Meaning

"You bet" means "Yes, definitely." The picture comes from gambling: you're so sure the answer is yes that the other person could safely bet money on it. It turns a plain yes into a cheerful, confident one. Americans also use it to answer "thank you", where it means "You're welcome, happy to help."

It is casual and very American, friendly rather than rude. You'll hear it from neighbors, coworkers, and people in stores and diners. It's a little too relaxed for a formal email or a job interview. There, say "Yes, absolutely" or "Of course." The longer form "You bet I am" or "You bet I will" adds extra force.

In a conversation

TylerHana
  1. Tyler
  2. Hana
  3. Tyler
  4. Hana
  5. Tyler

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1Tyler asks if Hana still wants to go hiking. She says "You bet." What does she mean?
2A shop clerk in Seattle helps you, and you say "Thanks." They answer "You bet." What do they mean?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then say each line. "Bet" is short and bright, with a clear "t" at the end.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.