Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no importa | /no impoɾta/ (from spelling rules) |
| da igual | /da iɡwal/ (from spelling rules) |
| no pasa nada | /ˌno ˌpasa ˈnada/ |
no importa is the most direct way to say that a specific piece of information or a situation is not significant. da igual is used to express indifference or to say that a specific choice between options makes no difference. no pasa nada is used to reassure someone that a mistake or an accident is not a problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase da igual literally means "it gives equal".
Which one should you use?
While no importa focuses on the lack of importance of a fact, no pasa nada is used to convey "it's nothing", "no problem" or "don't worry about it". Additionally, da igual is often used to mean "it's all the same" or "it makes no difference".
How does it change in a sentence?
When no importa is followed by a clause starting with que, the verb in that clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/no impoɾta/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, no pasa nada can be used to downplay a serious problem or to avoid conflict, even when something actually is wrong.
- The word pasa in no pasa nada shares its root with the Latin word for a 'spread grape' or raisin.
- The phrase da igual is more common in Spain, whereas no importa is more frequently used across Latin America to express that something is insignificant.
Examples in context
- No importa si me mojo.It doesn't matter if I get wet.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use no importa with a conditional clause.Tatoeba #398554 by catakaoe, translation #10522596 by DJ_Saidez
- No importa cuando vengas.It doesn't matter when you come.This sentence shows how to use no importa with a time clause.Tatoeba #834457 by LugoIlmer, translation #65959 by CK
- No importa si venís o no.It doesn't matter whether you come or not.This sentence demonstrates using no importa to express indifference regarding a choice.Tatoeba #1630447 by hayastan, translation #17702 by Swift
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is apologizing to Elena for being late to their meeting.
- MateoLo siento, Elena, llegué tarde.I'm sorry, Elena, I arrived late.
- ElenaNo importa, Mateo, yo también acabo de llegar.It doesn't matter, Mateo, I also just arrived.
- Mateo¿Estás segura de que no te molestó?Are you sure it didn't bother you?
- ElenaDe verdad, no importa.Really, it doesn't matter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “it doesn't matter” translations and entries no importa, no pasa nada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries igual, nada, no, no pasa nada, pasa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
