What does it mean word for word?
In its negative polite form, 構いません literally means 'I do not mind' or 'it is not a bother'.
Which one should you use?
While 構いません focuses specifically on the lack of objection or bother, the phrase 大丈夫です (daijoubu desu) is used more generally to say 'it's okay' or 'I'm fine'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
構いません is a formal way to say "it doesn't matter". Other nuances include the polite expression 問題ありません (mondai arimasen), which translates to "there is no problem" and the informal どうでもいい (dou demo ii) to convey indifference or "I don't care". Additionally, 気にしない (ki ni shinai) is an informal way to say "it doesn't matter" by implying you are not letting something bother you.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase to grant permission, such as saying "It doesn't matter if you do X", it is often preceded by the -te form of a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
kamaimasen
Did you know?
- The word 構い in 構いません shares a root with the verb meaning 'to build a house' or 'to set up a structure'.
- In high-level business Japanese, a speaker might avoid 構いません because it implies they have the authority to give permission, which can seem arrogant.
- Using the informal どうでもいい (dou demo ii) can sound surprisingly harsh or even rude in Japanese. While it literally means 'any way is fine', it often carries a tone of 'I could not care less' or deep indifference.
Examples in context
- どっちでも構いません。It doesn't matter.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to say it doesn't matter which one is chosen.Tatoeba #200691 by KK_kaku_, translation #37894 by CK
- 窓を開けても構いませんよ。It doesn't matter to me if you open the windows.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to give permission to open the windows.Tatoeba #10300228 by bunbuku, translation #10300229 by CK
- 返事はしなくても構いませんよ。It doesn't matter whether you answer or not.This sentence shows how to express that there is no obligation to reply.Tatoeba #83344 by small_snow, translation #320372 by Swift
- 「私の遅刻、気にしないでください」 (Watashi no chikoku, ki ni shinai de kudasai)Please don't mind my delay.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are deciding what time to meet.
- 蓮 Ren明日は10時で構いませんか？Ashita wa jū-ji de kamaimasen ka?Is 10 o'clock tomorrow okay with you?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、それで構いません。Hai, sore de kamaimasen.Yes, that doesn't matter/that is fine.
- 蓮 Ren駅の前で待ち合わせましょう。Eki no mae de machiawasemashō.Let's meet in front of the station.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。楽しみです。Wakarimashita. Tanoshimi desu.I understand. I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 構いません, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
