"no hay de qué"

Question

Can you tell me why that means "no problem"?

Answer 1

I believe "no hay de qué" is a contraction of a much longer phrase:

"No hay porqué dar las gracias" "There is no reason to give thanks"

The English "You're welcome" is a similarly contracted version of:

"You are welcome to the assistance I have given to you"

Over time contractions take on a "life" of their own and the original expression is forgotten.

Hope this answers your question Kyle

Brilliant answer, Padrin and Happy New Year to you! - annierats, Dec 29, 2012

Hola Annie, and to you also - padrin, Dec 29, 2012

Answer 2

In that same vein, I thought I heard ´por nada´ instead of ´de nada´ in a film last night. Is that possible, and is it used the same way?

The film was set in a tough area of Chicago, and I´m pretty sure I learned a lot of other words too. Many of them not repeatable here.

Por nada and de nada are both used - francobollo, Dec 28, 2012

Y, a veces, simplemente, "nada". :) - Tosh, Dec 29, 2012

Answer 3

No hay de qué.. You're welcome.. It's nothing... No worries

Answer 4

I like to translate "No hay de que" literally " It is not about that" Someone is grateful and the reponse is "No Hay de que" . In this context, it is like saying the Thanks are unnecesary. This is similiar to what "padrin" is saying.