When someone thanks us, we almost always reflexively respond with “you’re welcome,” which implies we’re happy to help and it’s not an issue. And though the phrase changes among languages, the context for the reply is usually the same.
So, how do you say you are welcome in Telugu? The usual reply is Em Parvaaledu (ఏం పర్వాలేదు), though its literal meaning is not quite what you might expect. Here is what it really means, along with the other replies Telugu speakers reach for and the company each one suits.
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How Do You Say You Are Welcome In Telugu?
In Telugu the usual reply to thanks is Em Parvaaledu (ఏం పర్వాలేదు), which literally means “that’s okay” rather than “you are welcome”. The word that really does translate as “welcome” is Swagatam (స్వాగతం), but it is rarely used in conversation. Which reply fits depends on who you are talking to, so here are the options and the context behind each one.
Learning Telugu is more than memorizing words
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That’s Okay – Em Parvaaledu (ఏం పర్వాలేదు)
This is the most widely used response by any Telugu person. It means “That’s Okay”. It’s a simple, straightforward way of saying no need to thank me.
This response is often used when your boss, colleague, or a stranger thank you for something. It’s neither casual nor formal. To formalize this response, you can add the suffix andi at the end.
- That’s okay, andi – Em Parvaaledu, Andi (ఏం పర్వాలేదు, అండి)
That’s No Trouble – Kashtamemi Ledu (కష్టమేమి లేదు)
This is a more formal way of saying you are welcome in Telugu. Reserve it to respond to an elder or someone of a higher position when you want to say, “That’s no trouble,” and are happy to assist them again if needed. And like before, if you want to make it formal, add the suffix andi at the end.
- That’s no trouble, andi – Kashtamemi Ledu, Andi (కష్టమేమి లేదు, అండి)
I’m Glad – Chalaa Santosham (చాలా సంతోషం)
If you’re responding to an acquaintance or someone who’s a bit close but not so much that you can call them your friend, then you can use this phrase.
This is considered a polite response that implies you’re glad to help them and accept their thanks. It’s well suited to respond to elders or a group of people.
- I’m glad to help you – Meeku Saayam Cheyadam Chalaa Santosham (మీకు సాయం చేయడం చాలా సంతోషం.)
Thanks To You, Too – Meeku Kuda Thanks (మీకు కూడా థాంక్స్)
How many times have you responded to a thank you in Telugu with another thank you? Generally, when two people mutually benefit from each other, they thank each other and respond with this. So, if you happen to be in a situation where you help each other, you can say this as your response.
Welcome – Swagatam (స్వాగతం)
This is the actual, real translation of “welcome” in Telugu. It’s very rarely used, but contextually and literally, it’s the correct response.
You can try saying this if you aren’t concerned about looking like you learned it from Google or aren’t afraid to sound bookish. Sometimes, this is a sarcastic way of responding to thanks from friends, since some feel that “thanks” is not supposed to be part of the vocabulary. Here’s a bit more that explains the relationship of Indians with “thanks.”
Head Nod And A Smile
If you would rather have a phrase than a gesture, the same goes for raising a glass: cheers in Telugu works as a warm reply in the right company, and if a reply ever comes out wrong there are also gentle ways to apologize in Telugu.
Sometimes, an action speaks louder than words. You can acknowledge someone’s thanks by nodding and smiling at them, and that’s perfectly acceptable. As an introvert, I do it all the time. So, if you find yourself lacking words, you can just smile and nod at them.
A Bit Of Vocabulary For Thanking And Saying You’re Welcome
Here’s a table with a few phrases in Telugu to help you while thanking and welcoming others. As mentioned above, due to the sentiment of “no thanks between friends,” there are few phrases people would say when thanked. I’ve included them below.
| English | Telugu Script | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Thanks | ధన్యవాదాలు | Dhanyavadalu |
| You are welcome | స్వాగతం | Swaagatam |
| That’s okay | ఏం పర్వాలేదు | Em Parvaaledu |
| No need to thank me | మన మధ్య థాంక్స్ వద్దు | Mana Madhya Thanks Vaddhu |
| Why thanks among us? | మన మధ్య థాంక్స్ ఎందుకు? | Mana Madhya Thanks Enduku |
| Come on | ఊరుకో | Ooruko |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Telugu People Like It If I Use The Traditional Response For “You Are Welcome” In Telugu?
Well, most would think it’s great that you’re learning the language and know how to respond in Telugu, and will even praise you for showing an interest. So, I would say definitely use the traditional responses, Dhanyavadalu (ధన్యవాదాలు) and Swaagatam (స్వాగతం), while thanking and saying you’re welcome.
Can I Use The Phrase “Mana Madhya Thanks Enduku” With My Boss?
No, don’t do that. The “no thanks” sentiment should only be between close or best friends. So, don’t say this phrase unless you’re sure the other person shares the same opinion on your relationship.
Do I Have To Make The Namasthe Gesture While Saying Thanks Or You Are Welcome?
It’s advised to make that gesture while thanking others but not while saying you’re welcome. However, you can make the gesture if they are about to leave.
Say You Are Welcome In Telugu With Ling
That is the whole set, from Em Parvaaledu (ఏం పర్వాలేదు) for almost any occasion to Swagatam (స్వాగతం) when you want the literal word. Nicely done for reading to the end. Knowing which one fits the person in front of you is the part that takes practice, and that only comes from using them.
Ling is a good companion for that. Its flashcards pair each phrase with native speaker audio so you can hear the Telugu rhythm, its mini-games bring the words back as quizzes and listening rounds, Dialog lets you practice a whole exchange, and Review keeps hold of anything you keep forgetting. Ready for the next phrase? Start learning the Telugu language with Ling and see how quickly these replies start arriving on their own.
