The Japanese phrase どういたしまして (douitashimashite) is commonly used to mean “You’re welcome” in response to someone saying “thank you” (ありがとうございます, arigatou gozaimasu). Here’s how to break down the pronunciation:
Pronunciation Breakdown:
- どう (dou) — Pronounced like “doh” (with a long “o” sound, as in “go”). The “u” here is silent, making the sound similar to the “o” in “go.”
- いたし (itashi) — This is pronounced like “ee-tah-shee”:
- い (i) sounds like the “ee” in “see.”
- た (ta) is pronounced like the “ta” in “taco.”
- し (shi) sounds like “she” in “sheep.”
- まし (mashite) — This sounds like “mah-shee-teh”:
- ま (ma) sounds like “mah,” similar to the “ma” in “mama.”
- し (shi) again sounds like “she.”
- て (te) sounds like “teh,” as in “ten.”
Putting It All Together:
When said fluidly, どういたしまして sounds like: “doh-ee-tah-shee-mah-shee-teh” (with emphasis on the first syllable, “dou”).
Additional Notes:
- Tone: In Japanese, pronunciation tends to be fairly even in terms of stress, with no single syllable stressed more than others. This makes the word sound somewhat “even” and soft.
- Speed: When spoken quickly in normal conversation, the syllables can flow together a bit more, but the basic structure stays the same.
- Formality: The phrase どういたしまして is polite and commonly used in casual and formal situations alike. It’s part of the proper response to someone thanking you in a respectful manner.
Helpful Tip:
If you’re unsure about pronunciation, it’s helpful to listen to native speakers say it. You’ll notice how fluid and natural the phrase sounds in conversation. In fact, many learners pick up the sound more easily when they hear it in context rather than just breaking it down into its parts!