我没事
wǒ méishì
The English phrase "I am okay" is translated into Chinese as 我没事 (wǒ méishì).
我没事 is the standard way to respond when someone asks if you are hurt or if something is wrong after a stumble, fall or mistake. It is used specifically to indicate that you are not hurt or in trouble following a potential accident or problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 我 (I) and 没事 (no matter/no business/no problem).
Which one should you use?
While 我很好 (wǒ hěn hǎo) means "I am doing well" in terms of general well-being, 我没事 is used specifically to mean "I am not hurt" or "nothing is wrong" following a mishap. Additionally, the informal phrase 没事儿 can translate to "no problem" or "nothing," and the informal phrase 还可以 can be used to say you are "still acceptable" or "still alright."
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 的 (de) to the end of the phrase to create 我没事的 makes the statement sound more reassuring or certain, which is often used when someone is checking on you after an accident.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ méishì
Did you know?
- In many Chinese social contexts, saying 我没事 can be a polite way to deflect concern or avoid burdening others, even when the speaker is actually struggling.
- The word 事 (shì) in the phrase 我没事 literally means 'matter', 'business', or 'accident'. Saying 我没事 is like saying 'I have no matters' to indicate nothing happened to you.
- Depending on the tone, 没事 can be used as a sharp retort to tell someone to stop fussing or to mind their own business.
Examples in context
- 我没事，别担心。Wǒ méishì, bié dānxīn.I am okay, don't worry.
- 只是摔了一跤，我没事。Zhǐshì shuāile yì jiāo, wǒ méishì.I just tripped, I am okay.
- 没关系，我没事。Méiguānxi, wǒ méishì.It's okay, I am okay.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang sees Jiayi trip on the sidewalk.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你没事吧？Nǐ méishì ba?Are you okay?
- 佳怡 Jiayi我没事，谢谢你。Wǒ méishì, xièxiè nǐ.I am okay, thank you.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你的腿没受伤吧？Nǐ de tuǐ méi shòushāng ba?Your leg isn't injured, is it?
- 佳怡 Jiayi真的没事，我可以走路。Zhēn de méishì, wǒ kěyǐ zǒulù.I'm really okay, I can walk.
