you're welcome; don't mention it
不客气
Literally "don't be like a stiff guest"—dropping formalities between friends.
客 means guest; 气 means polite distance. Saying 不客气 warmly says: "We are friends, drop the stiff manners and make yourself at home!"
Common Usage & Traps
- 不客气，多吃一点儿 — you're welcome, eat a bit more!
- 不用客气 — no need for formalities
-
你很客气（当回答谢谢时）不客气When someone says thank you, respond with 不客气, not by remarking on how polite they are.
Why does "You're welcome" literally say "Don't act like a guest" (不客气)?
Because guests behave with stiff politeness; family and friends treat each other without barriers.
In Chinese culture, acting overly polite with someone who cares for you creates unnecessary distance. When the shopkeeper says "不客气，多吃一点儿", he is saying: "Don't thank me like a formal stranger; eat hearty like you're at home!"
Appears in Stories 3 stories
Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.
Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.
-
老先生很高兴，对大中说：“ 不客气 ，多吃一点儿。”
Everyday greetings are a gateway to natural Chinese. Practice time-based hellos like “早上好” and “晚安,” learn to address teachers with the respectful “您,” and see how families skip formalities to speak warmly at home.
-
家人、朋友关系好，“谢谢”、“您”、“请”太客气，在家说话 不客气 ，可以不说“您和请”。
Before you start learning Chinese, master the most important phrases: greetings. This short dialogue shows you how to say hello and goodbye, and how to respond politely.
-
不客气 ！
Questions & Discussion 0 questions
No questions or discussions yet. Have a question about this character/word? Be the first to ask!