Meaning

"My pleasure" is a reply to "thank you". It means "I was happy to do it." Where "you're welcome" only accepts the thanks, "my pleasure" adds a little warmth: helping you wasn't a chore, it felt good. The full idea is "It was my pleasure to help you", cut down to two words.

It sits on the polite, slightly formal end of the scale. You'll hear it constantly in hotels, restaurants and customer service, where staff are trained to say it. It also works well at work, with a client, or with someone older you want to show respect to.

With close friends it can sound a little stiff, like you're working the front desk. There, "no problem", "anytime" or "sure" feel more natural. With a stranger who's thanked you for real help, "my pleasure" is a very good choice.

In a conversation

AikoOliver
  1. Aiko
  2. Oliver
  3. Aiko
  4. Oliver
  5. Aiko

Say it out loud

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

Check yourself

1A hotel clerk says "My pleasure" after you thank them. What do they mean?
2Where might "My pleasure" sound a bit too formal?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. Keep your voice warm and let it rise a little on "pleasure". A flat "my pleasure" sounds like you don't mean it.

Say it today

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