我没事
wǒ méi shì
In Chinese, the phrase "I am okay" is expressed as 我没事 (wǒ méi shì).
我没事 is used to reassure someone that you are not hurt or in trouble following an accident or a problem, such as after tripping or bumping into something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have no matter" or "I have no business," where 事 refers to a matter, affair or problem.
Which one should you use?
While 我没事 is a common way to say you are okay, you might also use 我还行。 to mean "I'm doing alright" or 我还好。 to mean "I'm still good."
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ méi shì
Did you know?
- The character 事 can actually be used in Chinese slang to imply that someone is 'looking for trouble', turning a word for 'matter' into a concept for conflict.
- When someone says 我没事 while clearly in pain, it is often seen as an act of 强撑 or 'forcing oneself to hold it together' to avoid worrying others.
- If you use the phrase 没事 instead of the full 我没事, it often shifts from a description of your state to a way of saying 'No problem' or 'Don't worry about it' to someone else.
Examples in context
- 你怎么样？
我很好，谢谢。Colleague: How are you? / You: I am okay, thank you. - 最近还好吗？
我还好，你呢？Friend: Are you doing well recently? / You: I'm okay, how about you? - 我没事，不用担心。Wǒ méishì, bùyòng dānxīn.I am okay, don't worry.
- 别担心，我没事。Bié dānxīn, wǒ méishì.Don't worry, I am okay.
- 刚才摔了一下，但我没事。Gāngcái shuāi le yīxià, dàn wǒ méishì.I tripped just now, but I am okay.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang accidentally trips while walking with Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting你没事吧？Nǐ méishì ba?Are you okay?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我没事，谢谢关心。Wǒ méishì, xièxiè guānxīn.I am okay, thanks for asking.
- 雨婷 Yuting真的没有受伤吗？Zhēnde méiyǒu shòushāng ma?Are you really not hurt?
- 志强 Zhiqiang真的没事，走吧。Zhēnde méishì, zǒu ba.I'm really okay, let's go.
