Nothing in English says how? Usage, detailed guidance

1. What is nothing in English? 

Nothing: Không có gì

The phrase Nothing at all is used when wanting to thank someone for helping you.

Person A: Thanks for assisting with my flat tire. – Person B: Nothing, glad to assist.

The phrase Nothing at all is used when wanting to apologize for bothering someone.

Person A: Sorry to disturb you, do you have a moment? – Person B: Nothing at all, what do you need?

The phrase Nothing at all is used when wanting to respond Thank you for receiving a gift.

Person A: I got you a little gift to say thank you. – Person B: Nothing, it’s my way of expressing gratitude for all your help.

2. Some common ways to say nothing in English 

Certainly/ Nothing at all: Tất nhiên rồi, không có vấn đề gì

E.g.

• A: Could you help me with this task? (Bạn có thể giúp tôi với công việc này không?) – B: Of course! (Tất nhiên!)
• A: Thanks for your help. (Cảm ơn bạn đã giúp đỡ.) – B: Not at all, it was my pleasure. (Không có gì đâu, đó là niềm vinh hạnh của tôi.)
• A: Sorry for bothering you. (Xin lỗi vì làm phiền bạn.) – B: Not at all, it’s no bother. (Không có gì đâu, không phiền cả.)

No issue/ Nothing at all: Không có vấn đề gì đâu

E.g.

• A: I’m running a bit late. (Tôi đang trễ một chút.) – B: No problem, we can wait. (Không có vấn đề gì, chúng tôi có thể đợi.)
• A: I forgot my lunch today. (Tôi quên đồ ăn trưa hôm nay.) – B: No problem, you can share mine. (Không có gì, bạn có thể ăn chung với tôi.)
• A: I need to reschedule our meeting. (Tôi cần thay đổi lịch cuộc họp.) – B: No problem, just let me know when you’re available. (Không vấn đề gì, chỉ cần cho tôi biết khi bạn có thể.)

It’s insignificant/ Nothing noteworthy: Có gì đáng kể đâu

For example:

• A: Thank you for your assistance. (Cảm ơn bạn đã giúp đỡ.) – B: My pleasure, I’m here to help. (Niềm vinh hạnh của tôi, tôi ở đây để giúp đỡ.)
• A: You did a great job on this project. (Bạn đã làm việc tuyệt vời cho dự án này.) – B: My pleasure, I’m glad it turned out well. (Niềm vinh hạnh của tôi, tôi rất vui nó đã thành công.)
• A: I appreciate your time. (Tôi đánh giá thời gian của bạn.) – B: My pleasure, it was a productive discussion. (Niềm vinh hạnh của tôi, đó là cuộc thảo luận hiệu quả.)

No need to worry: Đừng lo lắng

For example:

• Person A: I’m sorry I’m late for our meeting. – Person B: No worries, traffic can be unpredictable.
• Person A: I hope I didn’t cause you any trouble. – Person B: No worries at all, it was no trouble.
• Person A: I accidentally spilled some coffee on your desk. – Person B: No worries, accidents happen.

It's my honor: Niềm vinh hạnh của tôi

For example:

• Person A: Thank you for your help. – Person B: My pleasure, I’m glad I could assist.
• Person A: You did a great job on this project. – Person B: My pleasure, I enjoyed working on it.
• Person A: I appreciate your kindness. – Person B: My pleasure, it’s my pleasure to be of help.

You’re welcome: Không có gì đâu

For example:

• Person A: Thank you for holding the door. – Person B: You’re welcome.
• Person A: I appreciate your advice. – Person B: You’re welcome, happy to help.
• Person A: Thanks for the quick response. – Person B: You’re welcome, anytime.

Don’t need to thank: Không cần cảm ơn đâu

For example:

• Person A: Thanks for the ride! – Person B: Don’t mention it, it was my pleasure.
• Person A: I owe you for fixing my computer. – Person B: Don’t mention it, we’re friends.
• Person A: I’m grateful for your support. – Person B: Don’t mention it, that’s what friends are for.

Oh! Anytime: Ồ, bất cứ lúc nào bạn cần

For example:

• Person A: Thanks for listening to me. – Person B: Oh! Anytime, I’m here for you.
• Person A: I appreciate your advice. – Person B: Oh! Anytime, feel free to ask anytime.
• Person A: Can I call you if I need help? – Person B: Oh! Anytime, I’m just a call away.

Happy to assist: Rất vui được hỗ trợ

For example:

• Person A: Thanks for the assistance. – Person B: Glad to help, it was my pleasure.
• Person A: I needed a hand with this. – Person B: Glad to help, I’m here for you.
• Person A: Your guidance was valuable. – Person B: Glad to help, anytime.

That’s perfectly fine: Mọi thứ đều rất ổn

For example:

• Person A: I hope I’m not bothering you. – Person B: That’s absolutely fine, you’re not bothering me at all.
• Person A: Is it okay if I sit here? – Person B: That’s absolutely fine, please go ahead.
• Person A: I’m running a bit late. – Person B: That’s absolutely fine, no worries.

It’s all good: Mọi thứ đều ổn

For example:

• Person A: I’m sorry I didn’t finish on time. – Person B: It’s all gravy, we can work on it together.
• Person A: I hope I didn’t create any trouble. – Person B: It’s all gravy, there’s no trouble at all.
• Person A: I appreciate your understanding. – Person B: It’s all gravy, we all have our moments.

Absolutely: Chắc chắn

For example:

• Person A: Can you help me with this task? – Person B: Certainly, I’ll assist you.
• Person A: Is it possible to meet tomorrow? – Person B: Certainly, let’s schedule it.
• Person A: May I ask a question? – Person B: Certainly, go ahead.

Of course: Tất nhiên

For instance:

• Person A: Could you pass me the salt, please? – Person B: Sure thing, here you go.
• Person A: Can you help me with my luggage? – Person B: Sure thing, I’ll give you a hand.
• Person A: Is it okay if I borrow your pen? – Person B: Sure thing, use it as long as you need.

No big deal: Không có vấn đề gì đâu

For instance:

• Person A: Thanks for waiting for me. – Person B: No sweat, I didn’t wait long.
• Person A: I appreciate your help with the move. – Person B: No sweat, it was a team effort.
• Person A: I hope it wasn’t too much trouble. – Person B: No sweat, it was no trouble at all.

Okay: Ổn đấy

For instance:

• Person A: Is it okay if we meet at 3? – Person B: Cool, 3 works for me.
• Person A: Thanks for your understanding. – Person B: Cool, I’m glad we’re on the same page.
• Person A: I hope you don’t mind me tagging along. – Person B: Cool, the more, the merrier.

3. Distinguishing Formal Language and Informal Language

In English communication specifically, depending on the audience or purpose, speakers choose between a formal style of expression (formal language style) or an informal, familiar style (informal language style).

Here are examples of both situations: