǐ zhǎo wǒ. A: Many thanks! B: You're welcome, feel free to find me anytime.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 谢谢 — 不客气 | Thank you — You're welcome |
| 别客气 (bié kèqi) | Don't be polite (imperative) |
| 客气话 (kèqi huà) | polite words; pleasantries |
| 太客气了 (tài kèqi le) | You're too polite! |
| 不用客气 (bùyòng kèqi) | No need to be formal |
Memory Hook
客气 means "polite/formal." 不客气 tells the other person to drop the formality — "No need to thank me, we're past that!" It is Chinese modesty in action.