Phrase guide

you shouldn't have

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity, especially when receiving a gift.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • What a lovely vase! You shouldn't have!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Abbreviated from full sentence with verb, such as "you shouldn't have gone through all that trouble" or "you shouldn't have spent so much money".

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 你太客氣了 /你太客气了 (nǐ tài kèqì le) — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Finnish: sinun ei olisi tarvinnut — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • French: il ne fallait pas — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Hungarian: igazán nem kellett volna — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Portuguese: não precisava — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Spanish: no era preciso — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Spanish: no era necesario — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity
  • Spanish: no tener por qué — used to express gratitude at unnecessary generosity