De rien Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɛ ʁiɛ̃/

Noun/Phrase

A French phrase meaning “you’re welcome” or “it was nothing,” used to acknowledge someone’s gratitude for a small favor or service.

Sauvage said “de rien” as she handed the visitor their coat.
After the neighbors helped move the furniture, they thanked them with a warm “de rien.”

From Old French “de rien,” meaning “of nothing” or “from nothing.”

Use “de rien” in response to someone’s expression of gratitude for a small or seemingly insignificant favor.

In the TV show “Seinfeld,” the character George Costanza says “de rien” in response to a friend’s thank you.

Similar phrases include “you’re welcome” or “pleasure” in English.

Merci, thank you; oui, yes

Used in combination with phrases like “je m’appelle” (my name is) or “je suis désolé” (I’m sorry).

While “de rien” is not a commonly used phrase in everyday conversation, it is an important part of French culture and etiquette.

gerbera, diyen, diren, de rayne